Metro
Food for Living: You Can’t Rush God
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
We have just left the comfort of the Good Friday, and it is my pleasure to begin by wishing all Christians a Happy Good Friday. For the non-Christians, Good Friday symbolizes the day Jesus Christ died on the cross for mankind, and rose again three days later (Easter). Much as this article is not about religion or the Easter celebration. I just referenced the period to bring to the fore the symbolic nature of the topic under discussion because Jesus Christ died at the appointed time. We shall analyse the concept later in the article as you give me your attention.
In the journey of life, I have since realised that time and chance happen to everyone. While each of us will surely get an opportunity in life, the question we need to ask ourselves is, what would we do with the opportunity when it presents itself.
As a lady you might be trusting God for a child; as a job seeker, you may be trusting God for a job; and as a student, you may be trusting God for higher admission or to pass an exam, etc. Each of us has something we are hoping to get, but don’t have control of when it will manifest or materialize. The best one can do is do his part and leave the rest to God.
Sometimes, you may see yourself do all the work required to succeed in life but still fail. A lot of reasons or factors might be at play, however. It maybe the project you are working on is not destined to be accomplished by you. It maybe you are inexperienced, or not mature enough, or even not spiritually strong to withstand the challenges or success that will come with the opportunity. There are cases though where one may do very little and the universe will smile upon him even if he is not fully prepared to reap the dividends of hard work. This only happens when there’s a spiritual touch on your work. The moral of this analysis is that there are certain things that are beyond your control.
When you rush to get to the future, you might miss out on all of the great things that the universe or God is preparing for you. You might miss out on the right experience, networking, learning opportunity, etc. which might be needed later in life. Everything that happens in our lives is according to God’s will for our lives and they all play vital roles in the process. Whatever or whoever is meant to be in your life will be there at the appointed time. So, while you wait patiently for the person, or act to be done, continue to add value to your life. As a daily spiritual practice, I always pray to God to bless my destiny helpers. In fact, I do pray to my creator to make my destiny helpers restless until they have done the needful. At the same time, I always pray for God to remove anyone who is not part of my destiny
It is imperative to state that God not only knows our destiny, He knows all the details that will purposely direct us there, and He only alone can make it happen, with or without our support. But in most cases, he needs us to be in the picture to make it a reality. If God has destined you to be the President or the best soccer player, he expects you to play your part in its actualisation.
I strongly believe you will get what you want when you have developed the capacity to receive it. For instance, if you have ever wished to meet your idol or land a big opportunity with an investor, you must be prepared to deliver your content/presentation whenever you meet the person or you might lose out. This means that you don’t have to be desperate in life. Just do your best and leave the rest. That’s why it’s always good to take care of your mental health, sleep well, eat well and exercise well even if your plans don’t go as planned.
It should be noted that there are certain things that are beyond your control. For instance, when it comes to hiring someone to do a job, no matter how good you are, it’s up to the committee or employer to select who will be hired. In Labour Law, we were taught, that you can’t force a willing employee to an unwilling employer. In the same vein, you can only control your car, but you can’t control the steering of another driver.
At the beginning of this article, I spoke about the death of Jesus Christ. Let me share a little bit of insight on it:
Did you know that there were several attempts to kill Jesus Christ, but at each time, it is either the plan was foiled, or he leaves their midst without their knowledge. The Holy Book made us to understand that He knows and sees the heart of every man. However, when the appointed time came for him to be captured, he gave himself up in as much He had the ability to fight back or disappear. His dictum had been not what I will, but what God wills. What this simply means is that, at the appointed time, everything will take shape.
In conclusion, I don’t know what your storyline is, but I have good news for you; your time is coming and when it comes, nobody, I repeat, nobody, can stop it.
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
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The destiny of Africa will not be determined by the strength of its resources, but by the quality of its leadership — leaders who see beyond personal power to build a continent where every African can rise, contribute, and thrive on the global stage.” — Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD
Leadership in Africa is not merely about occupying high office; it is a sacred responsibility to restore dignity, unlock potential, and chart a bold path toward collective prosperity. For decades, the continent has been burdened by narratives of poverty, conflict, and dependency. Yet, a new generation of visionary, ethical, and courageous leaders is rising — men and women who understand that Africa’s greatest wealth lies in its people, its diverse cultures, and its untapped potential. True African leadership must be transformative, inclusive, and globally oriented, focused on building resilient institutions, empowered citizens, and a competitive continent that contributes meaningfully to humanity’s progress.
