STANDING TALL TO GREATNESS

STANDING TALL TO GREATNESS

‘The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership’.Wrote the cerebral Professor Chinua Achebe in his 1984 treatise ,the Trouble with Nigeria. As a young Nigerian , I strongly believe leadership is the ability to influence people towards achieving worth while goals, and I am always turning my searchlight on young Nigerians who are leading lights in various walks of life. Every once in a while , destiny sends humanity some men and women who can only be defined a s phenomenal. Henry Aderigbe is one of that species of human beings.Henry Aderigbe 27, is the CEO of Kabiyesi clothings, a bespoke clothing line based in Ibadan .As a fashion designer, he specializes in the making of suits, blazers, shirts, kaftans , gowns and branded tee shirts.

STANDING TALL IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY

Henry attended The Federal polytechnic Offa. His business was birthed when he started having issues with clothes of his size, which is as a result of his unique height-6feets tall. This challenge inspired Henry to start designing clothes for himself and he often gave his designs to tailors who convert the concept into beautiful outfits for people to behold. Presently, Henry is a fast rising fashion entrepreneur , helping individuals to create an indelible image.

ON STARTING SMALL

It is being said that every oak tree grows from a mustard seed. In his words”:I started with no capital , I only partnered with a tailor who makes excellent clothes. I started publicising my brand through word of mouth, and today our clientele base is growing and fast expanding.’’Though he is starting small, he has what it takes to become the David who will defeat Goliath in the battle field.

CHALLENGES

‘’I was faced with two adverse challenges, number one convincing clients to choose our designs over other known brands, and secondly clients owing us money.But over time we have been able to surmount these challenges by being committed to churning out excellent outfits.’’

ROLEMODELS

A Chinese proverb says:’To know the road ahead, ask those coming back’. Henry ‘s role models are Fela durotoye, whom he learnt from the virtue of taking personal responsibility and not making excuses, and also Basket mouth, for his immense contribution to the craft of comedy,bringing in class and creativity.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY

‘’My guiding philosophy is this:’’Life will offer unto you , whatever you ask from it.If you don’t ask, you can never get.’’

Henry has a calling, or more appropriately several callings.He is not just a fashion entrepreneur , but also doubles as a comedian and emcee, and Nigeria is lucky that he has decided to answer them all.We are richer for it.To say that greater things are expected of him is to state the obvious.According to Wheeler Wilcox:’

Upon the wreckage of thy yesterday

Design thy structure of tomorrow. Lay

Strong corner stones of purpose, and prepare

Great blocks of wisdom cut from past despair.

Shape mighty pillars of resolve

To set deep in the tear wet mortar of regret.

Work on with patience.Though thy toil be slow

Yet day by day the edifice shall grow

Believe in God, in thy own self believe

All that thou hath hope for, thou shalt achieve.