Pro Basketballer Andrew Lovedale, is the Founder of Access to Success, a Christian-based athletic-educational Foundation which is based in Benin City, Nigeria, West Africa.
As a student-athlete, Andrew birthed the idea of gifting the used athletic gear -shoes- his team discarded in the United States to underprivileged youth in his community. From this grew a greater passion to actively impact the lives of young people in Nigeria, his home country, and Access to Success has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2010.
These are his thoughts on Africa, his motivations in spite of failure, and his desire to see an Africa where Africans are accountable to each other.
You chose to make a difference in Africa because…
Africa is home and if Africans do not take the lead in developing our continent and the people in it, no one will.
Most important tip for remaining successful?
Always have an attitude that reflects gratitude.
If you could change one thing about your life/past, what would it be?
I would want my Dad to be alive today and see the fruits of all his labor.
How do you keep motivated in the face of failure/disappointment?
I maintain perspective. Disappointment and failure are not red lights. They are caution lights that should help you regroup before taking that leap.
Time-management tips?
Be organized – Keep a list, prioritize, discipline, limit distractions (keep phone off, stay off social media).
Best way to translate dreams to reality?
Hard work and dedication.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Founding Access2Success.
How do you remain relevant in your industry, year after year?
By being forward thinking, staying directly connected with donors and A2S participants, and never losing sight of the vision.
If you were President for a day…
I would work tirelessly to pass an education reform bill and make it the nation’s number 1 priority.
Africa will truly rise when…
Africans become accountable to one another.
