EmpowerLead Scholars Institute

“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢 𝐓𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐱.”🔥🔥

Are you ready to be fired up? 😊

Mr. Isiwu is one man I respect and admire so much. It's a privilege to share his story on our 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso.💃

Read this over and over again. Chew every word from this until it nourishes you.

Let's go!!

“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢 𝐓𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐱.”

In 2017 I was just a young man navigating life with big dreams but limited resources. Growing up in Asheshe, a rural community in Delta State, was no easy journey. At just eight years old, I was exposed to the harsh realities of substance addiction, an experience that almost damaged my life.

The emotional toll on my family led my mother to begin mentoring me even though she did not spare the rod sometimes 😊.

One day, she returned home with a book she bought for me titled ‘Gifted Hands’ by Dr. Ben Carson. After many days of being reluctant, I read the book and that decision changed my life forever; it unlocked my ability to dream.

Targeted mentorship and discipline helped me overcome addiction, refine my behaviour, and discover the power of leadership. Realizing how mentorship transformed my life, I dared to dream bigger. In 2017, driven by a purpose: to aid the educational and behavioral development of children and youths from underprivileged communities like mine, I kicked started my first community impact where I had to trek under the sun to over 25 schools to submit proposals to train the students.

I was broke and the only asset I had was my Dream and Vision to raise excellent and stylish leaders.
Fast forward to today, I’m standing on a global stage in Rwanda 🇷🇼, sharing my story and inspiring others leaders at the International Youth Leadership Summit (IYLS). Just as I once sat at the SOPS Theatre auditorium at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) during the Royals conference in October 2017 listening to Engr. Engr Uba Nduwisi, wondering what the future held, now I speak to thousands of individuals, organizing events like the Mega-Student-Leadership-Conference, impacting thousands of young people across Nigeria, and promoting youth leadership, education, and character development.

Today, I have become The Leadership Mentor(TLM) been featured on the radio, Newspapers, National television and even interacted with Global leaders across Africa. The road here was anything but smooth. From organizing small community projects. working with volunteers, running campaigns, and witnessing the power of collective action, I have learned how to be patient and content.

To anyone struggling to find their path, know this: your beginning does not define your destination. The setbacks, the criticisms, the doubts—they are all part of your story. What matters is the courage to rise, to lead, and to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

Today, I celebrate not just the journey from Warri to this global stage but the impact I’ve been privileged to make in the lives of over 16, 540 young leaders. I remain committed to reshaping education, mentoring young leaders, and building systems that empower communities.

If I can do it, so can you. Dare to dream. Dare to act. Dare to lead.

Let’s keep inspiring change together.

Samuel Isiwu
The Leadership mentor”



🔥🔥🔥
Hope you learned something? What stood out for you?
What will you do after reading this that your future self will be proud of?

゚viralシfypシ゚ ゚

“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭, 𝐈 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐄𝐎.”

Rejected, broke, homeless. Yet, she is the CEO of D'Green Foods.😳

She was the first lady that complimented how I handled the red carpet at the Advanced Leadership Conference, 2024.

Miss Esther Ogbonna is on our 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso.

She's got a story to tell.

Read till the end.

“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭, 𝐈 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐄𝐎.”

“There’s nothing impossible. That’s my belief. When everything says “give up,” find just one reason to stand tall.

---

My name is Esther Ogbonna, a 400-level student at the University of Port Harcourt and the founder of D’Green Foods. This is my story—a journey of resilience, faith, and the will to keep going.

Growing up as the eldest of ten children, life was more about survival than living. My parents did their best, but often, it wasn’t enough. When I finished secondary school, my heart burned with the desire to make an impact, to bring value to those around me. But life, as always, had its hurdles.

The day my university admission came, joy and worry wrestled within me. I almost deferred it, thinking maybe next year would be easier. But it was now or never. My father, strict and set in his ways, wanted me to become a nurse—his version of success. I chose my path instead, and that choice created a chasm between us. From that moment, his warmth turned cold.

He paid for my first year, and then he withdrew his support. “You chose this,” his silence seemed to say. For the next three years, I was on my own. No calls to ask how I was managing, no help. Nothing. But I refused to let my circumstances define me.

To scrape by, I started selling pure water and snacks. I still remember the afternoons when sweat trickled down my back as I hawked on campus. In my second year, I learned to make buns and sold them in classrooms.

