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Food for Living: You Can’t Rush God

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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

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International Day of the Girl-Child: Pad Me A Girl Foundation Holds Menstrual Health Outreach in Ogun

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The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has taken its menstrual health campaign to Igbesa High School (Junior), in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, providing free sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene pamphlets, exercise books and pens to over 100 schoolgirls to promote menstrual health, dignity and education.

The outreach, held on Wednesday, October 21, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, whose global theme is “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”

The programme brought together girls from Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 to 3 who participate in the school’s reading clubs for mentorship, reading activities and menstrual health education.

It was convened by Oyelami Yetunde Anuoluwapo and Blessing Kappo, teachers and Teach For Nigeria Fellows at the school, following an appeal for sanitary products, learning materials and health education support. The Foundation’s founder, Theresa Moses, responded by providing the requested items and facilitating an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management.

Speaking at the event, Moses said she was inspired by the girls’ determination and aspirations, stressing the need for sustained investment in their health, education and future.

“Invest in girls and Nigeria will rise. Every girl deserves dignity, education and the right to dream beyond child marriage. That is why we are here; to ensure no girl misses school because of her period,” she said.

She emphasised that access to menstrual hygiene products and accurate information helps girls manage their periods confidently and participate fully in school activities.

In a letter of appreciation, Oyelami and Kappo described the outreach as impactful and inspiring, noting that it enhanced the girls’ understanding of menstrual health, hygiene and self-confidence. They also said the support would help promote the students’ hygiene, school attendance and dignity.

“You did not just give pads; you gave our girls confidence and hope,” the teachers wrote on behalf of the school community, expressing gratitude to the Foundation and hope for future collaboration.

Mrs Amarachi Eze, Assistant Divisional Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State Branch, also commended the Foundation for supporting the girls’ hygiene needs and development.

“We sincerely appreciate the Management of Pad Me A Girl Foundation for joining hands with the Association in supporting our girls on hygiene management. May God Almighty continue to uplift your foundation. Thanks for joining hands in the development of girls in our schools. Bravo,” she said.

The Foundation’s Media Coordinator, Mr Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, called on corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that address period poverty and help girls remain in school.

“For over a year, we have been committed to ending period poverty and keeping girls in school. We call on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause for the betterment of Nigeria,” Faleye said.

The celebration also featured a student drama presentation highlighting the effects of child marriage, alongside reading and mentorship activities designed to encourage the girls to understand their rights, value their education and pursue their aspirations.

The Foundation also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors and partners, including Access Bank, Pro Star Sports International, BL Consulting, Vita Baites Foods, Checkers, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS), as well as individuals and media organisations whose contributions have supported its broader mission of ending period poverty, promoting menstrual health education and empowering girls and women.

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Otti Set to Flag Off Reconstruction of Two Major Roads in Aba

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Abia State governor, Alex Otti, is set to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, two major routes which poor condition has disrupted transportation, commercial activities and access to residential communities for years.

The governor’s media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, in a statement on Wednesday, said that work on the roads has begun ahead of the scheduled official flag-off.

The two roads are considered important to Aba’s commercial and industrial activities, with Uratta Road connecting several adjoining streets to Port Harcourt Road and Old Express Road. At the same time, Old Express Road serves as a key route within the city’s industrial layout.

Ekeoma said the roads had suffered neglect for more than 24 years, leaving some sections impassable and forcing residents and businesses to contend with difficult transportation conditions.

According to the statement, Uratta Road provides access to more than 100 adjoining streets. Its poor condition has affected residents, traders and small-scale manufacturers who depend on the road to transport goods and access their businesses.

The statement said the road had become waterlogged and overgrown with weeds, discouraging commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators from using it.

Similarly, the deterioration of Old Express Road forced heavy-duty truck operators, fabric merchants, spare-parts dealers and small businesses to use longer routes, increasing transportation costs and affecting productivity.

The government said the road reconstruction is part of its broader effort to restore Aba’s infrastructure and strengthen the city’s commercial base.

Aba, one of southeastern Nigeria’s major commercial centres, hosts manufacturing clusters, markets, and small and medium-sized enterprises that depend heavily on functional roads to move raw materials and finished products.

The government said the reconstruction would improve market access, reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods, and support businesses operating along the affected corridors.

Ekeoma cited the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road as an example of the administration’s infrastructure programme, noting that improved road access encouraged shops to reopen, attracted manufacturing activities and increased property rents along the corridor.

The government also said the new projects would complement other road interventions in Aba, including works on Ohanku and Obohia roads, as part of efforts to improve connectivity within the commercial city.

Beyond road construction, the administration said its projects include drainage systems, solar-powered streetlights, and pedestrian walkways, which it described as necessary to improve safety, accessibility, and flood resilience.

Ekeoma said Governor Otti views infrastructure development as an economic strategy rather than merely a construction programme, arguing that better roads would help businesses operate more efficiently and create employment opportunities.

He also quoted the governor as saying at an earlier church event that his administration is shifting attention from basic infrastructure improvements to healthcare, education, technology and industrialisation.

The governor, a former bank chief executive, was elected in 2023 on the Labour Party platform, defeating candidates from the major established parties in a state historically dominated by the Peoples’ Democratic Party.

Otti has remained in the Labour Party despite the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

His administration has made rehabilitating Aba roads and public infrastructure central to its governance agenda, presenting the city’s recovery as essential to reviving economic activity across Abia State.

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Kano Sports Clinic: MILO, Ahmed Musa Support 2500 Young Footballers

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MILO Nigeria, in partnership with former Nigerian national team captain and MILO Brand Ambassador Ahmed Musa, has concluded the inaugural MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament in Kano, providing 2,500 young footballers with professional coaching, mentorship and competitive football experience.

Over two weeks, participants took part in 10 coaching sessions and competed in matches under the guidance of Ahmed Musa and experienced coaches. The programme combined practical football training with lessons in teamwork, discipline, resilience and confidence, equipping participants with skills and values that extend beyond the pitch.

The initiative culminated in a tournament at the Ahmed Musa Sports Complex in Kano, where Khamis Football Academy emerged as champions of the inaugural edition. Participants also received cash prizes, certificates and football equipment.

Speaking on the initiative, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Lead, MILO, said: “At MILO, we believe sport is a powerful platform for young people to discover their abilities, build confidence and develop values that extend beyond the field of play. Our partnership with Ahmed Musa brings together MILO’s longstanding commitment to sports development and the experience of an athlete whose journey from grassroots football to the highest level of the game can inspire the next generation. By combining his experience with structured coaching and competition, this programme has given young footballers in Kano an opportunity to develop their skills, learn from experienced professionals and better understand the commitment required to pursue their aspirations.”

For the participants, the clinic offered an opportunity to learn from an athlete whose football journey began in northern Nigeria and progressed to the highest levels of the sport, making his experience a source of inspiration for aspiring players.

Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Musa said: “Nigeria has incredible football talent, but talent alone is not enough. Young players need good coaching, regular competition and people who will guide them. I am proud to partner with MILO and share some of what football has taught me. My message to these players is simple: keep training, listen to your coaches and work hard every day to improve.”

Musa also called for greater investment in grassroots football, emphasizing the importance of giving young players access to quality coaching, structured development and regular competitive opportunities.

The MILO × Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament builds on MILO’s longstanding commitment to youth development through sports in Nigeria. Through its school-based and grassroots sporting initiatives, MILO continues to create opportunities for young people to participate in sports, develop their abilities and embrace values that can support them both on and off the pitch.

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