The Nation Newspaper

Tag: success

  • Sweet-sour success

    Sweet-sour success

    While the Super Falcons, Nigeria women’s national football team deserve congratulations for winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco for a record 10th time, on July 26, their historic triumph was dampened by the controversy that followed the Federal Government’s cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each player. They were also given apartments and national honours.  

    Amid the controversy, some retired soldiers criticised the cash reward in interviews with Saturday PUNCH.  One of them who retired as a Corporal in 2024, Lukmon Aderibigbe, narrated how his colleague had sustained a gunshot injury during a military operation against Boko Haram in 2013.  According to him, his wounded friend was referred to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, for treatment, where he was told that the National Health Insurance Scheme did not cover gunshot wounds. As a result, the wounded soldier had to pay for his treatment.

    Aderibigbe said: “The situation worsened when his salary was stopped after he was ordered to return to his unit in Borno State (Monguno), even though his injury had not fully healed. All efforts to convince his commanding officer of his condition failed.

    Read Also: ‘Nigeria’s N38.3tr assets under audit’

    “Tragically, he was later killed during an attack on his unit by Boko Haram in 2014. He couldn’t escape because of his injury. What kind of country do we serve, where a soldier who sacrifices everything is treated this way?”

    In a similar case, Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, who retired as a Lance Corporal, said: “I was wounded at Kamuya by a suicide bomber while on advance with the 27 Task Force Brigade on April 27, 2017.

    “They (government) gave me nothing. I was even spending my money while recuperating. It was one of the reasons I left the military, because I felt our sacrifices were not valued, neither were our efforts applauded.”

    These accounts, among others, were given as counterpoints to the government’s perceived lavish generosity to the victorious female footballers. They do not present the Nigerian military in a good light.  

     If retired soldiers could paint such pictures about the country’s army and, by extension, the government, it is food for thought. Importantly, are these narratives true? Did the army treat the soldiers in the stories as described?

    It is indeed ironic that otherwise positive news about the Super Falcons’ cash reward generated bad and ugly stories in certain quarters.

  • Success isn’t money to me, says Davido

    Success isn’t money to me, says Davido

    Afrobeats maestro, David Adeleke aka Davido has offered a personal definition of success, stating it has nothing to do with money.

    He noted that money doesn’t equate to success, noting that the latter was basically about the transformation of lives around one’s community.

    He said: “Success to me is not money. To me, it’s the organisations and the lives you change around the community. That is success to me.”

    In a bid to provide more insight into his point of view, the “Timeless” crooner tried to give life to his imagination with spoken words.

    Read Also: I can never split bills with hubby, Chizzy Alichi rebuffs Kiekie

    He explained: “I want to be able to sit down when I’m like 40, 50 and maybe just be on my balcony.

    “I always envision it in my head and speak it into existence. Just like I told you I was going to blow up.

    “So, I’m going to have big estates and I can just see me wearing a nice Versace robe, you know. Maybe my cognac and my cup and me just walking to the balcony and looking down.

    “So when I look down, it’s enguarded with all my wife, friends, kids; the staff. Like just having a party and everybody is successful in their own way. Knowing that all this came from a dream of me just wanting to do music. So, that’s like….I always have that vision.”

  • Success in logistics business

    The founder, Graced Holidays and Logistics, Diana Ekpenyong, is bringing the much needed delivery service to businesses and consumer community, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Ten years ago, logistics industry was associated with heavy lifting work. With automation and technology on the rise, logistics business is no more about physical work anymore. This has  made it possible for more women to go into the business. Diana Ekpenyong is a Nigerian logistics entrepreneur providing customers with a new approach to delivery services. She established Graced Holidays and Logistics to provide flight tickets, visa processing, tours, honeymoon packages, charter services, event logistics and courier. It started in 2017 while the logistics aspect took off in March this year.

    Her experience in the travel industry and forward thinking skill is what propelled her towards starting the business.

    She said: “Travel and logistics is  interesting and it is aligned with what I knew I could see myself doing for some time. I would say you should be your own critic. Looking back, I’m glad I killed other ideas early and quickly gave it the time to evolve and develop to the great idea it was, and still is.”

    Working in the logistics industry for her was a really formative experience.

    “I started with zero naira, I used what I had. My mobile phone was and still is my office,”  she said, adding that she then started accepting small parcels. Now she is delivering consignments for big companies with three workers on her pay roll.

    Her dream is to become one of the biggest names in the domestic air express service space. Right now things are looking exciting.

    She believes women are hardworking, committed and capable of doing any job whether it demands physical, intellectual or emotional strength.