I’m an introvert by nature; my father’s restrictions growing up meant I barely socialized. I was a shadow, always in my comfort zone. But I knew that comfort wouldn’t take me far. So, I started volunteering at events. At first, my voice trembled, my heart thudded with every word. But I showed up again and again. I met people who saw past my quiet demeanor and recognized my spark. They became the friends, mentors, and guiding hands that pushed me forward.

Even when the days got dark, I never turned away from God. I was tempted, yes. But I made a choice—no shortcuts, no regrets. And when my father’s anger boiled over and he threw me out, I stood firm. The streets became my home, with the church pew as my bed. I stayed there for over a week, surviving on sheer will and whispered prayers.

One day, as I paced the streets, lost in thought, I lost my phone. It was the last piece I had, my tiny lifeline. I stared into the distance, too numb to cry, too tired to feel. Yet, somehow, when dawn came, I found a reason to smile. A flicker of hope that refused to die.

The turning point came at a conference I barely managed to attend. One speaker’s words wrapped around my heart, squeezing out every bit of doubt and replacing it with fire. This is it, I thought. It was the push I needed. The very next day, I sketched out my plans and breathed life into D’Green Foods—a business dedicated to bringing fresh, natural vegetables to people’s tables.

Today, D’Green Foods is more than just a dream; it’s my proof that broken beginnings can lead to beautiful destinations. We’re not just selling green leaves and vegetables—we’re planting seeds of hope. My vision is to expand, creating jobs and helping reduce unemployment, one sale at a time.

If my story reaches you, let it remind you of this: whatever storm you face, it’s not an excuse to falter.

Keep serving. Keep believing. Stay consistent. Stay determined. And always aim high.

This is my story, and I hope it whispers courage into yours.”



Wow! Wow!
Were you inspired? Share with us in the comment section what you learned.

゚viralシfypシ゚ ゚

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Destiny Chikwe Stephen, Sarah Okon, Queenesther Josiah, Becca Ciara, Chinyere Ogbonna

🛑 “𝐈 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐝 '𝐍𝐨', 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐊𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐈 𝐖𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐨-𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐈 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟓𝟎𝐊 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐬.”

🔥🔥
I'm proud of my student.💃
His name is Ventus Kingsley. It's an honor to share his story on 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso

He held unto his love for writing poetry. The constructive criticism by his teacher, made him realize the solution to his problem.

Read the full story .

“As humans, we all face challenges every single day. But today, I want to focus on a specific part of my life – the early days of my poetic journey. I hope that sharing this story will help you overcome your own challenges and cross some bridges in your path.

A Reflection on My Poetic Journey

I'm Kingsley Ventus, a Poet, Spoken Word Artist, and a student of History and International Studies at the University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Before diving into the story, let me share my thoughts on poetry. To me, poetry is like a building with rooms filled with powerful emotions, and as people, we often find ourselves living in one or more of these rooms at different points in our lives.

My journey into poetry began back in secondary school. I was passionate about writing poems, and in my final year (SS3), I desperately wanted to join my school’s team for the annual Poetry Competition in Rivers State. I worked hard on my poem and submitted it to my literature teacher, hoping to get his approval.

But my teacher’s response was a simple “NO.” He wasn’t convinced by my poem, but he didn’t just shut me down. Instead, he gave me a few lines of a poem he had in mind and asked me to work on them, hoping that I could create something better.

That evening, I went home with mixed emotions. I felt frustrated, disheartened, and even a little angry. It was my final year, and I wouldn’t have another chance to participate in the competition. But instead of giving up, I decided to take the teacher’s challenge to heart. I spent hours rewriting and improving my poem, even though I knew I was already running out of time.

The next day, I submitted the revised poem, but once again, my teacher rejected it. I left his office feeling disappointed, but that rejection didn’t stop me. I began to question myself: “Could I really be a poet?”

During that time, I often found myself at my late aunt’s shop in the market, arranging goods and sometimes helping customers when she wasn’t around. It was here that I began writing poetry on pieces of cardboard. I would tear up cardboard every day, scribbling my thoughts, then tearing them up again when I felt dissatisfied. But over time, something began to change. I grew more consistent in my writing, and I got a notebook to capture my poems.

I also started reading the works of other poets online, which ignited my passion even more. That’s when I decided to take my writing to the next level. I enrolled in a writing class organized by Coach Favour in February 2022. I participated in the free class and did well, eventually earning a spot in the premium class. This was the first big break in my journey.

