1 month ago
12 ARTICLE AD
Can you share the moment you first discovered your passion?
I discovered my passion for empowering others when I started working in a ministry in the United Kingdom. I was privileged to be around so many people and God ministered to me about supporting young women and teenagers. That was how I started offering coaching courses. I still use that template as a coach in the university.
What inspired you to explore writing and music alongside your work in human development?
When I was a young girl at the University of Ibadan where I did my first degree, I loved music. I was singing with about four different bands at that time. As I grew older, I came to terms with what the Bible says that our gifts shall make a way for us and bring us before kings. I discovered that God has gifted every one of us, and we must use those gifts. I have a motto: Live full and die empty. I don’t want to die with my gifts still inside me. I want to spread and share my gifts with the world.
Writing is something I started doing when I was about nine years old. I have always loved what I do as a young girl. So, I just took them into adulthood, and that gives me joy.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I faced in human empowerment and development was that I could be impatient. That is not in a negative sense. I did not understand why somebody does not want to push their destiny up or why they do not want to live on purpose. However, as a professional coach, I later understood that everybody is different, and I cannot use the same measurement stick for everybody. So, you have to learn to let go. So, I think seeing gifted people who do not want to use their talents was my greatest challenge.
How obstacles have you faced as a writer and singer?
One of the challenges I encountered as a writer and publisher was that many publishers would charge you crazy amounts as high as $15,000 and $20,000 to publish your work. Some would want to rip you off. While some would read your manuscript and reject your work. So, the journey for publication was a big challenge. I overcame that by self-publishing and that has not been a bad idea at all. But I am still looking for publishers outside the UK where I am. For singing, the challenge is that singing can be very competitive. So, I decide not to do it full-time.
How has gaining recognition for your work impacted your personal life?
I am still the same person before I gained recognition for what I do. I believe humility is one of the greatest gifts you can ever have. I have always asked God that no matter how big we become, may He give us the grace to remain humble. I always remember that pride goes before destruction. I have not arrived yet and I am still on the journey.
How do you stay inspired?
As humans, I believe we are built to be resilient and problem-solvers. So, we have to be creative problem-solvers. Instead of letting a problem trouble you, you have to think about a way out. If you can’t think of a way out, seek help. So, one of the ways to stay inspired is to remember your why, your purpose, and your destiny. If there is a bend on your road, you’ve got to find a way around it.
What advice would you give to someone who fears that popularity might change their values?
No matter how popular you are, even if you become a household name, try as much as possible to remain humble. Humility is powerful. Humility opens doors and pride closes doors. So, my advice is that everyone should stay humble. Wherever you are and whatever you have achieved, everything is by the Grace of God. And if you are blessed, consider it a privilege. It is a privilege to do what you enjoy doing, be it singing, writing, or whatever it is. Do not ever let it get to your head.
If you could leave one message for people just starting on their paths of passion, what would it be?
Stay focused. There are bumps on the road of life but you should keep going. You might have a flat tyre. You might be faced with a traffic jam. Failure is only an event and not a person. Keep going.
