By Tosin Kolade
Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, a Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur, has fulfilled his childhood ambition of becoming a lawyer after decades of perseverance and determination.
Ohuabunwa, formally called to the Nigerian Bar on Tuesday, described the achievement as “a testament to perseverance, faith and commitment to a lifelong dream.
“Dreams may be delayed, but they are not denied,” he said in a statement reflecting on his journey from repeated admission setbacks to becoming a legal practitioner.
He said his experience showed that setbacks should not discourage people from pursuing their goals, stressing that determination and patience were essential to overcoming challenges.
Ohuabunwa had aspired to study law from childhood and made several attempts to gain admission after completing secondary school.
Although he met the admission requirements, he was repeatedly offered English Language and Literature because of admission constraints, including the catchment system.
Rather than abandon his ambition, he excelled in his chosen course while taking available law courses and seeking opportunities to transfer to the Faculty of Law.
After graduating from University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Ohuabunwa returned to study law during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He graduated with outstanding results before completing professional training at the Nigerian Law School.
He was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar on July 7, more than four decades after first pursuing the dream.
The entrepreneur, a Harvard alumnus and now legal practitioner, attributed his success to perseverance and divine grace.
He narrated that “in 1995, I surrendered my life to Christ. That decision transformed my character, strengthened my discipline, deepened my faith and became the foundation upon which I built every subsequent success.
“I believe that while determination opened doors, God’s grace made the impossible possible.”
He urged those facing delays and challenges to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that being called to the Bar signifies successful completion of the Bar Final Examinations and vocational training at the Nigerian Law School.
The ceremony, organised by the Body of Benchers, culminates in successful candidates being formally enrolled on the roll of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. (NAN)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu