Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur, Mr Godfrey Ohuabunwa, has fulfilled his childhood ambition of becoming a lawyer after decades of persistence, setbacks and renewed determination.
Ohuabunwa was formally called to the Nigerian Bar on Tuesday, describing the achievement as a powerful reminder that delayed dreams can still become reality.
In a statement reflecting on his journey, he said the milestone represented perseverance, faith and commitment to a lifelong goal.
According to him, dreams may be delayed, but they are not necessarily denied.
Ohuabunwa said his experience should encourage people facing setbacks not to abandon their ambitions.
He noted that patience, discipline and determination remain important qualities for anyone pursuing a difficult goal.
The new legal practitioner said he had wanted to study law from childhood and made several attempts to secure admission after completing secondary school.
Although he met the requirements, he said he was repeatedly offered admission to study English Language and Literature instead of law.
He attributed the experience to admission constraints, including the catchment system.
Rather than give up, Ohuabunwa excelled in English Language and Literature while taking available law-related courses and exploring opportunities to move into the Faculty of Law.
After graduating from the University of Maiduguri, he built a career in business and entrepreneurship but kept his dream of becoming a lawyer alive.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to school to study law.
Ohuabunwa later graduated with strong academic results before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School for professional training.
He was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar on July 7, more than four decades after he first began pursuing the dream.
The entrepreneur, who is also a Harvard alumnus, attributed his success to perseverance, discipline and divine grace.
He said a major turning point in his life came in 1995 when he surrendered his life to Christ.
According to him, that decision shaped his character, strengthened his discipline and deepened his faith.
Ohuabunwa said while determination helped him continue the journey, God’s grace made the impossible possible.
He urged people experiencing delays in life to remain focused and steadfast.
He said personal setbacks should not be treated as final defeat, especially when a person remains committed to growth and self-improvement.
Being called to the Bar in Nigeria signifies that a candidate has successfully completed the Bar Final Examinations and vocational training at the Nigerian Law School.
The ceremony is conducted by the Body of Benchers and leads to the enrolment of successful candidates as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Ohuabunwa’s story has been described as an inspiring example of resilience, faith and lifelong learning.
His achievement highlights the importance of persistence and proves that long-held ambitions can still be achieved, even after years of delay.
