Stories That Touch My Soul and Destiny

My childhood was a bountiful basket of abuses—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. I suffered them all, but that’s a story for another day.

In 1997, I embraced faith and became a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, taking my destiny into my own hands. Two years later, on September 18, 1999, I was called to the Nigerian bar. My mission in life became clear: to find healing for myself, which began when I became a follower of Christ, and to contribute immensely to building an egalitarian Africa where children could thrive. I wanted my precious children and future generations to be raised in an Africa that I did not experience as a child.

It's been an interesting journey, but today I want to share some stories that touched my soul and destiny, laying the foundation for the work I do today.

In 2004, my brother and friend, Bethel Obioma, introduced me to Mr.Onyema Omenuwa, the editor of the Legal Page of the Daily Independent newspaper. He afforded me the rare opportunity to write a column known as "Children’s Rights with Taiwo Akinlami." The focus of the column was to provide insightful analysis of the newly promulgated Child’s Rights Act 2003. My first article was published on January 22, 2004, and I went on to publish 52 seminal works on the subject, helping my learned colleagues and the public understand the intricacies of the new law and simplify compliance, often using my personal stories. I wrote about legal principles from a human and philosophical perspective. Initially, nobody seemed to be reading my articles. I received only one response from a gentleman named @Leslie Odega, who shared how my articles had positively impacted him.

?Lesson 1: The Power of Persistence

The first lesson I learned was the power of persistence. When I started writing my column, it felt like shouting into the void. Weeks and months went by with no feedback, no indication that anyone was paying attention. Yet, I continued writing, week after week, never missing a single publication. This persistence paid off when Leslie Odega reached out, sharing how my work had impacted him positively. It only takes one voice to remind you that your efforts matter. This experience taught me that persistence, even in the face of apparent indifference, can eventually yield significant results. The seeds you plant today will bear fruit tomorrow, often in unexpected ways.

In 2005, I received a letter from Mr. Geoffrey Njoku, acknowledging my work in the Daily Independent newspaper and inviting me to my first program with UNICEF in Lagos. It was a sensitization program about the Child Rights Act with editors of leading newspapers in Nigeria. At that meeting, I met Ngozi Okoro, who became my very good friend and sister. Mr. Njoku was based in the Abuja national office of UNICEF. Subsequently, Ngozi Okoro introduced me to the B Field Office of UNICEF, Lagos. I recall being invited by Mrs. Caroline Akosile to facilitate a program in Ibadan for youth leaders, still focused on sensitizing them about the Child’s Rights Act 2003.

Lesson 2: The Value of Connections

The second lesson is the value of connections. Meeting Mr. Geoffrey Njoku and attending the UNICEF program was a turning point. It opened doors I hadn't even known existed. Through that single connection, I met influential figures like Ngozi Okoro and Mrs. Carolina Akosile. Each introduction led to new opportunities, expanding my network and my impact. It's crucial to recognize and nurture the connections we make. Every person we meet can potentially change the trajectory of our lives. It's not just about who you know, but also about how you leverage these relationships to create positive change.

Fast forward to 2008, I wrote four mini-books on the four thematic areas, enshrined in the Child’s Rights Act, 2003, namely 4 baskets of rights. When I attended one of the meetings for which I was invited by Mrs. Akosile ?I brought complementary copies for her and additional copies to share at the meeting. Mrs. Akosile was delighted to see the books and decided she must introduce me to Mrs. Roseline Akinroye, who was the Child Protection Ppecialist in the B Field Office of UNICEF. Mrs. Akinroye held my hand and helped me understand the meaning, basics and System’s Approach to Child Safeguarding and Protection. She facilitated my participation in many destiny-defining training programs that transformed my understanding of child safeguarding and protection.

Lesson 3: Embracing Lifelong Learning

The third lesson is embracing lifelong learning. Meeting Mrs. Akinroye and participating in various training programs transformed my understanding of child safeguarding and protection. Despite my legal background and advocacy work, there was still so much to learn. Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth. It's about being open to new ideas, seeking knowledge, and continually improving oneself. The journey of learning never truly ends, and each new piece of knowledge can be a steppingstone to greater impact and effectiveness.

From there, I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Akinroye to establish Child Protection Network chapters across the Southwest of Nigeria, eventually becoming an official of the Lagos State Child Protection Network. These experiences have touched my soul deeply. If I hadn't started the column in the Daily Independent, many of these connections might never have been made. I wrote that column under strenuous circumstances; without a laptop of my own, I often checked myself into cyber cafes to write. Despite the challenges, I did not miss a single week, by God's grace, even when no one seemed to be reading or responding, except Leslie Odega, as I mentioned above. Unknown to me, a critical eye, Mr. Njoku in the UNICEF Abuja office, was busy following and collating my articles. He reached out to me after I wrote my 52nd article, which marked the first anniversary of the column.

Lesson 4: Overcoming Adversity - From an Abusive Childhood to Professional Success

The fourth lesson is the importance of overcoming adversity, starting with my abusive childhood. Writing my column under such challenging conditions taught me resilience and determination. It wasn't easy to write without proper resources, but I found a way. This experience reinforced my belief that adversity can be a powerful motivator. It pushes us to find creative solutions, to persevere when the odds are against us, and to achieve things we never thought possible. Overcoming adversity builds strength and character, and it equips us with the skills and mindset needed to tackle future challenges.

It was that column that Mr. Njoku saw, which led to my introduction to UNICEF in 2005. My relationship with UNICEF introduced me to key figures like Ngozi Okoro, Mrs. Caroline Akosile and Mrs. Roseline Akinroye, forming the bedrock of my professional exploits today. Who are you connecting with? What are you doing with your connections?

?Conclusion: The Power of Dreams and Connections

In conclusion, the power of dreams and connections cannot be overstated. Each step in my journey, from writing a column under difficult circumstances to connecting with influential figures, has been fueled by a persistent belief in my dreams and the willingness to build and nurture relationships. Positing for your dream as Mr. Olakunle Soriyan would say requires not just passion and persistence, but also the ability to connect with others, to learn continuously, and to overcome adversity. As you navigate your own path, remember that every connection you make and every challenge you overcome brings you closer to realizing your dreams. Position yourself for your dream and watch how the pieces of your journey come together in ways you never imagined.