The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Destination

  • ‘Why Lekki-Epe axis remains destination of choice’

    Investments along the Lekki-Epe corridor will remain high, given that the axis remains the country’s hub for real estate investment. This is so,  given that the corridor will soon be home to the biggest port and biggest refinery in the country; as well as one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly airports in Africa. In addition, the zone is home to a free trade zone, which is already oversubscribed by future-oriented local and global businesses. This explains why savvy developers are heading in that direction to provide the requisite housing required.

    The Managing Director,  Propertymart Real Estate Investment Limited,  Mr. Deji Fasuwon, said  the peculiar location of the axis has led to the concerted efforts by the state government to provide road infrastructure around the corridor, especially because it is given that it is already a high traffic route, with a significant economic benefit and potential to attrat more people. He was quick to add that when all the infrastructure is done, the missing link will be affordable housing for those who will work around this new economic hub.

    Fasuwon said  given the Lekki corridor as the fastest growing in West Africa, his firm believed that  creating a business corridor where everyone is welcome, there is need to critically look at affordable and decent housing on the corridor. He argued that Propertymart’s entry into the Lekki corridor is a catalyst to the creation of inclusive development for people across all strata, that would take advantage of the economic boom being expected in the axis..

    Propertymart, he further revealed, is aggressively developing the Fairmont Estate on the Sangotedo axis of Lekki by offering affordable land for sale. This comes with an innovative and accessible payment structure for the young and upwardly mobile, who are desirous of good and affordable value on the Lekki corridor, but who do not have the ability to pay the cut-throat prices of land.

    To achieve this, Propertymart, Fasuwon further disclosed, has launched a social enterprise strategy, tagged: “Housing Revolution”, an initiative that will intensify the strategy with the Fairmont land sale.

    “The need to encourage more persons to acquire their own properties at an affordable price under a flexible arrangement, a key-thrust of the Housing Revolution, which the company is championing, is the reason for the Fairmont land sale deal. With this deal, subscribers will be able to save over N4 million and pay over a five-year period for premium land asset, which is being delivered at an amazingly affordable price,” Fasuwon said.

    The thrust of the “Housing Revolution”, he said, is hinged on three critical things. They include the provision of needed infrastructure such as roads, walk-ways, recreational facilities and security in order to have a serene living community with space and splendor. Also is the availability of premium land and housing to the average middle-class Nigerian, hence the introduction of the convenient payment option with five-year tenor.

    Another consideration is affordability – through creating unique products, which are not priced out of the reach of working class Nigerians. “If you look at the Lekki corridor, which is dubbed the new Lagos because of the Free Trade Zone, Sea Port, the Airport, the Dangote Refinery and other big-ticket projects coming there, and the fact that everything on the Mainland and Island is moving there now, it is just wise that people should take advantage of the Fairmont land sale promo.

    “With the Fairmont land-sale in Lekki, Propertymart is steadily reversing the country’s housing deficit, especially in an area most Nigerians believed is out of their reach,” Fasuwon explained.

    Beyond the issue of access and affordability, the firm is also pushing for safety, security and style as advantages of the Fairmont Lekki offer, given the fact that the land is being offered not only at an unbeatable price, the estate will have wide paved roads, play-areas, large walkways and recreational facilities with a guarantee of constant electricity.

  • ‘Making 1st Class in History is not my destination’

    His aim was to get a degree in History but Ozibo Ozibo, 29, ended up setting a record by becoming the first to make a first class in History in the 69-year-old University of Ibadan (UI). In this encounter with Bisi Oladele, Ozibo tells his story.

    Ozibo Ozibo was perhaps the most unique graduate at the 2015/16 convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan on Monday. He made a first class grade in History, the first to attain the feat in the varsity’s 69-year history.

    With an average size, soft-spoken and a cool mien, Ozibo could be easily disparaged among intellectuals. But steel determination and power of focus have placed his feet on the ladder of academic greatness. He was writing his final-year project for a B. A. degree in Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), when he ran into trouble with his supervisor. He left the institution out of frustration. Then he chose to start afresh but in a different field – History – at the University of Ibadan.

    After starting the new programme, Ozibo said he was invited to come and complete his project at Nsukka. He ended up with a Second Class Upper Division in Mass Communication. Thereafter, he focused on the study of History in which he ended up with a new record.

    The second child in a family of six, Ozibo described his growing up as challenging but thanked his parents for instilling discipline in them. He lost his father in year 2000. His late father was a petty trader like his mum.

