By MOSES NOSIKE
Godwin Ehigiamusoe, in his humble beginning did not chose wrongly when he took the path to impact and empower humanity. It gives him passion seeing the less privileged and the low income earners elevated  from their poor state as he reveals in this encounter.

Your background

Well, I started life like most Nigerians of my age; I came from a humble background. I was born in a village, Ugha, a community close to Benin city. I had my early education in that environment  until  1977 when I gained admission into the university of  Benin where I read Sociology. Subsequently, I did a Masters Degree in the same discipline with emphasis on Development Studies. When I left the University, I joined the co-operative movement as a government official.

Godwin Ehigiamusoe

The decision was quite  natural for me because I felt and I still believe that a co-operative is essentially an economic association of persons with limited means who pool their resources together and from that pool, each draws to meet his or her financial needs. Again, my engagement to the cooperative movement was a reflection of my activities while I was in the University. Beyond my academic work, I spent quality time and resources in organsing seminars and symposia in the bid to sensitize students who were potential elites on how to improve the social and economic conditions of the masses. This ideological orientation eventually influenced the idea of non governmental initiative that translated into what is known as LAPO  today in a town called Ogwashi-Uku in  Delta state.

The growth of the organization has been influenced by a number of factors. First, was the fact that my colleagues and I, demonstrated a great deal of commitment to what we are doing.  Second, was the  fact that I have been able to engage and retain very young and committed Nigerians. Third, is the value that LAPO adds to the society. What we are doing is considered noble by many people. Finally, there has been obvious divine interventions at various phases of our growth.

Were you born with a silver spoon?

I do not  think so. However, in my community, my parents were relatively okay. The turning point in my life , that is getting committed to low-income people could be attributed to the interest I had always taken in very critical and noble Nigerians such as Dr. Tai Solarin who I took a lot of interest in.  For instance, I remember I religiously read his popular weekly  column  in the Tribune  in the 70s.  There was professor Ayo Owojobi, another great and selfless Nigerian. The admiration for these and other Nigerians actually shapened my outlook.

Again, the decade of 70s for Nigeria was that of optimism. We began the decade coming out of a civil war very strong. Then, followed by the period of oil boom. In the middle of that decay, we had a very charismatic leader in the person of Mutala Muhammed. There were a lot enthusiasm particularly among the youths. There is a strong feeling that we could make this country the best in the world.

Fortunately for me, this was the period I got into the university.

What were those growing up challenges you did not allow to weigh you down?

There have been few. First, was the death of my late father in 1976 in my last lap in the secondary school. I was quite close to my final exams and it was difficult for me. I remember then that my English teacher was supportive. He encouraged me to worked harder on my studies inspite of what happened. I came out with excellent results in my examination.

Another, was when in the following year that was, 1977, I gained admission into the University. It was going to be tough without a father. Fortunately, an uncle  stood in  to support.

Who were your mentors during your growing up?

I have  always been interested in Nigerians making selfless contributions to the country,  whether in religion, academia and other areas. I have mentioned people like  Tai Solarin. For me he was a model in selflessness and modesty. Professor Muhammadu Yunus, Founder, Grameen Bank is another remarkable personality .  Since I met him in 1991, we have remained very close friends. I also admire his humility.  Even at the face of huge success, he was humble. There are others who have built or made contributions to outstanding institutions. Here you have Mr. Fola Adeola, Founding Managing Director, GTBank; Apostle Hayford Alile, former Director General, Nigerian Stock Exchange, who for many years made great contributions to the Nigerian Stock Exchange. There are many others. I often say to myself, if they could do what they had done, it is possible for me to do it even better. That is the essence of having a role model.

What  is your philosophy of life?

I always tell my children and other young people  that success depends majorly on the tripod of  diligence, personal discipline and honesty.

Was there  any moment of regrets?

Yes. There were many particularly, at the beginning of LAPO. Here I was doing what was quite new in our environment and even, globally and  there were a lot of frustrating moments. For instance, I remember I went  to a village in Delta, set up Lapo groups and was expecting good results in the form of good repayment performance, but it turned out disastrous. It was frustrating. When you come across such situation especially at the very beginning, it could make you to question the feasibility of what you are doing.

Your message for
our youths?

Believe in yourself and also  in the future of this nation. I believe in this country. This  country is probably the only one in Africa where you can close your eyes and see opportunities. I advise them to think properly, look at the environment, looking at the problems and challenges and identify them; then come up with ideas for solution that could transform those things into opportunities. Also they should be diligent and persistent. My father often told, me when I was very young that if you are a sweeper and you do that diligently for  years, you would become successful and be consulted on the art of sweeping.

What trips  added value to your life

That was my first trip to Bangladeshi in April 1991. I was a part of international dialogue organized by the Grameen Bank.

After much presentation and field trips, I was truly convinced on the desirability of credit to the poor. I remember in my hotel room on the eve of my departure, I made a commitment to myself to pursue the mission of LAPO.  So, my first visit to Grameen Bank had indelible impression in my mind.

How  do you dress?

Simplicity defines my dress code. What I wear at a particular period depends on the event.  Going to the field to meet  with clients obviously requires a different type of dressing from if I were to meet with representatives of investors.

What is  your perception of success?

It is so simple. It is about setting your goals or objectives and realizing them probably within the time frame.

Your marriage life

My wife is from AWKA,  Anambra. I’m from Benin. We’ve lived happily together for 24 years. We are blessed with five children – two girls and three boys.

Since she came into your life, how well?

We’ve been together for 24 years and that has been a successful union. We have transformed into  a brother and a sister.  She has been quite supportive. It has been a very interesting marriage journey so far.