Don’t stop because it’s hard. Destiny never forgets its own. Sometimes, the door closes—not to end your dream, but to redirect your drive.
I read the story of Barrister Osita Chidoka, who was just called to the Nigerian Bar on 9th July 2025—and I was deeply moved. Not because he’s new to the legal profession, but because of the long, painful, yet prophetic journey it took for him to finally wear that wig and gown.
In 1988, Osita was a star student at Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu—Deputy Senior Prefect, debate champion, Editor-in-Chief of the school magazine, and the best Literature student in the entire school. Law was not just his ambition—it was his identity.
Then came WAEC. He passed all his subjects… except Literature. Just a Pass—in the one subject that should have been his strength. And with that single result, his Law admission at UNN slipped through his fingers.
He tried again. Rewrote WAEC. Got an A2 in Literature. But it was too late—the system had changed. UNN now demanded Literature must be passed before admission. He begged. Waited. Prayed. Nothing changed. Instead, he was redirected to Business Management, and watched the Law Faculty from afar—aching, but refusing to give up.
Years later, after pushing, pivoting, and persevering—the dream came alive again. In 2025, thirty-seven years after his first attempt, Osita Chidoka was finally called to the Bar. A lawyer at last.
I saw myself in his story.
Mine was a different subject—but the same struggle. I passed every science subject in WAEC—except Physics. That one result denied me my dream of studying Civil Engineering. I was forced to change path and study Science Laboratory Technology, majoring in Microbiology and Parasitology.
It felt like failure. I felt forgotten. But like Osita, I didn’t quit. I later rewrote WAEC, added Arts subjects, and began my own journey to Law. It wasn’t easy. It took years. But today, I’m not just a lawyer—I am helping to raise lawyers, leaders, and reformers across Nigeria.
So here’s the truth:
> Sometimes, one subject can block your path—but not your destiny.
Sometimes, the delay is painful—but it’s part of the plan.
And sometimes, the door closes—not to end your dream, but to redirect your drive.
13 MAJOR ODDS YOU MUST FIGHT AND PUSH THROUGH:
1. Academic failure – That one subject, one exam, or one grade that tries to define your future.
2. Financial lack – When your dream is bigger than your bank account.
3. Parental pressure or misunderstanding – When your calling is misread by those who love you.
4. Late discovery of purpose – When you find your path after many wrong turns.
5. Mental fatigue and self-doubt – When your biggest enemy is inside your own mind.
6. Gatekeepers and systems – Policies, people, or institutions that say “No” when you’re ready for “Yes.”
7. Delay and detour – When the journey takes 10 times longer than expected.
8. Loss of opportunity – Missed chances that break your heart.
9. Family responsibility – Carrying others while trying to rise yourself.
10. Health challenges – When your body tries to betray your dream.
11. Betrayal and disappointment – Friends who vanish when you’re at your lowest.
12. Fear of starting over – That silent fear that it’s “too late” to begin again.
13. Spiritual stagnation – When your fire dies and your vision grows cold.
Fight these odds. Don’t bow. Don’t bend. Don’t break.
> Be like Osita. Be like Ikenna.
Push when the door shuts.
Press when the system resists.
Rise when everything says “Stay down.”
Life Lesson:
> Don’t bury your dream because of a closed door.
Like Osita… like Ikenna… fight and push against all odds.
If it’s truly your calling, God will make a way—even if it takes 37 years.
Scripture Inspiration:
"Though it tarry, wait for it… because it will surely come." Habakkuk 2:3
Today, I celebrate the story of Barrister Osita Chidoka.
Today, I testify of my own journey.
And today, I encourage you:
Don’t stop because it’s hard.
Destiny never forgets its own.
Barrister Ikenna Emmanuel
Pastor | Lawyer | Nation Builder | Leadership Mentor
www.faithhouseleadership.org
ikennaemmanuel1977@gmail.com
