News
Food for Living: Work on Your Vision
By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Destiny Friends,
The strength of any building lies in its foundation. It is better to have a strong foundation and weak façade than to have a beautiful façade and have a faulty foundation. The height anyone can attain in life is tantamount to the drive they have. To a greater extent, your success in life will be as a result of the effort you invest in your passion or ambition.
Vision is the roadmap to life. It is generally said that without a vision, the people perish.” Vision gives clarity. Isn’t it true that If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll likely end up somewhere else? We all need vision in life because you are more likely to succeed in life when you have a vision board.
It is instructive to note that dreams are the touchstones of our characters because it reflects to a reasonable extent, our core values. Your vision reflects your desired mental future; it can also be regarded as your “why” or even your internal purpose of existence.
To accomplish a vision, you must have a mission. It is important to differentiate between mission and vision as it relates to an individual and organization. Your personal vision guides you. It reflects your goals and influences your everyday decisions. As it relates to an organization, the mission defines the present state or the job of your organization which can be regarded as the now or the modus operandi for executing the vision of the organization.
Every organization has a mission and vision board. The mission board can be regarded as the pathway to success, while the vision is the ideal purpose why the organization is in existence. For a lack of better words, the vision can be regarded as the solution to the pain the world is experiencing. Let me elaborate a little. Imagine if you want to make a one-minute pitch using mission and vision, your mission is the road roadmap which is the model you will use to accomplish your purpose. In my company, Gloemi, our model is (P.L.A.N). Each of the letters represents the work we do and the vision we represent, while the vision is the problem you are trying to solve. In my company, the problem we solve is related to assisting High School and College students, budding entrepreneurs, and career professionals to discover their purpose. We are very big on self-discovery. We strongly believe no human being should go to the grave without unleashing their potentials.
As an individual, you are supposed to have a vision board and a vision statement. This mission and vision statement should be the guiding principle of your life. But it’s quite unfortunate many people just pass through the surface of the world without living it to the fullest. If may ask, what’s your vision in life?
Your vision can be found in your interest. Your interest can be seen in your passion and your passion can be seen in your heart and in your heart lies what makes you happy. Where you work can also determine your interest in life, but again, it is not a complete picture. This is because there are situations where some people work in industries, organizations, companies, or agencies they are not passionate about just as a starting point or just to pay the bills.
The interesting thing about working on your vision is that it keeps you alive. Regardless of where you are working, the situation or life experience may have humbled you. You may be working on a job you don’t like just to pay the bills while building your vision. In keeping your vision alive, it is imperative you associate with like minds, organizations that share similar interests with you.
Your vision must be laser-focused like the eyes of an eagle. It must be crystal clear for everyone to see. When people come across you, your company, your work, or even engage you in communication, they shouldn’t contemplate or imagine what you stand for in life, especially in this age of social media when the internet has made the world a global village. It is very easy for people to know what you are passionate about by merely looking at the contents you post or publish on social media.
Let me share some personal experience with you; as an immigrant in the U.S.A, after graduating from New York Law School, it was very difficult to find a career job because I studied a major I wasn’t passionate about due to the influence of my late dad, I had to work as a security guard while exploring other opportunities. While working as a security guard, I was inspired to write a book by one of my mentors who read one of my articles and saw a vision I didn’t imagine. I listened to her and at the end of the day, I published a trailblazer book Design Your Destiny which has been one of the best things that have happened to me.
Due to the impact the book made, I was inspired to form a company after been profiled by News12 Interviews Henry Ukazu and New York Times Interviews Henry Ukazu. The moral of this story is that it is my vision that kept me alive. I didn’t allow my environment, life experience, or even the security job to define me.
Again, I’m going to ask you, what’s that one thing that can keep you up and you can do even though you are not getting paid?
Working on purpose is one of the best feelings if not the best feelings one can ever have. Imagine being paid for what you love to do. The feeling is priceless because you are in alignment with your passion, profession, vocation, and calling.
In working on your vision, either for yourself or your organization, it must be unique. It must fit your passion, values, and authenticity. It must be simple for everyone to understand and join; it must benefit humanity.
To create a vision, you need to know matters to you, you must have secret frustrations, passions, and dreams that keep you awake; your vision should be able to give you happiness and joy, it must align with your values, and it must reflect on the accomplishment and legacy you will like to see in the world.
In conclusion, do you feel like you are walking through your life in the dark? Do you feel you are merely existing as opposed to be living? Do you feel you have more to accomplish but don’t know how to go about it? Do you feel lost? Do you sometimes feel confused, have no idea or clear vision about life? If yes, don’t be hard on yourself, I once experienced it and many people do feel the same way, I can assist you in giving you clarity. Just reach out via info@gloemi.com
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He’s a Human Capacity & mindset coach. He’s also a public speaker. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny – Actualizing Your Birthright To Success and President of gloemi.com. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
News
‘He Died a Natural Death’ – Katsina Govt Announces Death of Gen Rabe Abubakar in Kidnappers’ Captivity
A Retired Major-General and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, is dead.
According to the Katsina state government, Abubakar died in bandits’ captivity.
The retired major-general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.
On June 6, a video showing Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and livestock surfaced online.
A statement on Saturday by Nasiru Mu’azu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said Abubakar died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement reads.
“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”
The Katsina government added that it remains committed to working with the federal government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.
“We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
The power in a name, or inspiration and influence they come with, when properly triggered and applied, cannot be overestimated. Influence and name are powerful, and run pari passu. This is because in the journey of life, there are certain heights one can’t attain even with their resources. And that’s where ‘names’ and influence come in.
