PORTRAITS OF POSSIBILITIES

They may not be your regular newsmakers, but these immensely talented young chaps are taking giant strides in the direction of their dreams ,using the lens of their camera to capture a beautiful world. Their dedication, diligence, and drive has led them to turning their passion into profit and making their marks through photography. Their stories will serve as a wake up call for you to raise and be the captain of your life’s ship.

OJAGBAMILA YEMI

Yemi as he is fondly called by his clients , has a glow and a vigour that belies his age.In his 20’s , yemi runs DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY , a photography outfit that helps individuals to put up indelible masterpieces and everlasting memories. Every aspect of wedding photography is his passion , and this is evident in the amount of commitment and creativity he puts into his works. He holds an Ordinary National Diploma (O.N.D)in accounting from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic(MAPOLY).Being an ardent learner, and always on the look out for opportunities to sharpen his craft ,yemi has attended various photography courses from various giants in his industry like Boddy lawson,Albri photos.e.t..c. Indeed for most young Nigerians,the names of Fela durotoye, Ty bello,evokes inspiration and patrotism.Yemi calls these individuals his role models, as a result of their contributions to the society, and in extension, the Nigerian project.Yemi looks back at his early days as a wedding photographer, when he was usually paid a paltry sum of money.But today, he is fast becoming a force to reckon with, becoming an epitome of enterprise.

NDUKA IJEH DAVID

Put simply,Nduka David Ijeh lives in his own world where he entertains no impossibilities.David ventured into photography, when he was in secondary school.He was fascinated and animated by the flash that emanates from the camera, and ever since his romance with photography has blossomed giving birth to his photography outfit called WINDS PHOTOGRAPHY.As a youngster, he envisions creating a photography outfit that will outlive him.True to his philosophy of never ending improvement, David has attended several photography workshops , and also a member of the World Photography Association.He says:’My challenge as been convincing clients of my first class service .As a young entrepreneur,people tend to undervalue and underestimate you,but I prove them wrong by doing beyond their expectation’.He reiterates.He adds that the likes of Don Babbers, Kelechi Amadi Obi, are the individuals he looks up to in the industry.David already has his sights set on making a difference through the tool of photography.The good news is that he is already doing this, one day at a time.

SAMSON OKUNDARE

Looking for one young Nigerian with deep rooted passion for his craft?Then look the way of Samson okundare.Samson,a microbiology student of Lagos state university,was introduced to the world of lens, flashes, and pictures,by his father who is a retired photojournalist with the now defunct POST EXPRESS.His father taught him the tricks of the trade, showed him the ropes,and ever since, he has been gaining momentum .For Samson, the secret of his swift rise has been his insistence on quality.His numerous clients are a testament to his passion for excellence.His skill has seen him taken pictures at various high class events and making him sought after.Like the biblical Samson, he is a youngster whose strength and power lies in creating masterpieces for people to behold.

I certainly think these youngsters stories is worth telling.Besides, a success story has no age limit or bias , as it benefits anyone who aims for the top.These young chaps are examples of the can do spirit of the young Nigerian,becoming portraits of possibilities in a land filled with the news of gloom and hopelessness.You too can find your place, and start making diamonds out of you clay.Go and rule your world.!

BEYOND THE BLINDSPOT

BEYOND THE BLINDSPOT
“When we recognize our self limitations with a clear eye on our potential, we can push ourselves to success”- LARRY COLBERT


As I walked out of the hall where I had been invited to do a motivational presentation, I knew I had witnessed a paradigm shift. He is a young man who ordinarily should have been limited by his handicap- being visually impaired, but he chose to soar above it and converting his adversity to his advantage. After my presentation, the host of the event introduced him as the next speaker. He was being heralded to the podium by a young lady who I later got to know is his sister. He shared his personal story of how he overcame the limitation of being virtually impaired to taking personal responsibility for his life. Amazingly, he is making diamonds out of clay, using his gifts of craftsmanship and creativity to make shoes, slippers, and even writes poetry. Today, he has risen out of the obscurity of blindness to the pinnacle of embracing his life’s meaning.

Just one hour on a crisp fall day Larry Colbert’s life dramatically and significantly changed forever. He was diagnosed with retinitus pigmentosa, degenerative eye disease, and he learned he would soon be blind. But as Larry’s eyesight gradually faded his insight deepened. Today, Larry truly lives a life of vision, both physical and compassionate. As an author/consultant/speaker, he travels extensively encouraging businesses and people to transform their vision into action.

In the journey of life, we will always be besieged with blind spots, challenges, and stumbling blocks that often threatens our drive for success and our momentum for maximum achievement, but in spite of the raging storm, you have to believe in the fact that the sun will shine again. One of the worst occurrences even much more tragic than physical blindness is what I call internal blindness- A state of being blinded by the limitations of life.

HAVING EYESIGHT BUT BEING BLIND TO PROSPERITY
Most individuals have what it takes to be wealthy and be enlisted in Forbes magazine’s list of the richest men in the world, but unfortunately die in squalor and poverty, because they are boxed in the mindset of lack and scarcity. Inspite of the terrible harsh economic realities of our time, some individuals are still making money legitimately in the midst of adversity. You need to bring yourself to a place in your mind where you can accept and encourage the thoughts of wealth creation.

HAVING EYESIGHT BUT BEING BLIND TO POSSIBILITIES.
The cemetery holds the treasure that people never served to humanity, because they never dared to maximize the possibilities of turning their lives around. In the words of Jean Le Fontain: “Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish”

HAVING EYESIGHT BUT BEING BLIND TO OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities are openings that lead to the path of greatness and grant strides. Opportunities are life’s block with which destines are built. I recalled how I maximized the opportunity to write for a publication which has led to countless media interviews and making my personal brand stronger.

If you think being blind is a handicap ask Cobhams Asuquo if you think being without hands is an handicap ask John Foppe, if you think not being able to walk is an handicap ask Yinka Ayefele. These folks have risen above their personal handicaps, becoming portraits of possibilities to others. The legendary Cobhams Asuquo a music producer extraordinaire once said: “Get up and go, whatever you are thinking of doing , do it. If it is within reason and doesn’t harm anyone. To be a pioneer, you need to first take the baby steps”. Live the dream, live beyond your limitations, live above your excuses and embrace the life of unlimited possibilities.