With my newfound confidence, I started posting my poems on Facebook, and the positive feedback from friends and strangers alike fueled my determination. Every day, as I wrote, I could feel the fire of poetry growing within me.

In April 2022, I entered the Sages Poetry Challenge, my first ever competition. I was nervous because I was up against some very talented poets, many of whose works I admired. At first, I didn’t believe I could make it past the first stage. But to my surprise, I did – and I won!

That victory was a turning point. For the first time, I truly believed in myself as a poet. That same year, I co-authored an anthology titled “THOUGHTS IN WORDS,” and I started exploring spoken word poetry, making my first live performance at the Youth on Fire, romance, and more. I created a community of poets called “Castle of Poets” on Facebook and became a moderator in the “Poetry” group, which has over 320k members.

Even though I’ve made progress, I know that the journey is far from over. I’m still working on improving my skills, but I’m excited about the future of my poetic journey.

The Key Lessons I Learned

So, what has this journey taught me?

First and foremost, consistency is everything. No matter what you’re working toward, whether it’s in poetry or any other field, you have to take consistent steps every day. Success is built one day at a time.

But consistency alone isn’t enough. Learning from others is crucial. I always made sure to observe and learn from those who had already made an impact in the poetic world. As the scripture says, “Watch and Pray.” Watching doesn’t just mean doing; it means observing your progress, understanding where you’re improving, and seeing where you need to grow.

Most importantly, I learned that persistence and faith are essential. Rejections and setbacks will come, but if you keep pushing and stay faithful, your breakthrough will come.

Finally, commit everything to God. I truly believe that with His grace, everything is possible. Whatever you put your heart to, with consistency and determination, you can achieve it. The power of possibilities lies within your imagination – your creativity is the key to unlocking your future success.

Thank you so much for reading my story. You’re an amazing listener, and I hope my journey inspires you to keep pursuing your dreams.

As Coach Favour always says, “Keep becoming!” Keep becoming a better version of yourself, step by step.

---

Key Attributes That Led to My Success:

1. Consistency: Writing every day, no matter the obstacles, helped me grow.

2. Resilience: Rejection didn’t stop me; it fueled my determination to improve.

3. Learning from Others: I made sure to observe and learn from those ahead of me.

4. Faith: Believing in my potential and trusting that success would come.

5. Community: Surrounding myself with like-minded people who supported my growth.

If you’re on your own journey, remember, these qualities will help you get where you want to go. Stay consistent, believe in yourself, and the world will open up for you.”



Where all the poets? 😁 Consistency is the game. Even if you're not a poet, what did you learn? Share with us.

Like, comment, and share.

゚viralシfypシ゚ ゚

‼️ “𝐈 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝟕 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 — 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡!”

🔥🔥

I am more than excited.💃 A global lady will be on our 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso today!

I read this story in 2022 and it inspired me to keep on hoping.

Ms. Chinaza Favour is a beacon of hope. She illuminates strength and courage.

This story should be everywhere.😊

Are you ready to read and be transformed?

Let's go!!

“𝐈 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝟕 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 — 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡!”

“If anyone told my high school classmates and teachers that I would not get into the university until after 7 years of graduation, I’m sure they would have called the person a lunatic.

I remember my Geography teacher asking me which school I gained admission to, when I went to pick up my WAEC certificate, a year after I graduated from high school. My teachers were so sure that I would get into school immediately. They will be shocked if they see this.


My journey began.
Year after year, I wrote the university entry exam, JAMB. I would go ahead and write Post JAMB but I was not granted admission. I remember changing my course of choice from Medicine and Surgery to Anatomy. I later wrote for Pharmacy. Then I wrote for Nursing. At one point, I changed to Medical Laboratory Science. Yet, I was not able to gain admission.
No, I was not dumb. For some reason, I just couldn’t get in.

In 2017, I decided to go for pre-science at Unizik. After 6 months, we wrote the Almighty exam and I passed well.

“I did well. I will finally gain admission.” I thought.

Well, in 2018, the admission came but I was thrown to the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science.😢
Not that the course is bad in itself but I had no interest in it whatsoever. This was a very far distance from the medicine and surgery I was going for. It was not even a related course.

I accepted the admission with the hope to switch after first year. Well, that didn’t happen as I dropped out after the first semester.



I continued my quest. I wrote Jamb again… and again… and again.

2020 came. I told God that I had had enough of these failures. My biological clock was fast ticking. I needed to get this “school thing” sorted out.
I was now in Lagos so my best choice would be the Almighty University of Lagos.

