Another example of a 9-5 employee who became a stupendous billionaire

 

By Nonso Smart Okafor 

I just read a report on Billionaires Africa that Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank, acquired a ₦30 billion mansion in London. I was rattled. So, I did a little digging. What I found was inspirational.

He joined Access Bank in 2002 from GTBank. Through dedication and vision, he rose steadily and became the MD/CEO in 2022 — 20 years after. In those two decades, he didn’t just clock in and out; he pursued academic qualifications, earned global professional certifications, and invested himself in one institution.

I had earlier told the story of Ada Umeoji, who joined Zenith Bank as a corps member in 1998 and, after 26 years of loyalty and consistent growth, rose to become the first female MD/CEO of the bank in 2024.

And it doesn’t stop there. Think of Tony Elumelu (UBA), Fola Adeola & Tayo Aderinokun (GTBank), Jim Ovia (Zenith), Otunba Subomi Balogun (FCMB), Atedo Peterside (Stanbic IBTC), Pascal Dozie (Diamond Bank), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede & the late Herbert Wigwe (Access Bank). All of them prove one thing: dedication, passion, loyalty, and vision pay off.

So, what am I saying? Don’t let anyone push you out of your job unprepared.

Yes, I’m an entrepreneur and a strong advocate for entrepreneurship. I believe the more entrepreneurs we have, the fewer job seekers and the stronger our economy. But let’s be honest, entrepreneurship is not for everyone.

Some people are born entrepreneurs (nature). Others can grow into it (nurture) — by starting as employees, building capital, learning discipline, and eventually owning businesses. And even then, not every entrepreneur must run their own company day-to-day; some thrive by owning while professionals manage.

I write this out of concern. I have seen friends resigned their good jobs prematurely to “try business.” A few pulled through. But for many, the stories are not pleasant.

My message is simple: entrepreneurship is good. But don’t allow anyone to ginger you into “where you no know.” Entrepreneurship is not “baby snap me unawares.”