One might have all the grades, skills, and knowledge, but getting an opportunity might be difficult. Imagine having a good grade in school, but can’t find a commensurate job. As a matter of fact, someone with less qualification and experience might get the job simply because a man of influence endorsed their candidacy. That’s why the saying; ‘a good name is better than riches’ is tantamount to a man with access to power is more influential than a man with knowledge but no access.
For one to succeed in our contemporary society, they need a helper who could either be a mentor, benefactor, an inspiration, or someone with influence, or all in one. All these refer to one thing – name. Names are powerful and open doors. A name can serve as an inspiration which can open doors of opportunity for anyone. I remember the day one of my mentors said to me that for his name to be on my resumè, I must earn it. That’s how powerful names can be.
To further buttress how powerful a name can be, let’s consider the following – In 2018, as a budding author, I reached out to one of my mentors, Chief Dele Momodu to give me a column to write in his online newspaper which is considered one of the biggest, if not the biggest online newspaper in Nigeria. He graciously agreed, advising me to be consistent.
Guess what, since that date, I haven’t missed a week. One may be wondering how I have been consistent,; well the answer is not far fetched, I couldn’t imagine failing Chief Dele Momodu. I couldn’t imagine producing articles that are below standard. In all sincerity, assuming someone else without a big name gave me the opportunity, maybe, I wouldn’t have taken it very seriously like I did for Chief Dele Momodu. This goes to tell you names are powerful.
Can you imagine working for the President of the United States of America or Elon Musk? One will almost be perfect. The same energy and detailed attention one pays to President Trump or Elon Musk will be different if given an opportunity to work for an elected council man or a businessman. This is because one would not like to risk a lifetime opportunity to serve with a man of influence.
The importance of inspiration in the life of a progressive man cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs inspiration. Inspiration can come from various angles. It can be from a benefactor, mentor, teacher, parent, friend, a Minister of the gospel, or even one’s child.
Let me share a personal experience I had with another of my mentors – Dr. Joe Abah. In 2025, he organized #fitseptember physical exercise where he advised his followers to do a 30 push for the month of September. Again, in January, he organized #fitjanuary and I actively participated in it, and since then I haven’t missed one single day without exercising for at least ten minutes. Why is this analysis important? The name Dr. Joe Abah is a household name in Nigeria social-political space. Assuming it was a regular person who made the announcement on X, the comment wouldn’t have attracted the kind of attention that made it go viral.
Furthermore, it is worthy of note that there are five kinds of authority when it comes to principle of power in a name. They are; Revealed knowledge, empirical knowledge, rational knowledge, intuitive knowledge and authoritative knowledge. The focus here is on authoritative knowledge.
One may be wondering what authoritative knowledge is. This is a kind of knowledge reserved for those who have expertise on a particular issue or subject matter expert. When such a person speaks, their words are like law.
Let’s talk about men of influence. Men of influence are priceless. According to Apostle Joshua Selman, there are four kinds of destiny helpers: Divine Connectors, Men of Influence, Gifted People, and Burden Bearers. For the sake of this article, I will focus on men of influence. These are gatekeepers, mentors, or established experts with high credibility. Their endorsement or advocacy can override limitations, grant you access to closed doors, and elevate your trajectory.
In summary, honor men, but fear God because men are vessels God uses to bless people and humanity.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Senate, on Thursday, directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to track, identify and arrest bandits and terrorists, who openly flaunt their activities and wealth on social media platforms.
The upper chamber said the growing trend of criminal groups operating openly online and displaying proceeds of crime without fear of arrest poses a serious threat to national security and undermines public confidence in the authority of the State.
The resolution followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) on the worsening security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) expressed concern over what she described as the increasing boldness of bandits and terrorists, alleging that some criminal groups now use social media platforms to showcase their operations and distribute large sums of money.
According to her, suspected bandits recently conducted a giveaway on TikTok, allegedly distributing more than N100 million within 30 minutes through their social media accounts.
She argued that such activities provide security agencies with sufficient digital footprints and intelligence leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“Two days ago on TikTok, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media.”
Her proposal that the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant agencies should intensify surveillance of social media platforms and prosecute criminals who openly advertise their activities online received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the public display of criminal exploits and huge sums of money on social media, describing it as a direct challenge to the authority of government and security institutions.
“The DSS should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the online display of cash and criminal activities was designed to ridicule government efforts and create the impression that security agencies were powerless.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging government,” he added.
Akpabio urged heads of security agencies to treat the issue as a major national security concern and take immediate action against those involved.
He further warned that the Senate would demand explanations from relevant authorities whenever individuals who openly reveal their identities and activities online are not apprehended.
The debate arose from Senator Karimi’s motion drawing attention to the escalating wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings across communities in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi lamented that armed groups had turned several communities into theatres of violence, forcing residents to flee their homes while disrupting economic, social and educational activities.
He cited the recent attack on Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded a secondary school and attempted to abduct students writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
According to him, the attack claimed the lives of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident.
The senator also recounted a series of kidnappings and killings across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba West, Lokoja and Kogi local government areas, warning that insecurity in the district was worsening and required urgent intervention.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted a series of resolutions aimed at tackling the deteriorating security situation across the country.
The lawmakers called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly to urgently work towards establishing an appropriate legal framework for the creation of state police.
The Senate also urged the Federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen the implementation of cashless transaction policies as part of efforts to curb ransom payments and other criminal financial activities.
It further called on the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service to tighten border security and surveillance to stem the influx of arms and the movement of terrorists and other criminal elements into the country.
The upper chamber equally advised State governments against negotiating or entering peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, maintaining that such arrangements have often failed to produce lasting solutions and, in some cases, emboldened criminal groups.
