Opinion:True Success lies more on the journey rather than the destination

Published

7 years ago

April 14, 2019

Editor

By Henry Ukazu

Greetings my good friends,

It’s a great pleasure to be here once again. Please pardon my inability for not

been able to write last week. I know some of you might be a little bit

disappointed, honestly, it was due to circumstances beyond my control. I

received so many several calls, emails and messages. I promise to do better

next time. In whatever in life, I always look at the end in mind, in that way I

will be properly guided on where my aim and vision in life lies. This is the

more reason why I take my time in writing every week even when I am

stressed up because I am addicted to sharing motivational and inspiring

articles. As you all may know success in life has to do more with the journey

rather than the destination.

Today, I chose to write on the relativity of journey and destination as

facilitators of success. Just like any other aspect of life, life is indeed a

process. You may heard of the saying success is more of a journey, rather than

destination. Some other rational minds opine that the end justifies the means.

These assertions are relatively true, however, it all depends on the angle you

are looking at it from. We shall be comparing on both factors today but we

shall be concentrating more energy on the process (journey).

It is an indisputable fact that in life the journey of a thousand miles begins

with a step in the right direction. It is also a fact that little drops of water

makes an ocean. Just like a leader needs a team to achieve success, same way

success needs to be processed in order for it to be truly justified. With my little

knowledge and understanding of mathematics, the process of arriving at the

answer via the formula generates more point more that the actual answer

itself. True success doesn’t work in isolation. It works in harmony and unison

with other component parts and characteristics which I call siblings and

friends.

As human beings, sometimes we seem to neglect how far we have come in life.

We are always eager to see what we lack as opposed to appreciating what we

have. Human beings by nature can be ungrateful. The same analogy is

applicable to the journey of success. Let’s take the example of an accomplished

author who is now a bestseller. The journey to the top wasn’t easy. He/she had

mentors who inspired him/her to write the book, publishers, family members,

friends and associates who contributed in one way or the other to the work a

great success. To me, they are the real MVP’s as far as I am concerned. They

are the people who deserve the main accolades and should be appreciated, but

sometimes some irrational beings tend to forget those people who contracted

to their success. Also, if a student excels in life to an enviable position in the

world (President, CEO, Governor) etc. It will be nice for such person to

remember his/her teacher who groomed him/her. It is on this context we shall

be discussing about journey and destination to success.

It is interest to note that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay literally went

where no other human had been when they became the first people to reach

the peak of Mount Everest. Can you imagine what they must have felt? Pride,

accomplishment, fulfillment. Question, did they achieve it alone? No, I guess.

Think about the most important achievement in your life. Remember that

feeling when you finally reached the summit of your academic career, political

ambition, financial status and professional career. If you will agree with me,

you didn’t do it alone, there were people behind it and it was truly a journey

and process.

Last week I was listening to Joyce Meyers – a charismatic preacher. She was

speaking on everyday life. In that message, she said true success lies in the

little deeds and things you do daily as opposed to one major task you do.

According to her you need to do small task nor matter how little it is in your

daily routine which will add up to the goal you have in mind.

To understand how the journey of success really works, imagine yourself being

a man or lady who needs a particular shape, it is expected that you’ll hit the

gym at least three times a week and do some work out. You’ll follow up the

also the process with a good hygiene. In fact, I personally feel the highest gym

is in your kitchen. Let’s face it, it’s common to feel resistance when

undertaking a new exercise habit. This is because there are several steps

required. You have to pack your gym bag, travel to the gym, change into your

workout clothes, warm up, exercise, warm down, shower, and change back

into your normal clothes before traveling back home. This is the attitude and

mindset which a rational mind desirous of making an impact should have. It

is the process that denes the destination. Isn’t it true that you

can easily spot a dedicated and discipline student or athletic. who is doing

what he or she needs to be do in order to succeed in life? It’s always important

to take note of the journey or inventory of all stocks.

It is quite unfortunate that many people regard the destination more than the

journey. In as much I agree that the outcome/ nished product
is very important, it is worthy to mention the sacrice,

challenges, failures, people and the experience that came it

with it.

