News
Opinion: Man, Nature & His Maker!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The ‘His-story’ of Greed, Grief, Grains & Gains”.
The word MAN is a title, only for those who are worthy to be called Managers over All Natural things; because he was Made Above Nature by his Maker. If he fails to discharge the duties that comes with the title, he would be pronounced unfit by all creations and The Maker would then have no choice than to replace him with a more serious vessel who would cater for them. Therefore, the creations are waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God (as seen in Romans 8:19 KJV).– Tolulope A. Adegoke
The Deep cut!
Bleeding profusely.
The beautifully fading off,
Till the rotten fruits and withered leaves dropped off…
Alas! The fair-weathered-friends had left. She used to be their favourite,
The rhythm changed, just within the twinkle of an eye!
They thought the tree had died,
They thought it was over,
Though, it was obviously so …
But that isn’t the end.
A young lad had to drop the last drop of water he had in his cup on her – the tree!
Voila! The dew came in the early hours of the morning… Drenched it, and caused life to come.
The life lighted the flowers,
The leaves revived…they sprouted finely…
The Bees came, sucked its pollen grains,
And in return, they sweetened the tree and its fruits.
Again, everyone gathered under the tree…
Praising it again, yeah, and again.
The tree that was once mocked, abandoned; hmm, it was left to die.
It was almost turning into firewood,
The sun had scorched it.
The villagers had axed its branches, waiting for the next day to fell it down, totally.
But, life came before the dark intentions of Man’s short-sightedness and greed arrived,
To strip another of their (grains) lives, for selfish gains.
They sheltered under the tree, yet again. They feasted on its fruits yet, again.
Its herb was food to them.
It became an appealing sight to behold.
Human nature arose again,
Axing its bark for medicine…
She asked, are my fruits and leaves not food and cure enough to thee?
Why the shock of a lifetime, with marks of pains on my body. My cures had cured and cared for thee. Is this how to repay my good deeds? The tree asked voicelessly! Tears ran through her dying eyes,
Its bleeding body grieved the heart of the maker…
The man’s heart was blocked with unseen stones, he had no compassion.
Only the young lad kept coming, wiping off the tears of the voiceless tree.
Guess what? As the lad wipes the tears, the rays of the sun caught his attention…it’s a message of hope.
The tears became useful ingredients for solving other human errors. It is a gum- an extract from the carelessly beaten and grievously axed tree.
Oh, what a careless approach for solutions…all in the bid for medicine, is it for Covid-19? That, I can’t tell.
If you want my bark, speak to me in kind and soft manners, then I shall release the cure to you by surrendering willfully.
Just that, will not make the cure you seek to turn into a curse that would hunt down your generations, even in your ‘gene-nations’!
The man fell on his knees. He wailed tearfully.
He heard just what the voiceless tree had said. But how could he have heard a voiceless tree speak? Or has the Almighty replaced his stony heart with that of flesh?
The Creator streamed it live as nature screamed…
Ahhh! Yeee! I have sinned.
Please forgive me.
He cried to his Maker. Reflecting his years of carelessness and selfish havoc inflicted on the natural things in his care. Ah! He abused power and he was stripped of this sceptre of Grace.
He repented!
Wailed again; this time, it was genuine.
Mercy came to play its role of absolute intervention and deliverances; nothing could reproof it. It Lord overall judgement.
The Creator yielded. Penetrated his bleeding heart to authenticate his sincerity.
The Creator spoke, and the clouds obeyed and gathered.
The sun was humbled…
There was rainfall, it was ‘cat and dog’.
The trees danced in the storm that came with it.
The thunder drummed, the lightening was also a great effect. It was fearful!
The Creator spoke again, peace be-still.
The creations heard Him, and they all submitted to the authority of His voice and intentions.
Surely, the Creator is the Maker, He makes all things well and beautiful in its time.
He is the Giver to all givers; and Giver to all that receives.
He smiled…the sweet breeze took over the entire creations.
The ray of the sun was fine, tender and warm. The butterflies came out again from their hiding places.
The birds sang with fine rhythms.
All things were revived, healed and sanity to was restored unto mankind.
The man got up, gazed at the fine- blue -sky.
His very bleeding heart had healed.