I knew that to even stand a chance of being considered for admission to this university, I would need to get a really high score. And so, I studied like my whole life depended on passing that examination. Actually, it did.
I wrote JAMB yet again for Medicine and Surgery and I scored 297!

“Finally! I will get to study Medicine and Surgery.”😃

Not so fast…



Just before it was time to write the post JAMB, I was led to switch FROM MEDICINE to PSYCHOLOGY.

“God, you know that I am a pure science student. I cannot switch to Psychology with the subjects that I have on my WAEC results. I don’t even know anyone in that school, besides, I am not a westerner.” I told God one of those days.

He assured me to go ahead and make my findings. I did.

“God, if you really are the one leading me to do this, I will trust you. Make a name for yourself.”

I told my tutor in school and he said,

“You are too bright for Psychology, Chinaza. You are best suited for medicine. I have already imagined you in your coat with your stethoscope on your neck. I’m sure you would make a wonderful doctor.”

Well, my mind was already made up.

Afraid but trusting God, I switched to Psychology.



2021.
The day I wrote the post JAMB, I wrote for MedSurg instead of Psychology because the switch did not reflect. But my faith in God was bigger than my doubts.
After writing, I danced to “AMEN” by Timi Dakolo, professing the lyrics to myself.🔥🔥🔥

The waiting period for the admission processing was the longest for me. I checked the portal every few hours.

Then one day in April, I received a message that the University of Lagos had given me provisional admission to study Psychology!
I was not sure how to react. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed till I lost my voice. I rolled on the floor. I jumped. I danced. For a minute there, I lost it.😅
I praised the God who does all things and makes everything beautiful in His time.🙌




What was I thinking when I applied to the University of Lagos without having a “long leg”?
What was I thinking when I made a risky switch from Medicine and Surgery to Psychology?
Why did I even go on to write the post UTME even when I saw Medicine and Surgery clearly written on the screen as my course?

FAITH!
Faith in the One who knows tomorrow.
Faith in the One who could part the sea.
Faith in the God who does the impossible.
Faith in the Father who knows what is best for me and will never mislead me.

*************************

Why did I share my story?
Because I want someone reading this, who is going through a challenging time, to know that God has not stopped being God.

A lot happened with me in those years which shifted my focus from curing bodily sickness to healing the mind.

He allowed me to go through those times for this reason, and many more that He is yet to reveal to me. Today, all I want to do is to help people come out of their shadows, heal from their hurts and live a truly satisfying life because I know exactly what it feels like to be there.

He might be silent but He is busy putting some pieces of the puzzle of your life together so that when He finally comes to light, all those times of silence will make sense.




I share this story to encourage someone reading this, to move on ahead, if God has told you to do something. If He is the one leading you, you better believe that HE WILL MAKE A WAY FOR YOU IN THE WILDERNESS!

He is God and He knows how best to handle the situation, if you would let Him have His way.

Is He not the God who saves the day, FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE?🥺

Even if it takes a while, I want to assure you that God will make it beautiful in His time.

Your mates are gone ahead of you?
What you do not realise is that these experiences are preparing you for what lies ahead.
Their journey and yours are not the same. Your journey is peculiar to you and you must understand that.
*******************************

Now, at 24(soon to be 25), I have become an official undergraduate of the prestigious University of Lagos.💃
It might be late by human timing but this is exactly where God wants me to be, in His own timing.🥰

The journey has just begun and I have decided to immerse myself in the experience and enjoy this phase of my life. I know it will be challenging but I am excited for what lies ahead.

HAPPY MATRICULATION TO ME!
I have come. I am seeing😆. And I will conquer!

***************************

If you read this whole story, just know that you are the best!😘
Thanks for reading through.
Now go on and share to inspire others.




_Chinaza Favour
(The Healer)”



🥺🥺
Whi was crying with me? Did you learn something? Share it with us.

Like, comment, and share.

゚viralシfypシ゚ ゚

🛑“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞.”

🥺🥺

She became emotional while sharing her story.
This story will inspire you to build self confidence in spite of destructive criticism.

Miss Odinwa is on our 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso

Read her story with deep understanding.

“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞.”

“Growing up, I believed that supporting others was essential for them to feel more comfortable in themselves. I knew everyone was different, and those differences deserved celebration, not criticism. Yet, despite my beliefs, my own journey was full of battles I never expected.

