By Okechukwu Onwuka
Today we’ll look at the interesting role that people who I choose to refer to as Mentors and Angels play in an individual’s development. When I meet young people who ask me to play the role of mentors for their business or career, I must say that it comes as a surprise.

The surprise is in the sense that I have, personally, never viewed mentoring as a formal process. As an individual, there are several wonderful people who have shaped my life remarkably. Some I’ve met in person, others I haven’t met except through their books, writings or media appearances.

The one common thing in all the cases is that there was never a discussion or request for them to be my mentor. Yet, these great people ended up being my mentors and angels in human form because of the profound effect that some of their action and speech had on me. Many of them may not even know that they had touched a life in a remarkable way.

I’ll remember some of them today and touch on just one area they had impacted me fundamentally. Elder Ephraim Eberechi Onwuka, my late dad was a defining role model for me. While helping me solve a mathematics question in primary 5, he said to me “Okechukwu my son, this one thing you must know.

Always try and ensure you understand the fundamental principle behind any formula or equation. When you do this, even if you forget the formula in an exam hall, you can always work your way to the answer or derive the formula on your own”.

My dad also said “If you can do anything so well that you attain the acclaim as the best in your country, then you will have justified your existence and you can start to lay claim to true accomplishment”. All through primary, secondary and tertiary education to this day,

I have never forgotten these words of wisdom among several others. As a young man, I grew up with an insatiable appetite to come first in class or anything I venture into. It can be a punishing regime but you can never quarrel with the rewards.
In my present day wide-based consultancy practice, I don’t know how I would have coped without these basic concepts that have helped me deal with a multitude challenges in professional and private life, beyond even mathematics. Lydia Nkechinyere Onwuka, my young mother in trying to inculcate the values of hard work in me had these firm words to say in my teenage years as a fresh undergraduate at the university of Lagos “Let me tell you, as your mother, I declare that you shall not prosper by lottery or gambling or any ‘try-your-luck’ schemes but by diligent hard work and creativity, you shall experience wealth beyond your wildest dreams”.

She also went on to caution me thus “Chibuike, if you like women, try chasing after them when you are poor or a student. Although there is no virtue in womanizing, let me assure you that for every one woman who accepts you as a poor man, there is 1000 that will be willing if you are wealthy or accomplished. However, in all you do, remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.

My mother continues to remain a fountain of wisdom. Mr. Akin Lesoto, my class teacher in Primary 4, at Shamsudeen Islamic School, Ojuelegba, Surulere left a mark on me. He boasted to the whole class after the 1st term that I was so good that no one could overtake me. In the very next term, Iquo, my class mate did the unthinkable. She came first and relegated me to second place.

The look of shame and disappointment on my teacher’s face taught me an unforgettable lesson. Never disappoint those who believe in you.

The other is never to assume that by name and reputation alone, you can retain success. Performance and results will always be earned. Although the shock forced me to regain my position the next term, enough damage had been done. An unknown graduate assistant in Unilag, 1985.

I don’t remember his name and I can’t tell where he is now. He heard a fellow student call my name one morning as he was walking through the Engineering Faculty and beckoned on me to come to him. He said “I am a graduate assistant (PhD Student) in Mechanical Engineering and I marked your scripts in the last exam. You are good enough to make straight A+ in all exams but I believe you were just careless in some of the subjects.

If you put in a little effort, no one will beat you”. If someone I don’t know can pass this kind of verdict on me, why should I disappoint myself? From that day onwards, I never looked back. He was an angel sent my way just in time. May God bless him wherever he is now. Nelson Mandela, in his book, Long Walk to Freedom, made me know that no matter how much anyone offends you, no man likes to lose face in public.

The higher calling of humanity is to always look for ways to disagree or air your views without humiliating another man. I will never forget this lesson. Chief Eze Azunna Ogbonna is the traditional ruler of Ndiolumbe Community. His deep heart of charity and the sacrificial money he gave to me while an undergraduate (without my asking) at a time I knew he was not very liquid touched me deeply.
He is generosity personified. Engr. Inyang Okon-Iterechio, gave me a timeless advice “When people try to hurt or demoralize you, never let it show on your face. If you can’t smile, keep a blank face. As long as you know you are doing a good job, maintain your performance. If you let the frustration show on your face, your detractors will do more. But if you remain calm, they leave you alone and seek another victim. Otherwise, negative emotions will ultimately lead to poor work performance; then they have better ammunition to finish you completely”. This advice helped me deal with many issues as an employee. Engr. Tunji Obawole, my then manager in Facilities Engineering & Technical support who gave me the opportunity to undertake huge projects and challenges and never allowed any expatriate to intimidate me or subjugate my work to foreigners. His leadership developed me greatly. Alhaji Bayo Bishi, whose insistence forced me into Risk Assessment and Management inspite of my repeated rejection of the move.

He was an Angel in disguise. Dr, Raymond Jan, Mr. Markrand Patel, Engr. Ita Stephens, Dr. Dele Sobowale, Dr.Mrs Atulobi, Bill Clinton, Godson Ugbo, Julius Kaite, Joe Onwuama, John Maxwell, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein,  are just a few of the many mentors and Angels that the Almighty God has used to direct my path and guide me through the journey of life.

When I remember that I was born today, August 1, several years ago, I give thanks to the Almighty God and pray that he blesses in turn all the people who have been inspired to inspire me at one time or another.