The Imperative of Transformative Leadership
At its best, African leadership is defined by a deep sense of purpose and ownership. It rejects the politics of survival and embraces the politics of vision. Transformative leaders prioritize human capital development as the foundation of progress. They invest heavily in quality education, healthcare, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship, recognizing that a skilled, healthy, and empowered population is the ultimate driver of sustainable development.
A shining example is Rwanda under President Paul Kagame. In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda transformed from a failed state into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies through deliberate investments in education, technology, and women’s empowerment. Today, Rwanda boasts one of the highest rates of female parliamentary representation in the world and has become a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa.
Such leadership is also rooted in integrity and accountability. Corruption and weak institutions have long hindered Africa’s advancement. Leaders who model transparency, uphold the rule of law, and place national and continental interests above personal gain build the trust necessary for long-term transformation. Botswana stands as a classic case. Since independence, successive leaders have managed diamond revenues with remarkable prudence, establishing strong anti-corruption institutions and consistent fiscal discipline, resulting in one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes and stable democratic governance.
Visionary leadership in Africa further demands economic diversification and innovation. Moving away from over-reliance on raw commodity exports, forward-thinking leaders champion industrialization, technology adoption, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” in Nairobi, driven by deliberate government policies supporting fintech and digital startups, has produced globally recognized companies like M-Pesa, which revolutionized mobile money and financial inclusion across Africa. Similarly, Morocco has successfully diversified its economy through investments in automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy, positioning itself as a major industrial player on the continent.
Building Africa Through Unity and Integration
No African nation can achieve greatness in isolation. The most effective leaders champion Pan-Africanism and regional integration. They actively support frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to create the world’s largest single market. They strengthen Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as ECOWAS, EAC, and SADC as building blocks for a stronger African Union. By harmonizing policies, reducing trade barriers, and investing in cross-border infrastructure, these leaders turn geographic proximity into economic power and shared prosperity.
Leadership that builds Africa also invests in peace and security. Persistent conflicts continue to destroy lives and opportunities. Progressive leaders prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction. They strengthen institutions like the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and promote African solutions to African problems, reducing harmful dependence on external actors. Ghana’s consistent contribution to regional peacekeeping missions and its stable democratic transitions under leaders like Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor demonstrate how committed leadership can anchor stability in turbulent times.
Developing Africans Globally
Great African leadership extends beyond national borders. It nurtures a new generation of globally competitive Africans — professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, diplomats, and creatives who carry African excellence to every corner of the world. This requires deliberate investment in education systems that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and global competence. It means creating policies that engage the African diaspora, encouraging them to invest their skills, capital, and networks back home through structured programmes.
Leaders who build Africans globally also reshape narratives. They counter negative stereotypes by promoting stories of African innovation, resilience, cultural richness, and intellectual contribution. Nigeria’s booming Nollywood industry and its vibrant tech ecosystem (with hubs in Lagos and Abuja) have projected a dynamic image of African creativity and entrepreneurship to the world. Similarly, South Africa’s leadership in fields like biotechnology and renewable energy showcases the continent’s capacity for scientific excellence.
The Leadership Imperative in a Changing World
Africa faces significant challenges — poverty, infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and governance gaps. However, these are not insurmountable. The leadership Africa needs today must be courageous enough to make difficult decisions, inclusive enough to empower women, youth, and marginalized groups, and ethical enough to reject patronage and short-termism. It must balance national sovereignty with continental solidarity, and local realities with global opportunities.
A Call to Action
The future of Africa will not be written by external forces. It will be authored by Africans themselves — guided by leaders who understand that leadership is ultimately a trust to serve, uplift, and build. The continent does not lack potential. What it needs is consistent, visionary, and accountable leadership at every level — from village heads to heads of state, from the classroom to the boardroom.
When leadership rises to this calling, Africa will not only build itself but will also offer the world new models of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. The time has come for a new covenant between African leaders and their people — a covenant rooted in trust, service, and shared destiny.
