What was growing up like?
Growing up was fine although not rosy. I was born in Lagos State, my dad decided to relocate to the north (Katsina) to fulfil God’s calling. From there to Kaduna State where dad went back to bible school in other to improve on his knowledge.
From there we went to Adamawa State where my dad built so many churches; it was not an easy journey but we had to support our parents in encouraging people to live a Christ like life.
After I finished my secondary school, I went to University of Nigeria Nsukka where I did a programme before going to proper year one but I couldn’t continue my programme at UNN for lack money.
I dropped out of school while I was going to 200 level. I then went back to Zaria hoping to join the aviation school since I could not finish my studies in UNN.
My uncle was the airport manager then but we lost him along the line so I came back to Lagos. It was very tough but I started doing some things to carry on before I got a part time employment.
The experience I garnered from there helped me in registering Ocean Glory, the company was incorporated in 2006. I am now married with two lovely sons.
I attended Lagos State University and I read Public Admin. I will be turning 40 soon and I give God all the glory.
You are from a humble background, does that in anyway influence who you are now?
Generally, my background does not affect anything, I just felt like all those things happened the way God wanted them to and for me to always appreciate life.
While in my ugly situation, I never relented in working hard and staying contented.
Any plans for those who lack finance in furthering their education?
Yes of course, I do a lot of giving and supporting people who have challenges in pursuing their education and I try to give those around me the opportunity to get the best education because I know how hard it was for me to achieve my present educational background.
I funded my studies at Lagos State University with the little salary I earned then and I still have to take care of my younger ones.
I gave my younger ones more priority in such a way that I deferred my education just to keep up with their own payment.
I am the first among seven boys, so I have to set that precedent and I thank God for seeing me through all those difficult times.
How do you feel turning 40?
I am old and I am feeling old.
I thank God for giving me a purpose in life; I believe that God will take me farther than this because He has never disappointed me. I appreciate my parents for bringing us up in unity because my younger ones are very supportive.
I want to also appreciate my wife who has being a very big supporter both spiritually and morally. I thank my members of staff for constantly reminding me of my responsibilities with the way they smile at me daily.
You look younger than your age. Do you have any beauty routine?
The secret is that I don’t stress myself, don’t allow stress to affect me. I always fight it back. Always ensure that you are able to manage your time, don’t allow pressure and difficulties get to you. Eat well, live a good life and free your mind from hate.
How do you relax?
I play basketball, table tennis and I also spend quality time with my kids so that I can get them to understand me more.
My relaxation time is when I am home because home is where you can have all the peace needed, although I go on vacation with my family for sightseeing and to meet new people at times.
Tell us about your perfect holiday destination
I have travelled a lot and most of the countries I have visited are beautiful.
If you can go back in time, is there anything you would wish to change?
Definitely, everybody should have that in life.
There was a time I had the option of travelling and attending a business meeting and I chose to travel but I was tired and I regretted that decision because I lost the business although the business later came back to me.
What is the boldest step that you’ve ever taken?
Waiting to get married, I always said I wanted to marry at 30 but then I was dating my wife who was not ready for marriage then.
She wasn’t ready because she was still in school but my wife advised that I should wait and I took that bold step of waiting for her.
At 40, what will you list as your greatest achievement?
Getting closer to God and my family
Has the government done enough for the maritime sector?
The government is trying but they need to do more because there are so many lapses today and the government is not really looking at the fact that indigenous maritime companies are losing in terms of competing with international companies.
The government should give us more security, confidence and funding.
With regard to your younger one who is a boxer, is the family threatened about his choice of career?
He has our support because Gift had always being a very physical person right from when he was young. He is strong and fine, we have always seen him as one who will take boxing and entertainment as a career.
We are praying for him to win more fights because boxers are best of friends with their opponents once they are out of the ring.
You dad is a reverend, are you thinking of following in his footsteps soon? If that’s is God’s calling, why not?
I have a passion for it if God wishes, but there are a lot of pastors and the truth is I am not encouraged with the Christian life today.
I was born into a Christian home and my father was into church building in rural areas but that purpose is no longer there.
You don’t build churches because of people who want fat tithes and offerings, it should be more of bringing people to Christ.