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Food for Living: Your Vision, Your Life
By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Destiny Friends,
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others” – Jonathan Swift
We all have vision. Whether you are a student, businessman/woman, teacher/professor, art man/woman, politician, leader or even a family-oriented person, you have an idea of the kind of life you will like to live and how you will like the future to look like depending on your interest. One of the most reliable ways of making your dreams come true is having your vision at the back of your mind. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon, in his book: The Big Picture, painted a picture about finding a vision for your own life that can reframe your priorities, energize your efforts, and inspire you to change the world around you.
Vision is what separates an ordinary mind from an extra-ordinary mind. Vision differentiates one company/organization from the other. Vision can be regarded as the fuel and energy of life. This is because, without vision, passion dies.
When you have a vision, you’ll definitely have the modus operandi (mission) to carry it out. The mission is the process or instrument which anchors the vision. Vision is necessary for growth. It is the vision every rational being considers to decipher the mindset and concert of any person or organization.
There’s nothing bad in aspiring for greater opportunities in life. The only major obstacle for anyone with a plan to succeed in life is having the courage to pursue his/her dreams when the desired plans don’t add up.
In understanding vision, let’s consider a group of students who just got admission into a reputable university or a group of employees who just got hired. These set of individuals will normally be excited because of the opportunities staring at them. But on a cursory look, if you ask each person their career plans, you may be surprised to know that they all have different visions and understanding towards life. Some just to get the certificate, some just want to get a job and pay bills, while some have the mindset of – this is just the beginning of an enterprising journey for me. This being might have plans of acquiring more degrees and certificates in order to move up the ladder of success. This is simply how vision works.
To put words in proper perspective, we all look at the same thing but don’t see the same thing; we all sit in the classroom but don’t understand the same thing, we all walk through life but get a different taste to life. Just like we all have tongues but have different taste buds. Even in business, the pattern of Mr. A is quite different from B. So, what vision do you have in life?
It’s interesting to know that your life’s vision defines who you want to be, what you want to be known for and the set of experiences and accomplishments you aim for. Your vision helps define your goals by giving you a framework to evaluate those goals. Your vision helps to define your why. You can say, your vision becomes your why.
Most notably, a vision is about your future and who you want to be, whilst the mission statement focuses on today and what you do through your actions and behavior.
To know about the vision of any company or human being, ask the person or management of the company, where they plan to be in five to ten years and ask why they do what they do. This will give you an idea about how their mindset works.
Vision is what drives a company’s success. Vision is what propels a human being to desire change in any established organization, society or learning environment. Vison needs to be properly communicated so that all interested persons can be in the loop. This helps to create understanding and enables rational minds to make an informed decision if they will like to key in into the idea.
Your vision might be too large for little minds to comprehend, however, it’s not up to you to lower your standards or values in life to accommodate little minds.
In order to determine one’s vision, you’ll have to determine the values and what matters in the person’s life. It can be health, relationship, youths, women empowerment, leadership, family values, education, religion or even politics
For each of your categories, write down what you want or need from each. Think about the things you want to accomplish or experience, and look at the loopholes you’ll like to address.
Discovering Your Vision
Each of us is put here on earth for a purpose. We want to achieve and accomplish certain things during our lifetime, and for most of us, the passion we feel deep down ignites us and brings our hopes and dreams to the surface. In understanding vision, let’s take into consideration the following point:
What are you deeply passionate about?
What type of work do you find engaging and truly enjoy?
If someone were to describe you, what words would you want them to use?
At the end of your life, what will be the greatest accomplishment?
According to Thomas Edison, “Having a vision for what you want is not enough…Vision without execution is hallucination.” Therefore it is imperatively important to key into action when you discover your purpose and vision in life.
The first thing we must realize is that our vision will never become a reality if we sit back and wait for it to happen. Like all things in life, talking about our vision is not enough, we must get busy and work towards our goals.
According to a school of thought, the A,B,C of defining your vision can be classified as:
· A — Assess where you currently are. Look at all aspects of your life; physically, financially, spiritually, and emotionally. By knowing where you now, will cause you to see where you need to go and what you need to do to get there.
· B — Begin to move forward. No matter how small it may seem, one step closer towards your vision will help you in reaching your vision.
· C- Create a vision statement. A written statement can encourage you when feelings of doubt creep in. Describe what you want to accomplish, how you plan to get there and include a timeline for tracking your progress.