Africa’s story is still being written. With the right leadership, it can become one of triumph, dignity, and global excellence. The question is not whether Africa can rise — but whether its leaders will summon the will, wisdom, and courage to make that rise unstoppable.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
In pursuance of its goal to affect humanity, foremost not-for-profit health organization, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has held its 2026 Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony geared towards spotlighting the values of sustained purpose, service, compassion, sacrifice, and discipline.
The ceremony, held in Lagos on Saturday 25th April 2026, brought together a remarkable corps of volunteers whose quiet, consistent efforts have shaped lives in ways statistics often fail to capture. It also created the perfect space for reflection while boldly charting the path forward for the sickle cell NGO founded by nonprofit leader, Toyin Adesola in 2008.
During the event, a 10million naira crowdfunding campaign tagged #1kforSickle to encourage Nigerians to give a minimum of ₦1,000 to support the organization’s effort was launched. Also, 11 award categories were presented to capture the impact of individuals from various spheres of influence who have supported SAMI over the years. These include haematologists, medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, IT experts, media executives, and emerging young professionals in different sectors.
The event had 4 top speakers including polymath and Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji Kurunmi; clinical psychologist, Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje; leadership expert, Director Oluwatoyin Banjo; and co-founder of 9ijakids, Mrs. Titi Adewusi, to forge the awareness of a greater responsibility for impact to the sickle cell community and humanity at large.
Delivering one of the most compelling sessions of the Retreat, Debola Deji-Kurunmi challenged the volunteers to rethink their personal growth as a fundamental aspect of their influence to SAMI, family, and community. Deploying the five empires of self-leadership, she emphasized the need for self-mastery, self-direction, self-drive, self-influence, and self-expansion. “It is when you lead yourself well that you can serve others better and advance the mission” she asserted.
Noting that “SAMI is moving forward from being a founder-led NGO to a legacy-led institution”, the highly sought corporate trainer fondly called DDK, encouraged the volunteers to move from consumer mindset to creator mindset, bring forward their original ideas, make more suggestions, and become more solution-oriented.
From a psychological standpoint, Mr. Sheriff Ajibola Moshobalaje brought a refreshing depth to the conversation, focusing on the inner life of a volunteer. His session provided a vital reminder that emotional balance, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment are hallmarks of a successful life.
He addressed the emotional impact as well as the toll that social media could play on mental health, advocating for self-awareness and introspection as critical components for mental resilience and sustainable impact. He highlighted that a state of positive mental health will encompass “emotional, psychological, and social well-being that focuses on how we feel, how we function, and the knowledge that we are separate from our problems.”
Speaking to the heart of volunteering, Mrs. Titi Adewusi delivered a powerful message focused on Why Team Spirit Matters to Building Trust and Credibility for a Nonprofit. Drawing largely from real stories, she challenged the volunteers to see their opportunities to serve the SAMI mission not only when they show up physically but in everything. Her insights served as a rallying call for volunteers, even as she officially launched the #1kforSickle crowdfunding campaign.
In a stirring address on leadership and influence, Director Toyin Banjo underscored the responsibility that comes with the privilege of leading within volunteer ecosystems. She centered her discussion on the 8 Pillars of M.O.B.I.L.I.Z.E. which are the principles of “motivate with meaning, orient and onboard, build belonging, invest in them, lead by example, inspire through impact, zoom in on zeal, and empower and entrust.” Her remarks provided a unique perspective into volunteering and urged leadership of the nonprofit to renew their commitment to continually pour into the development of its most valuable human resource team.
The Communication Officer of the health nonprofit, Abayomi Oyelami noted that the SAMI Volunteer Retreat & Awards Ceremony was to “honour the passion, sacrifice, and invisible work shaping lives in the sickle cell community, as well as to be a space for growth, learning, and renewed purpose.”
He indicated that Nigerians who wish to donate to the ongoing #1kforSickle campaign can donate via: A/c name: SAMI 500 by 1M Campaign, GTB – 0208883097 or use the online channels found on the official promotional materials.
The SAMI Volunteer Retreat and Awards Ceremony drew to a close with a collective call for volunteers to awaken to a higher order of service, where compassion and goodwill is matched with skill and excellence.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
