Obiageli Nnamani on Books, Success and Making a Difference

It’s a beautiful day friends, and to launch you into one of the best weeks of this year, we thought to share this one with you.

 A Konnect Africa interview with the quintessential Obiageli Nnamani, an erudite educationist and the founder of Holy Child Reading Club; a one stop place for the shaping and equipping of young minds to be the change that Africa desperately needs.

Sit back and read her thoughts on education, success and making a difference.  You’ll be glad you did.

K.A: You chose to make a difference in Africa because…

I believe doing the right thing pays even when no one notices.

K.A:  Most important tip for remaining successful?

Never give up.

K.A:  If you could change one thing about your life/past, what would it be?

Taking God’s word literally.

K.A- How do you keep motivated in the face of failure/disappointment?

By embracing the popular saying that “failure isn’t falling down but refusing to get up when you fall.”

K.A:  Any life guiding principles/quotes?

“Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your path.” Prov 3:7& 7

K.A:  Time-management tips?

Sleep early. Wake early. Do something everyday.

K.A:  Best way to translate dreams to reality?

Keep at it.

K.A:  What is your biggest achievement to date?

Knowing God.

K.A:  It is believed that an average African dislikes reading, yet you are one exceptional book lover. How did you develop such love for books?

My mother made us read story books when we were growing up .Few TV sets at the time so little or no distractions. I dropped the habit in the university. But challenges in adult life drove me back to reading.

My mentors kept referring me to books. As I read books like Micknney Hammond’s Single, Sassy and Satisfied, The Power of Being a Woman and Ben Carson’s Think Big, I discovered the treasure hidden in books and stuck to them.

K.A:  Why should the African child be encouraged to become an avid reader?

The best minds express their thoughts in writing. You discover them when you read. Research also shows that reading improves vocabulary, spelling, writing styles etc. Again, knowledge is power thus being an avid reader increases your confidence.

K.A:  What books have inspired you the most?

John Maxwell’s How To Be a Success (Not too sure of the title) and Joyce Meyer’s The Confident Woman

K.A:  How do you remain relevant in your industry, year after year?

I love what I do. Doing what you love makes you do it with a passion. Working without passion saps life out of what you do.

K.A:  Nigeria and Africa will truly rise when…

We fight corruption to a standstill.

K.A:  Inspire a young African in one sentence.

Seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness and you’ll rise above the depression that pervades the African continent.