    She said women who join the  logistics industry need to know that  it  is  a  service  industry  and  need to have good  verbal  and  written communication skills, knowledge of logistics processes and procedures, focus on customer service and orientation, have a sharp business acumen along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

    She said she measures customer satisfaction to assess her own performance. “My most satisfying moment is seeing satisfied customers repeat business with us. I am extremely proud that I took this bold step. Our client base is increasing and we are seeing both new and repeat businesses. I must say I am happy with every little growth we have witnessed but I am not resting on my oars.”

    The business is fun and she doesn’t need anything more than that to feel relaxed and happy. She is adapting to the changing times and exploring new options to stay afloat.

    For her, logistics today in Nigeria is one of the most important and relevant sectors of the economy. To  attract  the  women  in  this  industry,  it  is  imperative to educate  them of the opportunities available and what this industry has to offer.

    This vision drives her to stick to the logistics industry.

    She has made sacrifices to be a successful entrepreneur. Her words: “I work round the clock now. As the Chief Servant Officer of Graced Holidays and Logistics Ltd, I am always on my toes to make sure jobs are delivered promptly so I do not have “me” time. “

    She is convinced there are fascinating possibilities, something new to learn, some new goal to be accomplished.

    She said: “I hope to have advanced as much as possible, I’d like to find myself in a position to mentor others in the field, putting my experience to use in ways that can help others achieve what I’ve attained. I also see Graced Holidays and Logistics Limited become a preferred service provider in the Travel and Logistics Industry.”

    Her advice for young entrepreneurs. “I’ll tell young entrepreneurs not to be afraid. Start on something and overcome the obstacles. I started a couple of businesses that failed in the past. Most failed to even make a profit but from each failure I learned something that could be used on the next and it even made the next time easier both in finding ideas and executing them. Don’t fear failure, fear being mediocre that’s way worse”.

  • Sport promotes peace, success, says proprietor

    Proprietress, Roshallom Nursery and Primary School, Egbeda, Mrs Roseline Owoniyi, has implored parents and other stakeholders to encourage their wards participate in sporting activities.

    Speaking at the presentation of awards for the fourth Lagos Inter-Schools Athletics Championship, Owoniyi said sports was vital for psychomotor as well as social development.

    “Sports and games which are the aspects of psychomotor of domains of learning are receiving attention, both at the grassroots and the national levels. Sports and games can be seen as catalysts of peace and success in a nation.

    “Sport is a tool for building healthier lives. It also helps to eradicate poverty. It is a weapon for participating in global markets, promoting healthy political competition at all levels. Sports enhance good and healthy living. The spirit of understanding helps to bind friendship between nations and people. This should be pursued relentlessly by parents, schools and government in regulating sports and other related schemes to prepare, build and encourage our children,” she said.

    Roshallom was the defending champions for the competition organised by both Wonderland Sports and Phidel Schools. The school was presented with the tournament trophy for winning 18 gold, five silver and eight bronze medals.

    Chief Executive Officer, Wonderland Sports, Mr Adeyemo Tayo, underscored the need of parental support in sports.

    “I want to appreciate our children. These children are sacrificing a lot. They are so strong and determined to achieve something for the school and themselves. They represented the school very well. We organised school sports for private schools only. Your school has been so exceptional,” he said. End

  • Success’ videotape: Lady to receive N500, 000 car gift

    Stephanie Idolor, the lady who videotaped Success, an angry school pupil sent home over school non- payment of fees, is to receive N500,000.

    Popular comedian, Mc Jollof, recently took to his Instagram page with a video in which he revealed that the Delta state deputy speaker, Hon. Friday Osanebi, has requested for Idolor’s account number to credit her with a sum of N500, 000.

    Similarly, the principal secretary to the governor of Delta state, Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, has made the promise of a car to Idolor.

    Ibegbulem said that she was the real hero and not the little school girl.

    Her public outcry has also attracted the attention of Daddy Showkey who stated that she is the real hero and transferred a sum of N100, 000 to her bank account.

    Daddy Showkey shared a video and wrote:

    “Without you this Success story will not be, So my dear @stephanie_idolor pls don’t regret anything, the truth is that you are an Angel and for me you are the true hero, pls send me your account.”

    Idolor took to social media just recently to demand compensation from the family after several Nigerians reacted positively to the sensational video which had now gone viral.

    According to her, if she had not recorded and posted the video on social media, the family would not be enjoying all the financial assistance and gifts they are now getting.

    Social media was buzzing some days ago when a video of a young primary school girl identified as Success, surfaced online.

