Dear Destiny Friends,

The beginning of any journey is usually the hardest part. It is usually hard to take the bold step. Whether you are applying for a job, writing a book, starting a new business, getting married or even applying for school, there’s always the tendency to ask yourself mind-boggling questions such as; Will I succeed? Will I be accepted?  This is among many others.

When progressive minds encounter this challenge, they are not afraid of taking the first step, they are merely concerned about the big picture, and not what they are currently experiencing. One of the big differences between great people and lesser minds is the ability for great people to take strategic risks, while lesser minds stay in their comfort zone.

On a personal note, I can relate to the journey of greatness when I began writing my first book. In all sincerity, I didn’t know what I was writing. All I knew was that I was putting down whatever comes to my mind provided I found it reasonable and relatable. At the end of the day, I found a proficient and efficient editor who was kind enough to work on the book and it became a trailblazer.

The moral is that I doubted myself many times if I had the capacity to write a book. I was literally afraid of beginning, but immediately I began writing, the universe began to conspire with me to make the work fruitful. Today, when I look back, I’m glad I took the bold step. I say this because just because of one book, I received national and global attention in addition to appearing on television and meeting gatekeepers and resource people.

The same principle is applicable when I began my first business. I didn’t know what to focus on and how to develop bossiness. All I knew was that I’m a motivator and counselor who likes to help youths and career professionals on proactive ways to succeed in their personal and professional lives. After attending a series of training courses, workshops, webinars, and several conferences, I began to have clarity about my business. I remember when I first started, I told the world that I can build a website just because my uncle assisted in using a free tool to build my website.

Why am I sharing this information? The same business I didn’t know how to structure is now registered with the highest certification from the Office of the Governor of New York to do business with any New York City agency. It now has a Chief Operating Officer, Social media manager, IT personnel and an exceptional Director of Partnership who works as a consultant. The company has also partnered with the United Nations Development Programme  and has received awards.

All this is because I took the bold step to start a business. Sometimes in life, you don’t know what lies ahead when one takes the bold step.

According to Dr. Yomi Garnet, a proficient Ghost Writer, “If a book is tiled A synopsis of successful living were to be written, it would in all probability contain the following chapters:

1.     Identify your talents, (use then to glory God and to benefit of humanity)

2.     Have faith in the favor of God,

3.     Engage in proper planning

4.     10% belongs to God

5.     Give, give and keep in giving

Let’s take a minute to elaborate on this chapter:

1.     Identify your talent: Before you begin any project, one must know who they are, what they have and what problems they want to solve. They also must take into consideration whether they have the capacity, competence and capability of doing the business.  One thing is certain, they are using their skills, talent, and knowledge to solve a problem

2.     Have faith in God:

Taking the first step entails having faith in yourself, in your business and most importantly in God. Without faith in oneself, in the business and in God, it will be difficult for one to succeed. Taking the first set entails believing in the possibility of the future.

3.     Engaging in Proper planning:

It’s instructive to note that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Before anyone begins any task, it’s important for one to sit back and ask oneself if they have all they need to set up the business. This entails setting up a structure for the business, getting the right people, offering services and setting up the mission and vision statement of the company

4.     10% belongs to God

This is Biblical instruction which is part of the spiritual blessings of doing business. No one succeeds on their own. They either have an altar working for them or they have human beings as networks, benefactors, and resource persons recommending them for opportunities. Alternatively, these acts of tithe giving can also refer to Corporate Social Responsibility which is tantamount to giving back to society.

5.     Give, give and keep giving.

This is another spiritual blessing.  We are quite familiar with the saying, the giver never lacks, however, it’s important to note that when one gives without wisdom and accountability, one might run dry. So, it’s imperatively important for one to give with discretion, otherwise, one will be exhausted.  It’s instructive to note that nobody receives with a clenched fist and the giver’s hand is always on top. If you want to receive it, please give. This giving aspect is made possible because someone took the first step to start a business which made it possible for the art of giving to take place.

In conclusion, if you desire to start a business, or have inspiration, just start, the universe has a way of conspiring with the world to support you to birth your passion, idea or vision. I say this because the worst you’ll want to do towards the end of life is to live in regret. So, I say, just begin. Whether you fail, it’s irrelevant because you are gaining and showing perseverance for the cause you believe in. At the end of theer day, we shall all tell our stories.

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, Unleash Your Destiny and The Six Pillars of Succes . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com

Digital solution provider, Globacom and World leading manufacturers of electronic devices, Samsung have deepened their strategic partnership with the official launch of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold8 at an exclusive Masterclass in Gloworld on Victoria Island, Lagos.

During the event, Samsung presented Globacom with its Foldable Legacy Award, celebrating years of collaboration in delivering premium mobile experiences and exclusive offers to Nigerian consumers.

To mark the launch, every purchase of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra or Z Fold8 at Gloworld outlets nationwide includes 18GB of free Glo data, delivered as 3GB monthly for six months, a Glo eSIM with a Premium Number and 10GB monthly bonus data for six months. Customers will also enjoy benefits worth up to ₦1 million, including access to Samsung Care+ and flexible payment options.

Samsung’s Product Manager for EIP & MNOs, Solomon Osibeluwo, expressed gratitude to Globacom for its unwavering trust and support in bringing cutting-edge technology directly to subscribers.

Osibeluwo highlighted that the new series features Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processing, enhanced Galaxy AI tools, a slim passport-inspired design, and an anti-reflective display for seamless multitasking and outdoors viewing.

Gloworld Director Mohamed Rabie noted that the launch marks another key milestone, pairing Samsung’s AI-driven technology with Glo’s reliable network to empower customers to work and create smarter.

Rabie announced that pre-orders for both devices are officially open at all Gloworld outlets from July 22 to August 20, granting early access to the flagship foldables.

The Masterclass concluded with live demonstrations, allowing media, tech enthusiasts, and partners to experience the flagship devices firsthand while reaffirming both brands’ commitment to local innovation.

The Ogun State Police Command has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of at least five students during an attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel serving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA) in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State.

The attack occurred at about 8pm on Wednesday when the armed men stormed a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara, a community adjoining the institution, firing gunshots and whisking away several occupants after an operation that reportedly lasted about 30 minutes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the command immediately activated a joint security response after receiving a distress call.

According to him, tactical police teams, intelligence assets and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to secure the victims’ release and arrest those responsible.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

“Immediately the distress report was received, the Police and other security agencies activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area. Rescue operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible,” Babaseyi said.

The police spokesman appealed to parents, students and residents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining the ongoing operation.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line (0800 000 9111) or the command’s emergency numbers.

Although the police said investigations were ongoing to verify the exact number of victims, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the attacked hostel as being in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, making it vulnerable to criminal attacks.

The union said the assailants struck at about 7:45pm, firing several gunshots during the invasion. While some students escaped through the hostel’s POP ceiling, others were unable to flee before the attackers whisked them away.

It added that no life was lost during the incident and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

The student leaders also urged students, parents and members of the public to disregard false and exaggerated reports circulating on social media, insisting that misinformation would only create unnecessary panic within the academic community.

Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic suspended all examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice to students, the institution announced the cancellation of Thursday’s examinations while retaining Friday’s examinations as scheduled, subject to further review.

“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled. However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly,” the notice stated.