I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I want to reflect on how my journey could have turned out differently and give all glory to Jesus for what my life has become. Recently, I returned from the 80th Anniversary celebration of Government College Ughelli. It was a grand occasion filled with kings, notable figures, and alumni from around the world.
It was a humbling experience. A king from Yorubaland approached me, expressing his admiration. People lined up to take pictures with me, including commissioners and other dignitaries. I even received an award for upholding the values of excellence and integrity associated with Government College Ughelli. But as I stood there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how my life could have been drastically different.
The Turning Points in My Journey
As I looked back, I realized the first 15 to 17 years of life are critical. These are formative years when habits, relationships, and choices shape the trajectory of one’s life. For me, the pressure to excel academically came early. My parents instilled in me the importance of education. I attempted the common entrance exams in Primary 5 but had to repeat in Primary 6 due to financial constraints. That extra year prepared me better, and I secured admission into Government College Ughelli.
From a young age, the goal of becoming a medical doctor was impressed upon me. I surrounded myself with brilliant friends who were at the top of the class. This environment of excellence pushed me to excel. By the time I reached class 4, my mother bought me GCE forms, and I passed with multiple A’s, even though I initially failed English. The repeated attempts honed my focus and resilience.
When I moved to Federal Government College Warri, I encountered students from diverse backgrounds. Their drive for academic excellence inspired me to strive harder, shedding any distractions or influences that could derail me. I chose to focus intensely on academics and avoid the pitfalls of my environment, such as alcoholism or bad relationships. It was by God’s mercy that I didn’t waste away during those years.
A Life of Restlessness and Purpose
After becoming a medical doctor, I transitioned through various phases of life. From practicing medicine to venturing into ministry, education, and now public speaking, there was always a restlessness in my spirit to pursue more. Each step required focus, energy, and resilience. When I shifted to farming during the COVID-19 lockdown, many criticized me. Yet, it was in that season that my online platform grew, reaching thousands around the world.
The road to success is not uniform. At the Government College event, I saw classmates who had achieved great success in diverse fields—medicine, engineering, law, and more. Yet, I also saw those who were struggling. Life, much like Lagos traffic, can change drastically depending on the turns you take. One wrong decision or relationship can stagnate or derail your progress.
The Eight “I’s” for Success
Reflecting on my journey, I have identified eight elements that have shaped my life:
Inspiration
Instruction
Information
Intuition
Instincts
Impartation
Influence
Innovation
Harnessing these qualities has helped me break barriers and create impact.
A Desire to Bless Humanity
Every day, I wake up with one question: What can I do to change someone’s life today? This mindset has propelled me into a realm where nature and the spirit of God align to support my efforts. It is not about what I will eat or wear; those things have become secondary. The real drive is to be a blessing to humanity.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my life and the journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for God’s grace. The decisions I made and the pressures I embraced have shaped me into who I am today. If there is one lesson I can share, it is this: success is a combination of God’s mercy, intentionality, and a relentless desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Let’s continue to grow together, and may we all strive to be a blessing to humanity.
I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki.
God bless you.
