Hello, my friends. I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and I want to share a few thoughts on becoming a person of influence and relevance. As I stand here at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park to receive an award, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. From arriving in Delta State 24 years ago, unknown to most, I’ve grown steadily, step by step. Today, I’m grateful to say that my name is known not only here in Nigeria but in several countries. Soon, I’ll be off to Zambia to receive another African award. This journey has been about much more than simply building a reputation; it’s been about embodying a few key principles I want to share with you.
1. Seek Authenticity, Not Popularity
Don’t chase popularity—chase authenticity. Craving fame for fame’s sake can lead you astray. Instead, focus on being true to yourself, original in your thinking, and relevant to the lives of those around you. Relevance is what allows you to connect deeply and build genuine influence over time. When people see that you offer real value, influence naturally follows.
2. Stay Committed to Consistency
Influence doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a deliberate, intentional, purposeful process. My wife recently reminded me that I am living the life I always envisioned. I started sharing my vision with her when she was just 19 and I was 21. Now, at 65, I’m reaping the results of decades of persistence. Building true influence is not a race but a marathon, and rushing the process often leads to burnout. Time and maturity are essential to handle the demands of influence with grace.
3. Cultivate Humility and Perspective
Over time, I’ve learned to separate myself from the fame and acclaim that sometimes come with success. This separation is essential; I remain grounded in who I am, never allowing public recognition to cloud my purpose or identity. When I receive an award, I understand that it’s not about me but the role I play and the duty I fulfill. Knowing this helps me to stay humble, and I give credit to the grace of God.
4. Embrace Strategy to Avoid Becoming a ‘Tragedy’
Finally, if you lack strategy, you risk becoming a tragedy. Fame and influence can be overwhelming if not carefully managed. You must have a plan, a clear vision of who you want to be, and what you want to achieve. Without wisdom and strategic planning, even the greatest opportunities can lead to disaster.
It’s not an easy journey, but with intentionality, patience, and authenticity, you too can become a person of influence and relevance. May you be blessed in your journey.
God bless you.