    “Before he died, he always emphasized the importance of education,” he said.

    The 29-year-old Ebonyi State-born Ozibo told The Nation that his background in Mass Communication and access to resources on the internet helped him to set a new record in the premier university, just as he expressed his deep love for journalism.

    Excerpts

    How would you describe your foray into the world of History?

    My journey into the world of History started in 2013 when I left UNN where I was a final year undergraduate student of Mass Communication. As a result of minor differences with my project supervisor then, I left in frustration. Then, I came here to start History because of my love for History. While I was already here, my department at Nsukka considered my case, saw the merit in it and recalled me. I went there and completed my B. A. Mass Communication programme. That’s why I now have two bachelor’s degrees.

    From Mass Communication, what brought your into History?

    Like I told you, I like journalism, history and law in that order. So, it won’t be accidental if I obtain another degree in law in the future.

    Did you set the goal of making First Class grade when you started the History degree?

    When I came here initially, I did not think of setting or breaking any record. I was not even aware of any unbroken record. My aim was to get a degree. It was during my studies here that I learnt that nobody has ever made First Class in the department. Actually, I like working hard because I believe that nothing pays more than hard work. Added to this is the fact that I was already a mature student when I came to the University of Ibadan (UI). In my first year, I posted 6.7 in my CGPA. And I tried to maintain it. Though I dropped some points along the way, I thank God that I made it at last.

    How did you do it in a humanity course like History?

    I agree that History is a subjective course. It can even depend on the mood of the marker. But I must say that the internet and the social media helped a lot. I also read books. Something like European History has copious materials on the internet. It takes you to get the materials, synergize them and introduce elements of analysis. Ibadan School of History emphasizes analytical history above narrative history. That analysis is the beauty of history. For instance, everybody knows that Nigeria gained independence in 1960. That is narrative. But when you look into why Nigeria got independence; that is an analysis. But in analysis, our opinions differ. Analysis is the strength of historical study.

    How do you feel being the first person to make First Class in the history in your department?

    It is not an end, not a destination. There is nothing so special about it. Let it just be an inspiration to upcoming historians.

    What inspires you in course?

    Though History is not lucrative, but it is enjoyable. It is broad like literature. It makes you know your past, where rain started beating you, as Chinua Achebe put it. Knowledge of our past helps to guide us into the future. That continues to inspire me in the course.

    What’s your next step?

    I want to be an academic or a journalist – whichever comes first. Even if I become an academic, I see myself as a columnist in the future. I have published some articles. They are available on the internet.

    How did you manage to see yourself through two degrees financially?

    It was tough but I kept going on. My mother and siblings have always supported me. We encourage one another and God has been on our side.

    What motivates you in life?

    I like writing, listening to music and news. I like reading and politics.

    Do you see yourself setting another record in the future?

    Everything is in the hands of God. If God makes it possible, I will cherish it.

  • ‘Aba the next global destination’

    ‘Aba the next global destination’

    His going to China was not a feel-good, sightseeing trip; it was to turn the world’s gaze on the state and the products it churns out. That was the information journalists got upon Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s return from China.

    Speaking with newsmen on the trip, Ikpeazu said the buy made in Aba campaign has been taken several notches higher. He said soon producers in the state’s commercial hub will attract buyers from all over the world and will create more job opportunities.

    Ikpeazu said that while in China he visited a shoe factory whose owner was willing to come to Aba to establish a factory where the people will work and learn the modern ways of producing shoes faster and in larger quantities in a short time.

    The governor said that 200 people from the state will be taken to China to learn shoemaking, and then supervise those who will be employed to work in the factory as the Chinese would not bring in labour from their country.

    He explained that the arrival of the Chinese will not be the end of shoe makers in Aba as they will exist side by side with the factory as every business has its target market, “So there should be no fear for our people”.

    Ikpeazu said, “We want to attract economic activities into the state and turn it into a place where people could come into a conducive environment to produce their products and sale, the era of made in Aba products has gone to the next level of come to Aba and produce”.

    He said that the owner of the shoe factory in China has a franchise to sell and produce shoes for American market and he has not been able to make up the 2% required by his customers.

    The governor said that the factory when established will cost the owner the sum of $1.5 million, “It is expected that 65% of the shoes that will be produced will be for export as he has been struggling to meet up his 2% demand in America”.

    Ikpeazu said, “The establishment of the Chinese shoe factory in Aba will even make shoemaking easier and faster for our people this is because if a customer comes to them with a design they would just take it there while the customer is waiting and have the shoes despite the quantity produced within hours”.

