Hope in the hardship: A journey from poverty to purpose

I was born and raised in Ajegunle, one of the most densely populated and underdeveloped areas of Lagos, Nigeria. Life in Ajegunle was far from easy. 

The slums were marked by poverty, overcrowded streets, and limited access to basic amenities. It was a place where hope often felt like a distant dream. But I never let my circumstances define who I would become.

From a young age, I understood what it meant to struggle. My family didn’t have much. We lived in a small, cramped space, and our daily meals were often uncertain.

Yet, I was raised by a mother who taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and faith. Even though she faced the same hardships, she always found ways to make sure we stayed hopeful, always encouraging me to do my best in school, even when the road seemed impossible.

Education was my ticket out of the struggles I was facing. But attending school wasn’t easy either. There were days when I didn’t have enough money for transportation, and I had to walk long distances just to get to class. 

Sometimes, I didn’t have enough money for food, but I never let that stop me. I was determined to finish my education, believing that a degree and the skills I learned would be the way out of the slum.

As I grew older, the challenges didn’t lessen; they only became more complex. I faced discrimination, stereotypes, and the harsh reality that many from places like Ajegunle often had their futures predetermined. But I kept pushing forward. I worked hard, took on multiple jobs to support myself, and kept my eyes focused on my goals. I didn’t want to be defined by the place I came from.

My breakthrough came when I found a job that aligned with my skills and passions. It wasn’t easy to get there, and it certainly didn’t come without its struggles.

But slowly, the opportunities started to unfold. I was determined to create a future for myself, my family, and the community I came from.

It wasn’t long before I met the love of my life. Despite the challenges we both faced, we shared a similar mindset: we were both determined to build something better for our future. 

We got married and soon after, we were blessed with two beautiful children. Raising them in a better environment became my ultimate goal. I wanted them to have opportunities that I never had, to grow up with hope and possibilities that were beyond the limits of the slums.

Becoming a parent was life-changing. It added a new layer of responsibility, but it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose. 

The sacrifices I had made in my earlier years seemed more meaningful now. I worked harder, not just for myself but for my children’s future. My wife and I shared a vision of a better life for them, and we were determined to see it through.

While the journey hasn’t been easy, and the scars of the past never completely fade, today, I stand proud of how far I have come. 

From the slums of Ajegunle to being a father and husband, I’ve proven that where you start doesn’t determine where you end up. Every challenge I faced became fuel for my determination to succeed.

I now see the fruits of my labour. My children are growing up in a more stable environment, with opportunities that I never dreamed of at their age. They go to good schools, and I can provide them with the resources to help them thrive.

Life may have started hard for me, but it is what I did with those struggles that truly mattered.