*Says Integrity And Grit Turned My Life Around
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Prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Jibrin Samuel Okutepa has shared his personal story of financial struggles as a youth to encourage uprightness in the face of difficulty.
In a social media post, Okutepa revealed he could not even get a ₦500 loan in 1988 while a university student. Yet his integrity led him to turn down a Benue State scholarship at the time due to already receiving study pay of just ₦131 monthly.
One thing that I know for sure is that God has the map of our destinies in his hands. That you can not afford N500.00 today does not mean you will forever live in penury and / or poverty.
God can bless you if you remain focused, committed, and dedicated to pursuing your goals… pic.twitter.com/4eFKgeHqjR
— Jibrin Samuel Okutepa SAN (@jibrinSAN) February 16, 2024
Despite hardship, the legal luminary stayed true to pursuing his dreams with dedication. He attributes the kindness of God for lifting him “from nothing” to professional heights while maintaining strong moral values.
Okutepa states that having experienced lack himself, he now feels gratitude for the blessings in his life. He urges Nigerians facing their challenges today not to compromise their convictions. The Senior Advocate insists keeping faith and focus leads to overcoming life’s troubles.
I have every reason to be thankful to God. Today, in putting together the story of my life, I came across this document. I was awarded a scholarship while studying at the University of Jos. Poverty was dealing with me. I was on study leave with pay. My monthly salary was… pic.twitter.com/YTQfqeAeGD
— Jibrin Samuel Okutepa SAN (@jibrinSAN) February 16, 2024
By opening up about his early financial problems, Okutepa hopes to inspire the nation towards honesty and integrity. His story demonstrates that prosperity achieved the right way is possible for those who do not give up striving.
TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that in an interview with DNL Legal & Style in 2022, Okutepa recounted his incredible story of going from a farmer and auto mechanic to reaching the highest echelons of the legal profession.
Okutepa recalled how back in the late 1970s he ran away from his village and ended up learning to become a motorcycle and car mechanic. But after a terrible accident, he realized he needed his father’s blessing, so returned home briefly before heading to Enugu to enroll in a commercial school to train in typing and shorthand.
The SAN shared how his brother’s mistreatment led him to run away again, this time being taken in by his uncle who encouraged him to pursue an education. After failing common entrance exams, he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1980. On his way to inform his family, Okutepa spotted a police recruitment ad which he applied for.
After sacrificing his own savings so his brother could afford secondary school, Okutepa was selected for police training. But when the prospect fell through, he joined the Benue State Fire Service instead, graduating top of his class. An inspirational moment came when he solved past GCE questions, building confidence to pass his O’Levels and later gain admission to university.
Okutepa recalled the challenges of self-funding his studies while married and without support. But his determination led him to excel, obtaining law and bar qualifications before starting his law practice in 1991. With immense gratitude to God, he recounted getting his “Grace of God Chambers” office rent-free that first year.
Staying dedicated to serving the downtrodden, Okutepa was conferred Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2011. His interview offered motivational insight into how faith and perseverance enabled him to overcome life’s difficulties.
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