    In the video, Success was angry after being sent away from school for owing school fees.

    The video clip, which had become an instant sensation in the online community, had attracted the attention of celebrities and some well-meaning citizens.

    Toke Makinwa, AY Makun , Wale Gates and a host of others were among those who had reacted to the young girl’s plight and offered to do their bit in addressing the issue (NAN)

  • Mr Jollof, AY, vow to sponsor education of little girl sent home from school for non-payment of fees

    A YOUNG school girl in Warri, Delta state, Success, has gained the attention of Nigerians after she was spotted being outspoken about how she was beaten up by her teachers for her parent’s inability to pay her school fees

    The little girl had been sent home from school for not paying her school fees and she complained about the punishment. Success even revealed that she would rather be flogged than being sent home.

    Since the video went viral on Instagram, a number of Nigerians have reacted in various ways. Many people found the girl’s action funny while others were saddened that she would be denied an education over her parent’s inability to pay her fees.

    Instagram comedian and politician, Mr Jollof, took it a notch higher by promising to grant Success scholarship to her university level.

    “Please who can locate this child for me ? I will give her scholarship till she graduates from university Please anyone with useful information should contact me THANK YOU”

    Another comedian, Ayo Makun, who had successfully reached the child revealed that she reminded him of another young boy, Taju, whose life improved after Nigerian celebs came to his aid.

    He also advised Nigerians to help little kids around them that are in similar situations

  • Celebrities sets to fund girl sent home for non-payment of school fees

    Comedian, Ayo Makun a.k.a AY, has launched an appeal fund for a little girl sent away from school in Delta State over her parents’ inability to pay her fees.

    The little girl identified as Success, became an internet sensation on Wednesday after a video of her reacting angrily to her ordeal went viral on social media.

    In the video recorded by a neighbour, the young girl said she would rather be flogged for non-payment of school fees rather than sent away from school.

    Her story went viral with AY and other celebrities requesting for information on how to locate her.

    Also, Instagram comedian and politician, Mr Jollof, moved by the viral video called out on any Nigerian who knew her whereabouts’, promising to grant Success scholarship up to university level.

    He wrote: “Please who can locate this child for me? I will give her scholarship till she graduates from university.

    ‘’ Please anyone with useful information should contact me, THANK YOU” He wrote.

    AY, who had successfully reached the child revealed that she reminded him of another young boy, Taju, whose life improved after Nigerian celebrities came to his aid.

    He also advised Nigerians to help little kids around them that are in similar situations.

    Other Nigerian celebrities who were also moved by Success’s story took to social media to react.

    READ ALSO: RONKE ODUSANYA: Our prime purpose in life as helpers

    Toke Makinwa took to her Instagram page to explain that no child should be put under such pressure.

    She wrote ‘I am so sick to my stomach watching this. No child should be put under pressure; no child should be humiliated and made to suffer for wanting a better life.

    Since the video went viral on Instagram, a number of Nigerians have reacted in various ways.

    Many people found the girl’s action funny while others were saddened that she would be denied an education over her parent’.

    In most Nigerian schools, fee defaulters are usually sent home after being flogged.

    Other celebrities who have indicated willingness to help include Charles Okpaleke, Jim Ikye and others.

    NAN

  • Turning adversity into success

    This man’s inspiring journey will encourage you to turn adversity into a powerful life advantage, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    President, Casino Travel Club, Kelechi Okorie has been through the vicissitudes of life. He didn’t bargain for what life offered him.

    For many people, the thought of job loss is petrifying. For Okorie, it became a reality in 2011. He lost his job.

    He was one of the speakers during a forum organised by Wefundpro, an empowerment organisation in Lagos.

    At the time he lost his job, he was married with children. Getting a job became an uphill task.  He felt helpless and vulnerable. No money to feed the family. He was devastated. He   experienced what it means to go to bed not knowing where the next meal would come from. He understood what poverty was.  Somehow, help came. It came from his wife. She was invited to a seminar on liquid soap production.  Having heard inspiring success stories, she came back motivated. He knew it could be a good business after she shared with him what she learned from the seminar.

    Okorie saw the opportunity in the business idea because of the massive market for liquid soap. A dream birthed. While the idea was a winning one, the challenge was that he could not raise even N1000 to buy one of the cheapest chemicals then.  Fortunately, he got a loan of N2,600 from somebody and started production. His story of transformation starts with just N2,700, he got as loan to make his first batch of soap. At his home, Okorie did the chemicals mixing with his wife. He supplied products at retail prices to individuals, businesses, among others. He has turned the tables on poverty through his liquid soap enterprise and is proud that the business became his launching pad. It was a very lucrative business that needed funds. The enterprise started making profit.

