22/06/2026
The Story of AdĂŠgbòrò l'ĂjĂ áťba
AdÊgbòrò left his hometown of Ibadan and moved to Lagos in search of better opportunities. He began his journey by working as an "alabà ru" (a load carrier) at the Oyingbo market to make a living.
After saving for a few years, he bought a cart, which not only eased his workload but also boosted his income. With time, he purchased six more carts and rented them out to others.
Eight years into the cart-pushing business, AdÊgbòrò acquired a van, commonly known as "Bolekaja." He learned to drive and managed the business himself. Within four years, he expanded his fleet to six vans.
As a proud native of Ibadan ("omo bibi ilu Ibadan"), AdĂŠgbòrò built a magnificent house at ĂjĂ áťba, near the Olubadan Palace, when he decided to settle down.
Many people approached AdĂŠgbòrò to learn the secret behind his success. He would ask if they were willing to start by carrying loads at the market as he had done. Their response was always "NEVER." AdĂŠgbòrò would then say, "Eni tĂ Ăł lè ᚣe alabĂ ru l'Ăyingbo, kò lè ᚣe bĂ AdĂŠgbòrò l'ĂjĂ áťba," meaning "One who cannot carry loads at Ăyingbo cannot achieve what AdĂŠgbòrò has at ĂjĂ áťba."
This reflects a Yoruba proverb: "ĂsasĂšn tĂ bĂ ĂŹkáťkò tĂ yóò jáşš ata (Ăłbè), ĂŹdĂŹ ráşšĚ a gbona," which translates to "A pot that wants to cook delicious soup must have its bottom burnt or heated with fire first."
The moral of AdÊgbòrò's story is that endurance is key to achievement. There are no sustainable shortcuts to success. Enduring wealth is built over time through persistent effort.
Ä feyikogbon ooo!!! (Be wise, ooo!!!)