As a young girl, I struggled with low self-esteem. I disliked my body shape and my skin tone, feeling trapped in the harsh judgment of others. Every glance, every whispered word reminded me of the flaws they saw, and the flaws I couldn’t unsee. It felt as though I was a failure, destined to never be enough.

The sting of criticism started early, piercing deeper when I entered secondary school. In primary school, I was a top student. I was loved by my teachers, surrounded by friends who cherished me. But secondary school was a different world, one that seemed determined to break me.

I started late, in the second term. From the moment I stepped into the classroom, the mockery began. They called me names, cruel ones like “charcoal” and “devil,” that burned more than any wound ever could. Smiling became a dangerous act, laughing was a sin. If I dared to let happiness slip out, I was met with taunts of “ugly.” It crushed me, and soon my grades started to slip. The bright student I once was dimmed, fading under the weight of their words.

Walking with my sister, I could feel eyes on us. The compliments always landed on her. I accepted it as the truth—she was beautiful, and I was not. It settled in my heart that I was lesser, unworthy. My secondary school years became a blur of dread. I woke each morning reluctant to go, dreading what fresh torment awaited me.

Church, which should have been a sanctuary, offered no reprieve. I joined the choir, eager to serve and find comfort in worship. But there too, I faced constant criticism. I wasn’t a strong singer, and it was like a beacon to my choir master, whose harshness seemed almost intentional. His rudeness felt like an unrelenting test, stripping away what little confidence I had left. I quit after the complaints piled up from him and the keyboardist. It was as if a voice inside me whispered, “You can’t do anything right.”

But I didn’t give up serving. I joined the Sanitation Department, clinging to the hope that if I just kept moving, the feeling of failure might fade. But the doubts didn’t stop. They echoed in my mind, loud and relentless: Why did God even create me?

In 2020, I hit a point where discomfort turned into desperation. I looked in the mirror and barely recognized the girl staring back. That year, I stumbled upon a business opportunity online, a way to make money and prove to myself I could succeed at something. It failed. I was back at square one—empty-handed, with nothing but my aching doubts.

Then, a light came into my life in the form of Ms. Chinaza Favour. She introduced me to a self-growth program. It was more than a training; it was the beginning of a transformation. The blinders I’d worn for years started to slip. For the first time, I questioned the story I’d told myself—that I was worthless, unloved, incapable. I realized I was crafted with purpose, not by accident or oversight.

If you’re someone who battles low self-esteem, if the world’s noise has drowned out your own voice, take this to heart: the path to self-discovery is your lifeline. It was mine. I dug deep, searching for who I was and what I could be. I discovered a talent I never recognized before—I could teach, and it brought me joy.

Through this journey, I learned something vital: the challenges we endure can reveal our purpose. The trials you overcome can become the very platform on which you stand to help others.

I am more than I believed. I am a carrier of destinies, and I cannot fail those whose futures depend on me. I found my “why,” and it changed everything. Now, as the Mindset Surgeon, I guide others to confront and transform the misconceptions holding them back. I help people understand that growth is a process, and in that process lies their power.

No matter how harsh the world has been, you are made for more. You are valuable. And when the doubts creep in, remember that the journey is part of your becoming.”



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🛑 “𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 ‘𝐍𝐨’ 𝐭𝐨 ‘𝐂𝐄𝐎’: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.”

🔥🔥🔥
Who's ready to get inspired?💃

Mr. Nwadinigwe is on our 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso 💃

“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 ‘𝐍𝐨’ 𝐭𝐨 ‘𝐂𝐄𝐎’: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.”

“For three years, I chased my dream of studying Computer Science at the university. It wasn’t just a career choice; it was my passion and a vision of the future I wanted to create. But every application I submitted came back with the same disappointing answer: “Not this time.”

Rejection after rejection, I started questioning myself and wondering if my dream was truly achievable. It felt like the universe was shutting me out. Despite these challenges, I chose to own my journey. I refused to let the setbacks define me. Instead, I kept pushing forward, staying focused, and believing that an opportunity would eventually come.

Then it happened, but not in the way I expected. I was offered a chance to study Physics at Rivers State University. It wasn’t the Computer Science path I had envisioned, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. I realized that success isn’t always about following a straight path; it’s about making the most of the opportunities you’re given.

