Giving back

There's been a massive shift in the way I think about giving back to society recently. I have always concentrated on my business and family and expect to give back to society in a substantial way when I've made so much money or when I have so much experience to share. My recent paradigm shift has been largely influenced by further research I have done on the principles of growth and national development. I suddenly realise that even though a strategic input will give the utmost long term result, little contributions on a consistent basis paves way for opportunities to influence policies that can then create a strategic input.

Now I've got my calendar full already and I'm really scared for my schedule, but what has to be done now should not be postponed till tomorrow. I'm also scared because some of the things I will be doing in the next couple of months to give back are things I haven't done in a long, long time…like speaking to the 18+ at Lifeline who are about starting their degree programs at various Universities in the UK. Its been a long time since I spoke to young people and I just hope I can contribute something of value to these boys and girls. I wish I had someone to share some experience and tips with me before getting into University as it would most likely have equiped me better and given me a more accurate view of life.

I am also looking forward to the Nigerian By Choice Conference taking place on 15th September. When Gbenga Sesan first told me what he had in mind as regards the conference and if we could work together to make it happen, I remember him asking if it tickled my fancy, ''yes it sure did'' I said ...I just realised I could no longer give excuse of not giving back because I haven't made millions or got a P.Hd. I also didn't want to be part of people who only saw problems and could analyse it. I wanted to go beyond that and be part of the select few, who would create and be the solutions to socio-economic development in Africa.

We will never be fulfilled in life if we don’t do things that are beyond ourselves, if we don’t do things for the benefit of others, if we don’t give consistently, if we don’t do things in which we expect 'no reward'…yes we will definitely be limiting ourselves.

To people who are also waiting to make that 'big' contribution before they give back, I'll advise you to start where you are now. You may never be given an opportunity to do something big if you have not contributed in small ways. As more and more people find more ways to give back to society, we are creating a launch pad for sustainable socio-economic development.