Let’s discuss some worthy points that will assist us in appreciating the role of

process and journey to our dream destination.

Get specic

Having the end in mind is very important. Being specific helps your overall

goal and road map in order to get to your destination. When you are specific,

you will know what to focus on. One quality of every great man or woman is

that they are very focused and specific in whatever they plan to achieve.

Employers’ are always looking for specific beings to solve specific problems.

The more specific you are, the easier it is for people to assist or work with you.

Break it down and start small

If you have a goal to accomplish, it is always better to start small and grown.

You can do this by breaking it down and taking it bit and bits. Try to do little

things every day nor matter how little and stressful, it gives some level of

satisfaction. Breaking the journey in pieces helps you to appreciate the

journey.

Celebrate the progress and enjoy the journey

When it’s not all about the goal, you can take it all in (and take what

you’ve learned with you).

When you have a big goal, it’s tempting to think you haven’t succeeded until

you’ve achieved it. Otherwise, you might think you have failed forgetting that

the set backs propels you to appreciate the progress and accomplishments that

awaits you. According to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, professor of Business

Psychology at University College London, he observed that small milestones

are powerful for seeing a change in the positive direction, noting that “the

point is not to get better than others, it’s to get better than the old version of

yourself.” Keep track of what you’ve accomplished with a done list,

which is a log of the tasks you’ve completed. Seeing your progress

boosts motivation, heightens positive emotions, and sustains your

productivity. A Harvard study found that we spend almost 50 percent of our

time thinking about the past and future, instead of focusing on the present,

which leads to increased unhappiness

Reect daily

Actively thinking and reflecting about your business, idea, product, academic

major etc. Reflecting daily can help you plan very well. As a rule of thumb, it’s
always helpful to set a sizable amount of time during the day to reflect on the

activities of the day before you sleep and also spending at least fifteen minutes

of the day to mediate and think when you wake up every morning. By so doing

you can motivate and inspire yourself when you think the lines are not adding

up. You can do this by asking yourself “What is one step I can take today to get

closer to my goal?” “What did I learn today?” You can also check in on a

weekly or monthly basis to assess what you’ve gotten out of your journey thus

far.

Whenever you are tempted to give up in life, always remember the words of

Brian Tracy, “It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, all that maters is

where you are going. The past is in the past for a reason, the present is here for

a reason which is a gift to work with for tomorrow which is not guaranteed.

In conclusion, always bear in mind “Success is never final. Failure is never

fatal. In the end it’s the courage to continue that counts.”

Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with New York

City Department of Correction as the legal Coordinator. He’s

the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny –

Actualizing Your Birthright To Success.

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Leatherworld: A Masterclass in Enduring Excellence

Published

3 days ago

March 21, 2026

Eric

Leatherworld defines what it means to be classy. And it has confidently taken the higher road. For more than three decades, it has not merely sold furniture — it has demonstrated what class truly means in business: integrity in craftsmanship, consistency in service, and vision in growth. And as its name, “Leatherworld” implies, it is a world of its own.

Founded in 1994 to meet the demand for high-quality furniture in Nigeria, Leatherworld began as a retail outlet focused on premium pieces through partnerships with Italian luxury brands. However, it has now upped its ante, spreading its tentacles with showrooms in Victoria Island and Lekki Lagos, and also in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory.

At a time when durability was often sacrificed for cost and quick turnover, the company made a deliberate decision: it would never compromise quality to cut corners. That principle has remained its compass ever since.

This is indeed the story of Leatherworld. For over 30 years, it has defined what luxury furniture means in Nigeria. It is not just a brand, it has consistently stood for one core principle: quality that lasts.

The company’s commitment to seasoned hardwood, aged for up to seven years before production, speaks to a patience that is rare in modern manufacturing. Indeed, its furniture is designed not for seasons, but for decade

Its growth has been matched by recognitions and honours from far and wide. Notable among some of these awards and recognitions are; international honours such as the Quality Summit New York International Award for Excellence (2013) to multiple awards from reputable organisation such as; the Nigerian National Assembly 2004 Awards, Furniture and Allied Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Award (2008), Interior Designer Association of Nigeria, IDAN, Award (2012). Indeed, Leatherworld’s name has become synonymous with leadership in interior décor and furniture manufacturing.