· D- Determination is critical. One of the biggest discouragements you may face is the obstacles that most certainly will come your way. There will be doubters that feel the need to share their unsolicited opinion. There may be financial or physical limits, but the determination to persevere can be the difference between failure and accomplishment.
· E- Enlist the help of others. Alternatively, you can seek the help of others in actualizing your vision.
· F — Finish Lines aren’t the end. Having a vision or dream is an ongoing process. You will find that as long as there is breath inside you, there is no finish line
Just like we are all wired to do different things. We weren’t born to do everything, but you were born to make an impact in this world. By discovering your vision, you have the extraordinary ability to contribute to this world making it a better place.
I will conclude with great quotes from great minds to keep us inspired when we decide to pursue our vision.
“The only thing worse that being blind is having no vision – Helen Keller
“Vision is the picture of the future that produces passion -Bill Hybels
Vision is the ability to see what others over -Rick Warren.
Chase the vision not the money, the money will end up following you- Tony Hsieh.
Where there’s no vison there’s no hope- George Washington.
In summary, what’s your vision in life?
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. 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. He can be reached via henrous@gmail.com
Dear Destiny Friends,
Every human being loves to get approval, either for the great work they have done or the ones they are doing. They love to be appreciated and admired. They also love to be given attention when they have something valuable to say or do. In all of these, one thing is certain, there is something special about us, and this special thing makes one unique, and ultimately attracts people to us.
Let’s face it, nobody will admire you, appreciate you, approve you and give you attention if you don’t have anything to offer. The reason most people associate with someone is because they feel or know there’s something they can gain from the person. It’s hard for someone to relate closely with someone who they don’t see potential value in.
There is no doubt each and everyone of us is unique, yes, there’s something unique about you. You can sing, you can write, you can dance, you can lead, you can serve, you can cook, etc. One can even be a good actor, athlete, comedian, or preacher. The list is literally endless. Now, what’s unique about you?
When you discover what’s unique about you, please do all within your reach to nurture and develop it. One day, the right person, who truly appreciates and knows your value will celebrate you.
I have a friend who is exceptionally skilled in writing and developing creative contents. I call him a genius because he can literally write a book within a week. How he does it is what I don’t understand. I was surprised when he once told me he wrote a book and manuscript in one week. According to him, he has been developing the contents mentally, but hasn’t found time to put his thoughts together, and when he finally gets his thoughts together, he was able to write the book and manuscript. This is a typical way of knowing a unique being.
Many, however, do not know what’s unique about them. We focus our energy chasing what is not chasing us instead of focusing on developing what we already have. It’s sad to see young and old people living their lives in an unintentional manner with a belief that somehow lines, favour or opportunities will fall in place for them.
Sometimes, we rely on other people’s affirmation and opinion, and accept it as our fate. For instance, just because one is tall, he might be told he will be a great fit for basketball without considering if the athlete loves basketball; again, just because someone is very intelligent, his parents will encourage him to major in a particular discipline, which is perceived as lucrative without considering if the person likes it pr not.
I once experienced this fate when my late dad inspired me to study taxation law in New York Law School, a major I detest with passion. It was like a suicidal mission for me because I do know, it will take miracle to graduate from the program. How I was able to get a scholarship for my grades and graduate in record time is a story for another day. I’m not wired as a finance person, I will better serve humanity in the social and developmental space where my skills, talents, gift and passion will be better utilized. And ever since I joined the space, I have seen results.
There are many cases where many people lose their identities without knowing they are unique. We are all unique in our individual ways. Just like there are several gifts and talents, we have different skills. When you know what’s unique about you, you will stand out and the world will not only appreciate you, but will celebrate you.
When one discovers the power of their uniqueness, we will gather strength to unleash it to the world. Uniqueness works in several ways. For instance, the mere fact that ten people are genius, talented, skillful or valuable in a particular work, the person with the unique gift is the person who will not only stand out, but will be called upon to do the work.
Let me share more insight. If ten people sing a particular song with a great voice, the person who is called to be a singer will receive a unique appreciation because he/she is working on purpose. That is why it is easy to see a lot of people venturing into a particular form of business, but the favour of the business will not locate them because they are not uniquely destined to do business.
Few years ago, one of my mentors shared a deep insight with me. He said that, as a trained medical doctor, he once observed that despite the fact there are hundreds and thousands of medical doctors practicing their profession. One fateful day, he noticed a particular patient was not responding to treatment despite all the medication that had been given to him by a nurse, his health was deteriorating, then another nurse came and administered the same pill a nurse gave the patient, and the patient began to feel better. What does that tell you? The second nurse was probably working in her purpose which aligns with her profession, and as such the corresponding success. This goes to show that when one is unique, it has a way of robbing off on their work.