    But his breakthrough came after he was introduced to visa counselling business. He couldn’t raise N10, 000 to market the business on behalf of his franchisor. He found an angel of mercy in a lady who offered to lend him N8000.

    With the loan, he printed posters around Ikeja offering visa advice to Nigerians planning trips to key European locations. That was the magic wang. The response was overwhelming. So many Nigerians called him seeking for the service. Within two months, he was able to make about N140,000.

    The service delivered services to Nigerians. The proof – many visa applications were successful. The numbers continue to rise and so his commissions. Having made so much as commissions from Nigerians utilising the service, Okorie decided to establish his own travel club.

    Since the club project started, he has seen remarkable results, including increased profits and confidence, and greater access to networks. His ambition now is to reach new markets and scale up his flourishing business. Needless to say, Okorie has paid initial investment back many times.

    Today, he is happy to be able to look after his family well. His life and that of his family has changed for the better.

    One of the Coordinators of Wefundpro, Joseph Omodaiye said the organisation is supporting young entrepreneurs seeking to create social change or pursue business innovation.

  • Success tips for graduating pupils

    The Class of 2018 of Mind Builders High School, Ikeja got a befitting farewell from the school capped by timeless advice that they should learn the importance of competition, focus and choices.

    The advice was given by guest speaker, Mrs Omolara Elemide, Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC of Nigeria Plc at the event held at the school hall.

    Speaking on the topic: “Maintaining a culture of Excellence for Future Development”, Mrs Elemide said the graduates would have to choose where they want to be in the pyramid of life.  She said their place would be determined by the decisions they made.

    She said: “Everywhere you go and whatever you do, you will find that organised human organisations are shaped like a pyramid – it is hierarchical i.e many people are at the base, and as the pyramid tapers up, the people get fewer, so the top cannot contain many people and only a few get to the top.  People who get to the top, work their way to the top through hard work, diligence, persistence and guidance of the Almighty God.

    “At this juncture, let me pause and ask you: where do you want to be in this pyramidal structure? At the base? In the middle? Or at the top?  The answer depends solely on the choices you make from now on!  Remember the saying that “as you lay your bed so shall you lie on it”.  It is a very true saying.  You are the architect of your own fate!  Your priority at this stage of your life should be how to succeed in your academic pursuit; and to succeed in bright colours!  It is as you excel at the lower base of the pyramid that you make your way into the upper part of the pyramid.”

    Post-secondary school, Mrs Elemide said competition would be stiffer, and lots of things would come to distract the young ones from their goals.  But by working hard and staying focused, she said they would stand out.

    “Be aware that competition is a fact of life that you will be subjected to along your life’s journey; and your determination to scale all hurdles to be among the best wherever you find yourself should start from now,” she said.

  • ‘Celebrate the Comforter’ Conference a success, says Rev. Mother Ajayi

    The ‘Celebrate the Comforter’ Convention held at the United Palace, New York, United States, was a success, General Overseer of Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, has said.

    The Founder of Esther Ajayi Foundation said the 2018 edition was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Evang. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi and Ovation publisher Dele Momodu, among others.

    Many Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) and Cherubim and Seraphim faithful were also in attendance as Rev. Mother Ajayi described the turnout as “overwhelming.”

    She said: “Apart from Christians and non- Christians that came, the highpoint was that my beautician, Jenny , who is a North Korean, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

    She added: ”I had never witnessed such and her testimony was that she did not know what came upon her. I am now giving her all the encouragement. That was not all, many other people also gave their lives to Jesus during the programme.”

    The third edition of the event next year will take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    She said: “That will be the first time the convention will hold in Nigeria and I can tell you that we will shake the country with the word of God and the country will never be the same again.”

    The Shepherd in charge of Genesis Model International CCC, Prophet Israel Ogundipe, said the convention had proved that white garment churches believe in Jesus Christ.

    He said: “The Convention is an avenue to bridge the gap that exists in the body of Christ because other churches are always invited and carried along. Evang. S.K. Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church, His Most Eminence Prophet (Dr.) Solomon Adegboyega, Rev. Emmanuel Mobiyina Friday Oshoffa and some Bishops of other churches were present”

    The highlight of the gathering was the conferment of honours on Rev. Mother Ajayi as the Grand Matron of the Super Eagles Supporters Club by the club members and officials.

    President of the Supporters Club Vincent Okumagba said Rev. Mother Ajayi was honoured for her exploits in Christendom and philanthropy.