But beyond awards and expansion, it is its customer loyalty that tells the real story. For many clients, the Leatherworld experience begins long before the furniture is delivered.

The brand has earned respect across borders. But class is not proven by trophies alone. It is revealed in everyday interactions. Customers consistently describe professional staff, meticulous delivery teams, and after-sale technical support that is “second to none.”

From custom requests handled with speed and care to full-room assemblies executed with precision, Leatherworld treats service as part of the product itself.

Many customers attest to owning Leatherworld pieces for over 30 years — still structurally sound, still comfortable, still elegant. In a marketplace often flooded with disposable options, that kind of longevity is not accidental; it is intentional. This explains why the customers of Leatherworld attests to the durability and high quality of its products.

“I really enjoyed my shopping experience,” says Anita Ajah, who visited the Lagos showroom. “Their customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in Nigeria.”

Diana Ufuah shares a similar sentiment. “Leatherworld is the very best in terms of quality. I bought a sofa there and it is extremely comfortable and durable. What I also find intriguing is their customer service. My family and I were treated like royalty while shopping.”

It is a recurring theme – professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.

Oluwole Adekoya describes the experience as “first-class quality furniture reasonably priced,” recommending the brand to anyone “with a dimension for taste.”

Kunle Adegbite highlights the end-to-end service: “I found exactly what I was looking for. Not only were the choices incredible, the service was outstanding. I requested their operations team to assemble my living room and they were quick, professional, and executed it beautifully. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Chioma Okonkwo, a long-standing client is more effusive in her review: “You only get bored with the same furniture but the thought of the new price you will pay keeps you loving your FOREVER furniture from Leatherworld!”

Those testimonies indeed speak volumes. Still, Leatherworld has not dithered from its vision to revolutionise the furniture and interior design industry in Nigeria and West Africa. And its message is simple: quality furniture is not a cost — it is an investment. You choose once. You choose well. You buy for life.

Leatherworld’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the elegance of Florence and the opulence of Nigerian culture — a fusion that respects global sophistication while celebrating local identity.

Its collections range from classical and neo-classical to contemporary and simple-line designs, ensuring that individuality is never compromised.

In doing so, the company has positioned itself not just as a seller of furniture, but as a curator of lifestyle — crafting pieces that define spaces for scholars, business leaders, families and discerning homeowners alike.

In business, class is consistency when no one is watching. It is honouring promises made decades ago. It is building products that outlive marketing campaigns. It is choosing long-term reputation over short-term gain.

In a competitive industry where shortcuts are tempting and compromise is common, Leatherworld has shown that real class lies in endurance — of materials, of service, of vision and of trust.

And in doing so, it has not only furnished homes across Nigeria and West Africa; it has furnished an example of how a company can grow, lead, and still remain grounded in excellence.

Bimbo Alashe, as the founder and CEO of Leatherworld Furniture Company, leads the international furniture retailing assemblage and manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company offers top quality leather furniture and accessories in wood, glass, marble, and other authentic and elegant materials, establishing a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and design.

She is one of the most formidable entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Beyond building her company, she sits on the board of several companies and serves as a mentor to a number of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, sharing her experience and insight to help others grow.

Her story is not the typical one of a person who grows from old money. Alase had to create her story herself, making her way from the rough early days of owning a small mini-store to the point where she became a mega business owner through determination and persistence.

When Leatherworld was established, it entered the furniture space to redefine luxury and class. The business created an opportunity for her to explore her love for creativity, guided by a straightforward vision — to make high-quality furniture available to everyone.

