The Picture That Caught My Attention 

-Iniobong Leroi Umoh

This picture captured my attention!

Taken at the funeral service of the father of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Held last weekend.

As expected, top national dignitaries showed up.

And unfailingly the Zenith Bank big boys showed up.

The gentleman clad in a dark suit is Jim Ovia the founder of Zenith bank.

Seated next to him in the ash outfit is Dr Godwin Emefiele the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, former Ceo of Zenith Bank.

Governor Udom Emmanuel was a former Executive Director of Zenith bank before his advent into politics.

Together the three gentlemen have held different top positions in Zenith bank.

In 1990 at the age of 39, Jim Ovia founded Zenith bank.

With the sum of 20 million Naira from investors.

Today Zenith bank is worth $16 billion.

Jim Ovia is worth over $900 million, one of the richest men in Nigeria.

Jim Ovia and Godwin Emefiele were on ground in Zenith bank in 1990.

Udom Emmanuel joined them in 1997.

There is something seductive about success.

There is something about working as a team and growing together over the years.

There is something about building a company from ground up and becoming a national and continental powerhouse.

These three men are successful men.

These three men are made for life.

The question tugs at my mind.

What do we young men of this generation talk about when we meet?

What platforms, brands, products, services and ideas are we building/creating that will outlive us?

As young men where do we see ourselves in the next 10 years?

When we meet in our circles, do we talk about which industry we would dominate or sector that we would be major players in the next 10 years?

Do we meet only to share our sexcapades, drink alcohol, smoke and do drugs?

Do we meet only to banter about the English Premier league?

Do we meet only to talk about the political parties and candidates we support?

Jim Ovia is Udom Emmanuel’s mentor.

He showed him the ropes over the years.

As young men are we willing to be mentored?

Do we have the patience to wait?

Are we not all hungry for overnight success?

The big boys are made men.

They will always look after themselves.

They will always be there for each other.

Would we ever join this circle?

10-20 years to come, where would we find ourselves?

The choices we make today will play a part in our future.

May we not fail in life.