    The governor who recalled a theory propounded by one of his aides, Sam Hart that when Nigerian breweries arrived the country in the 60s that palm wine tappers felt threatened that they may go into extinction which is not the case today as they exist side by side, “So it will be the same case with the Chinese shoe factory and our own shoe makers”.

    He said that during the visit to China that he and his team also visited a company that produces machines for shoe making and government is ready to acquire some of the machines for its own shoe production line.

    Ikpeazu said, “We want to turn our state into a place where people would come and establish their production businesses while their customers will come and buy, thereby making our people not only busy also increase our revenue base. This is the reason behind our rebuilding infrastructure in our state such as roads, hospitals and schools so that when these people come everything would be in place, while moving around will not be difficult; we want to ensure that things are made here”.

    He said that government has established Abia State Industrial Development Strategy where large parcels of land have been acquired in all the three senatorial districts across the state.

    Ikpeazu said that such acquired parcels of land are backed up with certificate of occupancy (C of O) with the necessary infrastructure in place so that any organisation that wants to operate in the state will have a place to start from.

    He told newsmen that some of his visits abroad have started yielding fruit, adding that, while in Turkey, he paid a counterpart fund of just $25,000 which has brought in a container of goods worth well over $400,000.

    The governor said, “Another container with health equipment worth over $2 million which we paid another $25,000 we are ready to go to any length to ensure that our people get the best so long as the funds are within our reach”.

  • Lagos’ fifth top destination of Fortune 500 companies

    Lagos is the fifth leading destination of Fortune 500 companies within the Middle East and Africa (MEA), a new report  by Infomineo, a global business research company specialising in the region, has said.

    Nigeria’s   commercial   nerve   centre   was   ahead   of   Cairo,   but   queues   behind   Dubai,     Johannesburg, Casablanca and Nairobi. Casablanca and Nairobi rank as leading destinations for Fortune 500 companies establishing international headquarters, the report said.

    The report said overall, there was a 17 per cent increase in the number of Fortune 500 companies   in   MEA  in   2016   compared   to   2015,   with   Johannesburg   being   the   leading destination for Africa Egypt remains behind the leaders due to political instability. However, it has seen a 250 percent increase in Fortune 500 investment since 2015, the report said. Germany and France are leading in terms of coverage rate while China has the lowest presence in the region.

    The MEA region has become increasingly important for the majority of global Fortune 500 companies. The report focuses on multinationals looking at entering, or already present, in the MEA region.

    The Infomineo analysis includes the regional footprint of multinationals in the MEA region, the most commonly chosen cities, and the factors which influence the selection of a region, country and city – each element revealing the dynamic growth patterns within the region and a clear trend of Fortune 500 companies establishing presence in MEA.

    Last year, 196 Fortune 500 companies had established a dedicated regional headquarters in the MEA  region. In the Middle-East, Dubai is the most  popular choice with  138 companies   establishing a dedicated entity in the city.

    There has also been a marked uptick in companies deciding to cover MEA from outside of the region – 38 companies up from 22 have established a regional headquarters in areas such as London, Brussels and Paris.

    Industry type plays a pivotal role in the selection of city and country. Financial services are  more likely to base  MEA coverage from London, while technology companies are  more inclined towards Casablanca or Lagos.

    The   latter   city   is   also   the   premier   location   for   organisations   looking   to   manage   their operations across Western Africa with 12 Fortune 500 companies already established in the city.

  • Lagos is the next destination for sports in Africa – Ambode

    Lagos is the next destination for sports in Africa – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said the numerous world class sporting events taking place in Lagos has clearly showcased the state as the next destination for sports in Africa.

    Speaking to reporters at the opening ceremony of the 6th Edition of Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament held at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, Lagos, Governor Ambode said being a sports lover , the state government would continue to use sports and entertainment to promote tourism and showcase the excellence which it is known for.

    While alluding to the African Nation’s Cup Beach Soccer Tournament holding in Lagos from  December 13th, Governor Ambode said his administration would continue to support sports to positively engage the youths.

    He said: “I must say I am very excited to be here to attend the 6th edition of the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament. Sports is very important in Lagos and sports, entertainment and all that can also promote tourism in Lagos and that was why we decided to support this.

    “In another few days, Lagos will be hosting the Nation’s Cup Beach Soccer Tournament and I think Lagos is just the next destination for Sports in Africa. I love sports and Lagos has to love sports. That’s the way it’s going to go,” he said.