Furthermore, he stated that Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Beyonce are some of the gifted singers and dancers the world has ever celebrated. He went on to say that we have hundreds and thousands of musicians, but only a few have got the spotlight.
What does that tell you? When you are unique, the world will celebrate you. I have understood that the fastest way to get recognition in life is to work in areas where one’s strength and unique gift will better serve the purpose. This is simply because the world does not celebrate one’s weakness, rather, the world celebrates one’s strength.
In recent times, I have seen myself as a counselor and human inspiration. My counseling skills have enabled me to influence people to live positive lives. Overtime, I have realized that when people share their burden with me, they feel relieved after speaking with me. What amazes me most is the fact that even my elders feel comfortable to relate with me on a cordial basis. Maybe, I have a unique gift for counseling and educating.
Today, I am going to charge you to focus your energy and time on whatever will bring you the highest satisfaction. Even if you are looking for a job, applying for school, or seeking any opportunity, your focus should be centered on what you have that the job, school or opportunity will amplify. When you do so, you will be in high demand.
In conclusion, please affirm to yourself today, I am a unique being with a unique personality, purpose and gift.
Say to yourself, ‘I am original’, and refuse to be fake.
Again confess that your originality, authenticity and uniqueness will attract favours, blessings, opportunities from leaders and queens to you, and you will be celebrated.
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 Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has emerged as the Best Road Safety Agency in Africa. This monumental achievement corroborates the Corps’ almost four decades of dedication, resilience and passion towards safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads.
The Corps, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), received the award at the 3rd edition of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award held in Elzuwini in the Kingdom of Eswatini, South Africa between 14th and 15th of April 2025.
You may recall that Kofi Annan Road Safety Award was initiated by the Office of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Road Safety in collaboration with Kofi Annan Foundation to immortalize the contributions of African illustrious son Kofi Annan who served as the Secretary General of the United Nations.
The prestigious Road Safety Management Award represents a badge of honour for Nigeria, and a pure testament of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to unflinching support for the Federal Road Safety Corps and his believe in the Corps’ potential to serve as a model for other African nations. Indeed, FRSC’s tireless efforts to reduce road crashes and promote safe driving practices have paid off, earning recognition across the continent.
The recognition further speaks volume, as well as justifies the giant strides Nigeria has made in ensuring safety of road users and her leadership role in the Sub-region.
Reacting to the recognition, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed said that it is a testament to FRSC’s unrelenting passion for road safety. He thanked the entire community of the motoring public, stakeholders, partners, and the Nigerian people for their support. Emphasising that together, the Corps was able to achieve the enviable feat because of the collective energy and all round support received from the motoring public.
The Corps Marshal also revealed that FRSC’s winning formula includes, innovative strategies, implementing cutting-edge road safety initiatives that drive results, collaboration, fostering partnerships with stakeholders to promote road safety awareness, community engagement, educating the public on safe driving practices, full deployment of technology and road safety protocols.
The award was received on behalf of the Corps and the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Principal Staff Officer to the Corps Marshal ACM Meshach Adigizi Jatau.
A Chief Magistrate in the Rivers State Judiciary, Mr. Ejike George, has resigned his appointment.
He hinged his decision on the unease over the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the State.
His resignation was contained in a letter dated April 11, 2025, and addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State through the Secretary of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission.
The letter was titled “Voluntary Retirement From Service.”
George, who disclosed that he had put in 16 years in the judiciary, said the appointment of a Sole Administrator is tantamount to a “quasi-military administration.”
He expressed dismay over the direction of the governance of the State, which he said is “alien” and “antithetical” to the values of the legal profession.
The statement read: “This present is intended to convey my decision to voluntarily retire my appointment as Magistrate of the Judiciary of Rivers State.
“This difficult and regrettable decision is informed largely by my discomfort with the recent appointment of a quasi-military administration to run the affairs of a modern state like ours.
“Milord will agree with me that this type of governance system is not only alien but also runs antithetical to our hallowed profession as legal practitioners and adjudicators.
“Having put in a whopping 16 (sixteen) out of my 22 (twenty-two) years of legal practice into this Judiciary as Magistrate under successive democratic administrations, I find it difficult to work with the current setting, as doing so would amount to a tacit and naive acquiescence.
“Thanks Milord, for the opportunity to serve.”