His eyes were sharp, his mind became clear and at alert.
His heart became receptive to yielding to the daily guides of the Master!
A new Spirit was instilled into him (The Holy Spirit), his soul was rekindled with fresh ‘divinistic’ fire- hot enough to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, and ‘Faith’ played without fail.
The tree bowed in awe to the majestic impacts of the Majesty, The Creator. The scars on the tree became its ‘his-story’, that is, the relationship between it and mankind.
The scary scars became a decoration. And, no one remembered its struggles and grieves of its past.
The tree lived healthier.
It asked the Creator during a dialogue session, ‘why haven’t you cleared my scars?’
The Creator smiled…hmm, that? It’s your- story. It’s the painting of voices on the canvass of what you have called scars. It’s your declaration. It’s your decoration, your protection. It’s the process- the transitioning from your ‘old’ to the ‘new’. You had to shed some weight, you know? It’s your rainbow! It’s your initiation to a new order of freedom and eternal bliss. It wasn’t meant to kill you, but build you into fine-frame of very rare quality.
Yes! It will also, always remind mankind of his ill-treatment towards you,
And that would stop him from repeating such again.
Your scar is a touch of excellence. The seal of your triumph from your trials. It’s your voiceless noise locked up in seals. It is the costs of your course that causes a great effect of rare difference for your needed changes and arrival.
It was the bone I gave you to crack, and you cracked it so very well. That was the code I gave you to break and interpret and you did just fine by decoding the mystery of pain which now results to the gains, from your grains. And this made you irresistible and inevitable in the affairs of mankind and his well-being. This, I made you all go through in order to grow through. Respect him, he is still your Lord, but I have made opened his heart to the understanding of the Truth that comes with compassion- evidence of leadership to Manage All Natural resources as MAN, and as given by Me.
For this, is, a thoughtful lesson to ‘all and things’ that has life in them or that are moved by it.
Thank you!”
Then, the Creator rhythmically and joyfully ascended back to His Most Sacred Haven called HEAVEN.
We are nothing but wonderful tools in the Mighty Hands of the Creator.
Be humble,
Be useful,
Be grateful!
Watch out for the Book titled: “The Power of an Empowered Zero” (From Zero to HERO) by Tolulope A. Adegoke. Foreword by Dr Yomi Garnett (CEO/Chancellor, Royal Biographical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A., U.K., Abuja, Nigeria.) Edited by Ola Aboderin.
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria, has announced a Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The one-day conference is in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
The programme, themed: “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy,” will hold on Thursday, 25th June, 2026, at 10:00 am, at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
The initiative is designed to equip journalists, editors, publishers, bloggers, broadcasters, and digital media practitioners with the knowledge and practical tools needed to report accurately, ethically, and responsibly on drug abuse, substance use disorders, mental health, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies.
The programme aligns with the global objectives of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, to strengthen action and cooperation toward achieving a world free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to the organisers, substance abuse remains one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly among young people. The media, therefore, has a critical responsibility to inform, educate, shape public attitudes, challenge harmful narratives, and amplify evidence-based prevention efforts.
The capacity-building programme will feature presentations by experts in substance use prevention, mental health, public health advocacy, law enforcement, and journalism. Participants will engage in discussions on responsible reporting, fact-based storytelling, stigma reduction, prevention communication, and strategic advocacy aimed at supporting national and community-level responses to drug abuse.
NOMA Chairperson, Theresa Moses, stated that journalists occupy a unique position in influencing public perception and promoting positive behavioural change.
“The media is more than a channel for information; it is a powerful force for education, advocacy, and social transformation. Through responsible reporting and strategic storytelling, journalists can help prevent substance abuse, support recovery efforts, and contribute meaningfully to building safer and healthier communities,” she said.
She further noted that as gatekeepers of information and shapers of public discourse, media professionals have a responsibility to ensure that reporting on drug-related issues is accurate, balanced, evidence-based, and free from stigma, while highlighting prevention, treatment, and recovery pathways.
The event is expected to bring together journalists, media executives, government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, youth advocates, researchers, students of mass communication, and other stakeholders committed to advancing a drug-free Nigeria.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132, 08165322757 or 09034242439
Email:nomamedia25@gmail.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