    At the opening ceremony, there were matches between Enyimba FC and Pespi Academy which ended 6-5 in favour of Enyimba; and celebrity match between Team D Banj and Team Ikpeba.

  • Motherland Beckons takes on Destination Akosombo

    MOTHERLAND Beckons has continued to build on its Continent Building Project as it has extended its influence in promoting and marketing the African continent to Ghana, specifically the northern district of the West African country. It has picked the famed Akosombo town as the next destination to be exposed to the world.

    To this end, an all inclusive promotional tour package labelled Destination Akosombo Ghana (DAG) has been designed to draw traffic to this sleepy but richly endowed community in the south of Asuogyamna District in the Eastern Region of the country.

    In a bid to entrench the new-found love for destination Ghana by exposing business travellers and tourists to other equally enriching and attractive regions of the country, the Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, William Azumah Awinador Kanyirige, approached the founder of Motherland Beckons, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, seeking the deployment of his expertise and platform.

    Besides holding discussions, the envoy and over five of his aides hosted Akinboboye and his team on tour of the various districts of the country, at the end of which Akosombo was chosen as the next destination to be promoted given its enduring and rich history, development, business opportunities and tourist attractions.

    Motherland Beckons, which has the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as grand patron, is designed primarily to serve as a link between the people of African descent in The Diaspora and Africa, their ancestral root. Over the years, it has succeeded in bringing thousands of the over 700 million people of African descent in The Diaspora to the continent through tours across the various countries and business investments besides various profitable and adventurous engagements.

    Destination Akosombo Ghana is geared towards meeting the expectations by encouraging and creating a platform for Nigerians in particular and other Africans on the continent and in The Diaspora to travel to Ghana to explore its rich history, culture, tourism, businesses and people, among others.

    To launch, a comprehensive tour package has been put together for October 22 with the following activities: Kamp Africa, a camp for children aged 5-17. The essence  of the camp is to inculcate African cultures, values and norms in children in an Africa-themed eco-friendly environment. Activities at the camp would include learning how to prepare African cuisine, tying head gear (gele), playing simple African instruments, African dance, experience simulated African wedding and naming ceremony, and tales by moonlight every night around the bonfire.

  • ‘Nigeria loses billions of dollars to destination brands’

    Indication has emerged that  Nigeria loses billions of dollars in the tourism and hospitality sector due to failure to refresh the brand equity of tourist destinations, heritage sites and monuments across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Nanet Hotels Limited Managing Director Ini Akpabio said this at a briefing in Abuja.

    He said Nigeria had over 1,000 tourist destinations, including 33 museums, and 65 national monuments  of which two were declared World Heritage Sites. They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Osogbo Groove in Osun State.

    Akpabio added that the Abuja Carnival and Argungun Fishing Festival attract no fewer than 1,000 international tourists and over 100,000 domestic tourists. When the tourists board flights, book hotels, eat and pay for other leisure associated with the festival, Nigeria stands to rake in billions of naira.

    According to him, Nigeria loses billions of naira in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi; Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River; Sukur World Heritage Site, Adamawa; Tinapa Resort Centre, Cross River; Chad Basin National Park, Born, among others.

    He said this monumental loss was due to infrastructure decay, absence of facilities, insecurity, poor policies, lack of a national carrier, poor management and insurgency.

    Akpabio said the challenges of lack of capital, poor government support, poor infrastructure, political instability and natural calamities hinder the growth and development of the sector.

    He said there was a need to improve social services, such as providing more sporting and recreational facilities, man-made tourism centres, promoting architectural, religious and educational tourism while re-jigging and improving the health care system for medical tourism. He was happy to note that Lagos State was creating a Healthcare City.

    Akpabio said low level of technology, destruction of wildlife, poor road networks, poor funding and lack of basic amenities had also been a challenge to domestic tourism development.

    He, therefore, urged ministries, departments, agencies and the private sector to work with the tourism and hospitality experts for the nation to access the huge benefits that abound in the sector.

  • Ize-Iyamu promises to make Agenebode tourist destination

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has promised to make Agenebode a tourist destination, if elected governor in September.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu stated that at community such as Agenebode, which is situated at the bank of the River Niger, ought to be a tourist centre and a rich commercial hub.

    He spoke when he took his campaign to Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area.

    Ize-Iyamu noted that it was wicked for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole not to make use of the agricultural potentials and the mineral resources in the locality to develop it and create employment.

    He lamented the absence of a functional health facility in the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and added that the only tertiary institution in Agenebode, the College of Agriculture, Agenebode, has been neglected.