Through this journey, I learned valuable lessons. I discovered that resilience is built through challenges and that adaptability is a key part of growth. Success often comes disguised, and it’s up to us to recognize the opportunities in front of us. Most importantly, I realized that consistency, hard work, and a positive mindset can turn any setback into a stepping stone.

Today, I’m proud of who I’ve become. As a Physics student, I’m learning skills I never imagined, and I’ve grown into someone who is determined, resilient, and focused. Beyond academics, I’ve built my brand, CHN PHONE DOCTOR, where I specialize in phone repairs, selling iPhones and gadgets, and sharing the latest tech updates. I also own a website, www.chnphonedoctor.com.ng, which I built myself. On this site, I provide services and updates for tech enthusiasts.

My brand represents my passion for technology and my commitment to helping people stay connected. The setbacks I faced didn’t stop me; they fueled my drive to succeed.

If you’re struggling with challenges, let my story remind you of this: your journey may not look like what you imagined, but it’s still leading you somewhere meaningful. Embrace the process, stay focused, and trust that your efforts will pay off.

Life’s detours often reveal opportunities you never expected. Keep pushing forward; you are closer to your dreams than you think.”




Hope you were inspired? What stood out for you? Share with us in the comment section below.
Like, comment, and share.

“𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐈 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 $𝟓𝟎𝟎/𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.” 🔥🔥

Who's ready to be inspired and fired up to GROW THROUGH tough times and become? 🙂

Finally, 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 Osuji Favour Chinonso is here.💃

Mr. Ephraim has an inspiring story to share.

“𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐈 𝐃𝐄𝐅j𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 $𝟓𝟎𝟎/𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.”

“When I finished secondary school in 2019, life was hard. I had nothing—no smartphone, no money of my own. My dad sent a small allowance every month, but only after I begged. I depended on my mum for everything, and our home was poor.

For nearly a year, I felt stuck. One day, tired of feeling this way, I decided I needed to change things. I visited my aunt, who owned more than one phone. After talking to her, she gave me an old Samsung phone. It felt like I finally had a tool to change my life.

With that phone, I started looking up ways to make money and break free from being poor. I would save up and buy N200 worth of data, then use it to buy night plans for N25 each, just to get enough data. I stayed up all night downloading videos from YouTube so I could watch them the next day.

I tried many things—Forex trading, digital marketing, freelancing—but nothing seemed to work. I didn’t give up. I even started creating content on YouTube. The church noticed how serious I was and let me use their laptop. I learned how to edit videos and posted them online, and soon people started paying attention. It felt like my break was coming.

But then, my aunt took back the Samsung phone. I was crushed. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t stop. I found someone with a modem so I could still use the church laptop to practice. I borrowed phones from church members just to keep going. Growth was the only thing on my mind.

I stayed up from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m., only to get yelled at by my uncle and his wife because I barely slept and was tired during morning devotion. During church services, my mind was elsewhere, thinking about how to improve and move forward.

One night, I found a video about digital publishing. It seemed promising, so I tried it, even though I had to use an old phone that needed a desktop charger to work. I was determined. Soon, I made my first $4, and a few days later, I earned $100. Then, I made $400, which I was going to use to buy new clothes since mine were old and worn out.

But life has its challenges. My account was suddenly terminated, and I lost the $400. I felt defeated. My uncle noticed I was sad and asked me how I was, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him the full story. On top of that, I didn’t get paid for two months, even though I was supposed to earn nearly $1,000.

Starting over was tough, but I did it. This time, I had a better phone, and in my first month, I made $5, then $50 the next. Slowly, I began making over $500 every month.

I finished secondary school in 2019. I stayed at home for 4 years before getting into a higher institution. I got admission into a higher institution this year, 2024.
Back then when I was not in school, I was a bit intimidated when I saw and heard that my mates were graduating.

I rendered services to people. I volunteered and built connections.
Understanding the principles of growth helped me a lot.

I learned that growing takes time, like a tree that grows roots before you see the leaves. I read books like Think Big by Ben Carson, Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
I paid for courses, spending everything I could to learn more. Most courses are worth over N40k, N60k, N150k, and others.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success comes to those who stay determined. Life will test you, to know if you are worthy of getting what you're asking of. But if you keep pushing, the results will come. Serve others, connect with people, and never stop trying to grow. One day, you’ll look back and be proud that you didn’t give up.

TO YOU WHO ARE READING THIS:
Own Your Challenges, Because They Build You to Unleash Your Strength of Will (SISU).

I'm rooting for you!”




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Let's inspire people out there.