GROWTH.

Yesterday I was at Ikeja. I was invited to speak to and inspire a group of young people with my story. 

I got up to the stage and opened up.

I shared parts of my journey and story that I've never shared here on facebook. I went deep into my childhood, what I went through, how I got here and the people who helped me along the way. 

The young audience was shocked. Even the organizer of the event Emmanuel Obi had shock written all over his face. Most of them knew me but most didn't know the details of what I had to go through to get to where I am now. 

My stories got to everyone in attendance & after I spoke they gave me a standing ovation. 

We had a brief networking session shortly after. As people met up with and interacted with new folks I linked up with my co-speaker and brother Iyenyorochi Obi and he said something that struck me. 

"Chukwuma, I really thank God for our lives. Seeing you speak & share your story up there today reminded me in vivid terms how far we've come in just a year. The growth has been massive"

When he made that statement it hit me too.

Man, we've come a really long way! 

From two broke guys experimenting on facebook to two kings ruling their own kingdoms.

I remember the early days of YorochiTv. 

I knew he had created something beautiful but no one knew exactly how massive it would get. 

Yet we poured in time, sweat, blood & the little money we had into chasing the dream. 

Today, thousands of beautiful stories, friendships, businesses & even marriages have emanated and shot off from this same dream. 

It wasn't all rosy. I remember our first hangout in Ibadan, how we incured debts after that party. Same thing in enugu, same thing in lagos. At some point I myself became really scared about the losses we were incurring. Yet Iyenyorochi kept pushing. Planning and hosting even bigger events. 

Slowly but steadily, our bones have been made. 

The brand has become big. 

In one year, YorochiTv is now a brand that can host a show that would cost millions of naira and pull it off successfully. 

I on the other hand, in one year, have evolved from a welder in the interior parts of Oba to a the CEO of a budding tech company Happivibe Services that already employs dozens of young people & has made tens of thousands happy around the world. I have personally transitioned into a confident, stable, daring and inspiring young man living and thriving in the heart of Lagos.

And the most exciting thing is that we are just warming up. 

Both movements will eventually go global. Yesterday it was ikeja, soon we'd be linking up on global stages to inspire the world with our stories.

This is how growth looks like. Little by little. Brick by Brick. And before you even know it a mighty house has has been built. 

To you my dear reader, you might not be recognized on bigger platforms right now. It might seem as if you are stuck, like you are not making much progress even though you are really trying. 

Please I beg you. Don't stop. Keep moving. 

You are growing even though you don't see it. It's only a matter of time. If you keep going someday soon you too will look back and say "Man! I've really come a long way"

May God bless you & give you strength as you continue your journey to greatness. 

Chukwuma Gem Ezeh

Nwa Okpoko  wrote:

Growing up and spending some time in several prison yards made me realize I wanted more out of life. 

I knew I had to stay out of trouble, I knew I had to live right and on god I have really tried to live right. 

I can beat my chest and say, I have never been arrested and I have never been in any police case as a result of something illegal that I did. 

I told my younger brother the other day that, if he gets into trouble, he’s on his own, I mean, we don’t even live in the same city so before I make some calls, them for don mend am finish.  

This is why I don’t understand why people do certain things that usually land them in a lot of trouble... why you dey join cult? 

Why you dey fight with bottle and knife? 

Why you dey go stab person? 

Why you dey threaten people with physical harm? 

You don ever go any prison yard? 

Is that truly what you want for yourself?  

Is that the future you envisage for yourself? 

Locked up and forgotten about? 

I know Nigeria is hard and all but we can make it a bit easier by staying out of trouble abeg. 

Try to live right and avoid getting into trouble.

That adrenaline rush will wear off after a few days in detention.

It’s not worth it.

I have spoken to over 100 inmates and every single one of them regret doing whatever it was that brought them there.

Please stay out of trouble.

The conditions some of these inmates live in are truly deplorable.

It’s not where young people should spend their formative years.