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 PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
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
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
