... Says Despite Excruciating Experiences In Life, He Never Gave Up
By Joseph Edegbo
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Sam Okutepa, has narrated the story of how he rose from grass to grace as he marked his 13th anniversary as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The Kogi State born man with Igala royal blood, who has been described by many as a man of unusual courage and integrity, recalled with profound memories how he would have remained an illiterate farmer or a roadside motor mechanic in the rural area if not for divine intervention and self determination that propelled him to become what he is today.
The learned man with humble and hardworking background, therefore, advised whoever wants to make it great in life, never to give up on many failures in the journey of life because according to him, such failures are stepping stones to greater heights.
He said: “I will not be tired of telling my story of life over and over again. It is necessary to give hope to the hopeless. You don’t need to come from a great family background to be great. You don’t need to be great to be grateful. You don’t need to lean on anyone to be great. Your destiny is in your hands.
“So today, marking the 13 years I was sworn in as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), I am grateful to share with you, my friends, a small story of my life.
“I came from a poor family background. So when on the 3rd of September 1977, at an adult age, I stubbornly defied my father’s admonition not to go to school and to remain a farmer, I did not know what lay ahead of me.
“I started primary school in Primary 2 at the age of 17 years plus. I jumped to Primary 3, as my Headmaster said I did very well. I stopped at Primary 3 to become a roadside mechanic. I became a taxi driver. I became a mason, carrying blocks on my head. I hawked firewood to earn a living. I did not run to anyone for help. I had my hands. I worked with it.
“I became a fireman in 1980. I wrote my GCE from home in 1982. Got five papers at credits in one sitting. I did not have the privilege of going to any secondary school at all. God saw me through the School of Basic Studies between 1985 and 1987. 1 went to the University of Jos 1987-1990. I became a lawyer in 1991. In 2011, I was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Today marked 13 years exactly that I was sworn in along with 29 other eminent legal practitioners. I have every reason to be grateful. I was destined to be poor and be an illiterate person, but God had different plans for me. Many failures in my journey of life were the stepping stones God used to make me who I am today.
“I am what I am today by the grace of God. Your background does not matter. Don’t give up because you come from a poor family. Despite my excruciating experiences in life, I did not give up. Don’t give up in your determination to be great.
“Lord, I am grateful. Thank you for the journey so far. Thank you for the journey ahead. I am absolutely confident the lord will keep me to do good for others.
I am a living proof of God’s favour and faithfulness. Thank you, Lord.”
Source: The SUN