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Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Felicitate with Muslim Ummah, Nigerians at Eid-el-Fitr

Published

3 days ago

March 21, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The three frontline political leaders in Nigeria; President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi, have in separate messages call for the strengthening of security, sustenance of the spirit of goodwill imbibed during Ramadan as well as kindness among Nigerians as the Muslim Ummah celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

The messages are in response to the successful completion of the 30-day fasting – a period of dedication, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and stocktaking – which end birth the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Leading the avalanche of messages, President Tinubu, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reiterated the need to lead a pious life seasoned by empathy and unity among humankind.

He noted that though the Ramadan season is over, but the lessons of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion, which the period is known, must consistently be the watchword of every Nigerian.

The message is captured in details below:

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

In the same vein, former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigerian and across the world on the successful completion of the mandatory Ramadan fasting, and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

A press statement signed by the media office of the former Vice President, admonished Muslims to remain steadfast in piety by maintaining peace and in charitable causes.

According to Atiku, the completion of the obligatory fasting in the noble month of Ramadan should lead to more commitment to the injunctions of Almighty Allah.

“The completion of the Ramadan fasting is a call to duty that ensures we sustain the good deeds that the noble month requires of us.

“We must ensure that the lessons of the month are not lost on us and that the celebration of today is a reminder to the people, especially Muslims, to follow in the tradition of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in seeking closeness to God through worship and maintaining peace,” Atiku said.

He further called on the government to take it more seriously, stressing that “the protection of the lives and property of citizens is a divine decree and the sole responsibility of every government.”

Atiku similarly enjoins the privileged in the society to keep providing charity to the less privileged as this would go a long way in ensuring that the rising tide of economic downturn does not weigh too heavily on the poor.

“A greater number of people are being crushed by the economic downturn and global events in the past three weeks have further exacerbated the situation. It is incumbent on the wealthy to be more compassionate by taking up the responsibility of charity to help cushion the effect of the burden on the poor,” Atiku said.

Also lending his voice the congratulatory messages, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, urged Nigerian Muslims to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan going forward even as the 30-day fast has officially ended.

“I join you with heartfelt joy as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the blessed festival that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan.

“This occasion is a profound reminder of the power of faith, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to Almighty Allah.

“Throughout Ramadan, you have fasted, prayed, given charity, and drawn closer to God, embodying values that inspire not only the Muslim ummah but every person of goodwill. These lessons of compassion, humility, patience, and solidarity must not end with the month; may they continue to guide our hearts, our actions, and our shared life as Nigerians.”

Many other prominent Nigerians and institutions have also identified with the Muslims in celebration, drumming the lesson of service, patriotism, piety and above unity of purpose to the hearing and learning of all and sundry.

The Eid-el-Fitr is the grand finale of the Muslim 30-day fasting period, popularly known in Islam as Ramadan. It is a yearly spiritual exercise.

Featured

TEF Entrepreneurship: Tony Elumelu Foundation Sets March 22 to Announce 2026 Cohort

Published

4 days ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs will announce the 12th cohort of the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In 2026, the Foundation will empower a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs across all its entrepreneurship programmes:
1,751 entrepreneurs through Heirs Holdings Group: Heirs Energies, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and United Capital; 1,049 entrepreneurs in partnership with the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ and GIZ; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with Sèmè City Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with DEG, the German Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Dutch Government; and 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with UNDP and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.

Applications to the flagship programme were received from over 265,000 young Africans, representing all 54 African countries, underscoring Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial sector and the funding challenge for entrepreneurs. The new cohort will join the TEF Alumni community of more than 24,000 entrepreneurs.

The selection process is conducted by Ernst & Young, ensuring an independent and rigorous assessment of applicants.

Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to world-class business management training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and entry into a powerful network of investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training on our proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 selected entrepreneurs. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through our support for African entrepreneurs, TEF has lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line, and positively impacted more than 4 million African households, with 46% of supported entrepreneurs being African women.

Ahead of the upcoming announcement, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reiterates his unwavering belief in the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs:

“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs and solve the challenges of our continent. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to Africa’s economic transformation.

I look forward to announcing and congratulating the 2026 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs and look forward to witnessing the impact they will create across our continent.”

The general public is invited to join, virtually.