Adégbòrò left his hometown of Ibadan and moved to Lagos in search of better opportunities. He began his journey by working as an “alabàru” (a load carrier) at the Oyingbo market to make a living.
After saving for a few years, he bought a cart, which not only eased his workload but also boosted his income. With time, he purchased six more carts and rented them out to others.
Eight years into the cart-pushing business, Adégbòrò acquired a van, commonly known as “Bolekaja.” He learned to drive and managed the business himself. Within four years, he expanded his fleet to six vans.
As a proud native of Ibadan (“omo bibi ilu Ibadan”), Adégbòrò built a magnificent house at Òjà Ọba, near the Olubadan Palace, when he decided to settle down.
Many people approached Adégbòrò to learn the secret behind his success. He would ask if they were willing to start by carrying loads at the market as he had done. Their response was always “NEVER.” Adégbòrò would then say, “Eni tí ó lè ṣe alabàru l’Óyingbo, kò lè ṣe bí Adégbòrò l’Ójà Ọba,” meaning “One who cannot carry loads at Óyingbo cannot achieve what Adégbòrò has at Ójà Ọba.”
This reflects a Yoruba proverb: “Ìsasùn tàbí ìkọkò tí yóò jẹ ata (óbè), ìdì rẹ̀ a gbona,” which translates to “A pot that wants to cook delicious soup must have its bottom burnt or heated with fire first.”
The moral of Adégbòrò’s story is that endurance is key to achievement. There are no sustainable shortcuts to success. Enduring wealth is built over time through persistent effort.
Ę feyikogbon ooo!!!
Copied