    Ize-Iyamu told a mammoth crowd that the state government has not developed the college in the last eight years.

    He promised to treat every community equally, if elected into office and assured that he would create a scheme that will tap the rich human and natural resources in the area, so as to make their women and youths exploit and explore their proximity to the River Niger.

    State PDP chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, told the people that only Oshiomhole’s Iyamho community was the sole beneficiary of virtually all the projects undertaken in Edo North area by the state government.

    Defectors from the APC, led by a former APC Ward 2 chairman, Mr John Odidi, were received into the PDP.

  • Airports as tool in destination branding

    Airports as tool in destination branding

    Airports play significant roles in destination branding; but strangely, some countries still do not see any reason to invest in building a befitting airport. Experts highlight how airport branding can drive investment into the country, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

    The brand experience of a destination is like the first impression one gets of a person. The English man says it is the real impression; it lasts forever.

    In mo st cases, the experience one gets from a destination makes one to form an opinion about the brand. For a reporter who was a first-time visitor to South Africa to watch the final match of the last Orange African Cup of Nations at the Calabash Stadium, between the Super Eagles and the Chipolopolo of Zambia, the brand experience of the former apartheid enclave came on his arrival at the O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.

    The airport presents visitors with a cherished consumer experience, such as convenience and hospitality. Beginning from the airport, ranked as third in Africa and 28th globally by Skytrax, a United Kingdom-based firm specialising in airline and airport research, everything appeared in order.

    As the plane landed, passing through the Avio Bridge, which leads visitors to the arrival lounge, the adverts adorning the airport walls confirmed why South Africa is leading other African countries in the chase for Cannes Lions, the global advert festivals where the world best adverts are showcased and picked.

    The conduct of the airport officials, spectacular billboards, wall and pillar wraps, airport bus transport, among electrifying indoor boardings, all provided an ambience for brand promotion.

    The quick conveyance of luggage and a fast-tracked immigration counter cut short the amazing experience and sight at the airport. The O.R Tambo Airport is not the best in South Africa. It trails South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport and Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

    The allure of modern technology in O.R Tambo reflects monster media digital platforms, baggage carousel wraps, mobile media, the Digital Passenger Assistance Service Systems (DPASS) and massive light emission diode (LED) screens enhance traveller’s experience. But most travellers passing through major airports in Nigeria on their way to watch the final match wrote them off. The airports they argued, seem not to reflect the multi-billion naira wasted in rebranding the facilities.

    The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, like others, has remained a sour point in Nigeria’s destination branding project. From the hassles of travelling through the dilapidated roads to the MMIA, the heat at the departure lounge, the long queues at the immigration points, all the way to the waiting lounge, it’s all about unpalatable experience. A report by Cable News Network (CNN) rating some Nigerian airports rated MMIA as one of the world’s worsts.

    While the airports of countries such as France leave travellers with memories of its Eiffel Tower, New York for its Statue of Liberty, Singapore for its cleanliness, and Malaysia for the Petronas Twin Towers, Nigeria’s touch point remains an issue brand experts are yet to fully come to terms with.

    Mrs. Funmilola Ashaye, a Void and Allocation Officer at Genesis HA, a United Kingdom-based company, will not forget in a hurry her experience when she came home for the Easter. She was apalled that eight years after she left the country, the MMIA remained in bad shape, even worst than she left it.

    She said she has been seeing some pictures and videos of the airports on social media but felt it was mere marketing stunts of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    “I could see that the ambience is fast changing and it will look better when the current facelift is completed. I think it’s more amazing now. The lounge is looking world class now,” she said.

    Underscoring the importance of airports in nation rebranding campaigns, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DDB Lagos, Mr. Ikechi Odigbo said the airport is the first touch point to position Nigeria as a brand. “It’s the very first touch point to brand Nigeria at the international market place. Whatever brand message you want to pass across to a first time visitor starts from your airport. Although, it goes beyond the rebuilding but the maintenance must be robust so that visitors can experience convenience,” he said.

    The Chief Executive Director of Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa said airports say a lot about a country. The environments have a way of positioning a nation as a brand seeking good perception.

    “It’s a perception thing. Investing in the airport is a worthwhile venture. To a first-time visitor, it speaks volumes about the government,” he said.

    He said a good airport makes visitors see the country as a good investment destination and a good destination for brands.

    With a recent score card on MMIA by the United States Transportation Security Administration (USTSA) over its compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Standard and Recommended Practices, the General Manager, Communication of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the efforts is aimed at improving the touch points and bringing them to compete with others not only in Africa but across the globe.

    According to him, recent figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attest to the fact that Nigeria has grown appreciably in recent years; from 13,891,677 passengers in 2010 to 14,899,958 passengers lifted in 2013.

    ”Surely this growth is the outcome of deliberate strategic transformation by the government in the sector and indeed, a key performance indicator that the reforms are yielding positive outcomes,” he said.

    On the perception of the airports by tourists, he said people’s perception cannot be easily changed through talking until people go see and have a feel of the new change.

    However, Adisa, said the effort to remodel and rebrand the airports is a step in the right direction. He added that the culture of maintenance must be imbibed so that the facilities do no slip back to rot years after the completion of the remodeling.

    “An airport experience for travelers should exhibit convenience. The rebuilding will open up the country. A lot of travelers under this new rebuilding will be able to take direct flight to their destination rather than having to come to Lagos from U.S and still take another flight to another state,” Adisa said.

  • Destination X

    Robert woke up one morning feeling excited. He sang to himself as he walked from one end of the room to another, dressing up for his big day. He had been unemployed for five years, but his luck was about to change. He looked at the mirror and smiled with satisfaction, locked the door of his tiny room, and headed out of the overcrowded compound. On his way out, he met Tina. “Wow, you seem quite motivated today, Robert.” “Morning Tina,” he replied, “Today is my big day.” “A job interview or something?” she asked. “Not quite. I simply have this deep feeling that something great is coming my way today, so I’m going out to find it.” “That’s good. So, where exactly are you going?” She asked. “I don’t know yet,” he answered, “but I think I will start from Victoria Island. There are very big businesses there. You know, New Year comes with new opportunities.” “VI is a pretty big place. Don’t you have a list of the companies you wish you visit?” Tina was concerned. “Nope! That will limit my scope. I need to keep my options open for my big break. Don’t worry, there is someone waiting somewhere to give me that million dollar job. I can feel it in my bones.” With that, Robert left.

    After several hours of wandering around some business streets in Victoria Island, Robert saw a black Mercedes Benz SUV about to drive into a big office complex. He rushed towards it and pleaded for the attention of the occupant. Against the better judgment of the security personnel, the middle-aged man stepped of the vehicle to find out what Robert wanted. Robert explained to him how desperately he needed a job. The man asked him what he could do and Robert said he could do anything. Shocked because anything actually means nothing, the man asked him the course he studied in school and he said Biochemistry. “Do you know what we do here?” The man asked, “This is an auditing firm!” “Well,” said Robert, “I can do that too.” “What did you do with your time for five years, while searching for a job?” The man wanted to know. “Nothing sir. I decided not to get actively engaged in anything because my dream job may show up at any time. I had to be focused. I also couldn’t settle for a mediocre job for the same reason. Once I get my big break, the five years will be worth the wait.” The man looked at Robert pitifully and said, “When you know what you want to do with your life and you have developed your capacity in that direction, I may have a few suggestions for you.” Robert stood gaping and emotionally deflated, as he watched the man walk into the building.

    What do you think about Robert and his adventure? I can imagine someone saying, “It is not fair that he didn’t get a job, after all he was so optimistic.” Someone else may say, “God save us from rich people who are unwilling to help.” Ok, let me show you a few things he did wrong that justified his fruitless effort.

    • Optimism without direction: while it is a great thing to have a positive disposition towards life, you must have a direction for your life. A lot of people are excited about a new day, month or year without really having a plan. They are certain something great would happen, but they don’t have goals to reach for. Robert, in the story above, was heading for “destination X,” which simply means “no destination,” because he had no specific goal. Take a pen right now and list what you hope to achieve this year. Zig ziglar said that without fail, those who don’t take the first step will never take the next step. So, go ahead and list your goals for the year.
    • Lack of vision: Robert neither knew the exact kind of opportunity he wanted nor where to find it. According to Dr. David Oyedepo, if you don’t know where you are going, everywhere will look like it. Stop making efforts without a mental picture of what you want to achieve.
    • Big break mentality: the problem with “big breaks” is that many people wait without doing anything. Your big opportunity will come, but it must meet you prepared. “It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared,” says Les Brown.
    • Disrespect for small beginnings: Robert felt he deserved more than the little opportunities around him, so he waited for the big one. What most people don’t realise is that those small opportunities in life help to prepare them for greater ones. If you refuse to handle small projects because you think they are beneath you, how will you acquire the necessary skill and experience to handle the big ones? Learn to have respect for every opportunity.