HOW I STARTED – MY SUCCESS STORY

1. Your Background- Brief Experience while growing (Family, School, environment)
NWODI DANIEL CHINEDU is the Founder and Executive Director of Students without Borders International
which was founded in the year 2006. Daniel, was a guest speaker at American Community School, Abu Dhabi, Dubai UAE at the Global Issue Conference (2012), Nigerian International School, Cotonou, Republic of Benin (2015), Pan African Students’ Summit, Accra, Ghana (2010), University of Ibadan at the Physiology Students Convention which (16) universities were present (2015), Global Leadership Institute (2016), Lagos, Badagry Corridor Graduate Youth Capacity Building Conference (2016), Youth to Youth Conference at University of Lagos (2017), LAUTECH Leadership Conference, Ogbomosho, Oyo State (2018), University of Lagos at the Medical College final year Pharmaceutical Department 2020 just to mention few.

Daniel works with Active Foods Limited as the Human Resources Manager, 2022 - 2024, Owppin Limited as the Human Capital Manager 2020. He was a former Human Resources Manager at Swift Elevators Limited (2016 - 2019) also a Personnel and Recruitment Manager at Hensmor Nigeria Limited, an Oil and Gas downstream company (2014 - 2015). Daniel is the former President, Nigeria Youth Association in Republic of Benin (2009). Daniel is a graduate from Universite D'Abomey Calavi, Republic of Benin. He is a member of Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (2014), member of the West African Youth Conference, a member of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association. Daniel is a board member of Speak Africa International (NGO) 2020. Daniel is a Certified and Licensed Human Resources Professional, an associate member of the Institute of Personnel Managment of Nigeria

Daniel was awarded at the Civil Society Awards 2017 in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which took place at the Nigerian Institute of
International Affairs, Lagos under the category of Democracy / Legislative Advocacy. This Award was in
conjunction with his partner in Liberia, (Inspired Liberia Project).

Daniel is an award winner of Rotary Leadership Award (2005), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) award as recognition of meritorious National Services in Lagos State,
Most Active Corp Member in Badagry (2011), Nominated for Future Award Best Use of Advocacy (2010) by
Futures Awards, National Association of Nigerian Students, Lagos Axis as Africa Patriot (2007), The most
outstanding Nigerian Youth in Republic of Benin (2010) by Houdegbe North American University, (MASCOT
AWARDS). He was one of the ten (10) outstanding LEAP Africa Alumni celebrated at their 10th Anniversary.
(2012). Daniel was the youngest awardees at the Rainbow Choice Awards the organizers of Ugwashi-Uku
Carnival, December 2016 in Delta State where he got a community award in recognition of his iconic and
pioneering efforts in youth leadership training and development thereby preparing the youths for the futures in our nation. In September 2017, Daniel received an Outstanding Youth Leadership Programs Award in Nigeria from Wisdom to Wealth NGO as “2017 Outstanding Youth Leadership Friendly in Nigeria”.

Daniel was one of the 105 Young African Leadership Initiatives (YALI) that was selected in West Africa out of 9000 youths that applied for YALI-RLC West Africa, Accra, Ghana (2015). Daniel has just been selected at
Mentor Africa Project as a Mentor to young Africa youths. Daniel also speaks the French Language fluently.
Daniel is one of the outstanding YALI-RLC alumni creating awareness and outreach programs in rural communities and universities so that young people can know more about the Young African Leaders Initiative. He has also Champion the Anti-Corruption Education where he teaches Integrity, Ethics and morals values.

He is known as Integrity and Peace Ambassador in West Africa. Daniel has appeared in various local and
international media as a campaigner for youth/personal development. Daniel is married and have a lovely son.

Who we are:
Students without Borders International is non-political, non-governmental and non-profit organization. This
organization was founded in 2006 for the sole purpose of youth development and sustainable service for
humanity.

We are working hard to prepare the younger generation for the future by educating, equipping, and
empowering them with essential leadership development skills that will help them maximize their
potentialities.

We advocate quality leadership skills, promote ethical standards and strive to create positive change in the
society with the youths. To this end, students/youth are at the heart of our operations.

2. The challenges faced while growing (setbacks, failures)
During my teen years, I had challenges securing admission into the University for my Tertiary Education. I
never allowed this setback to set me back as I am now a graduate from a prestigious university in the Republic of Benin. I believe that setbacks and failures make who I am today. I have failed but I have also learned from my failures which makes me a success today.

3. What inspired you to choose the path you are on?
I will say my passion and direction came from the God. I discovered I am born to inspire those around me.
especially the young ones. It was difficult identifying my passion, but after repeating the same thing several time, I knew that is my calling but with God all things are possible.

4. How did you started?
It all began in 2004 while I left Nigeria to Cotonou, Republic of Benin to study French Language. At the end of my session in the French school, some guys proposed we have an end of session party; some of the organizers contacted me to leverage my social influence to contribute to the success of the event. In my class we were 13 nationalities, I suggested that the end of session party be branded as an award where outstanding students from each country were recognized. The word Etudiants Sans Frontieres International came to pass, meaning Students without Borders International. Towards the event my co-organizers left me when they saw the huge resources required to execute the project. The award ceremony took place on 25th June 2006 at Gbegamey, Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The ceremony was successful with brand support from Areeba, now MTN, Republic of Benin. The event featured artistes like Lexy Doo and Dekunle Fuji they were great Hip-pop music in Nigeria as at then. We also have high personalities from Embassies in Cotonou, Nigerian Immigration, NDLEA just to mention few.

5. Any challenges starting? If any, how did you overcome?
Yes! There were lots of challenges when starting but I now understand better that without challenges there cannot be promotion to the next level. I overcame with God on my side, with integrity, commitment,
consistency, passion and courage.

6. Any challenges on your path right now?
Oh yes! Our major challenge has been funds to execute our various projects across Nigeria and West Africa.
We have successfully trained over 30,000 youths in West Africa.

7. What are your milestones achievements since you started?
To the glory of God, I have received so many awards in and out of Nigeria.
 One of my milestone achievements was when I visited American Community School, Abu Dhabi, UAE in
January -- February 2012, as a speaker representing Nigeria at the Global Issue Conference where all
my trip and visa were paid for.
 Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), when I was selected out of 9000 applications in West Africa and
I was one of the 105 that was selected for their training at GIMPA Campus, Accra, Ghana
 One of the best 10 Alumni of Leap Africa during their 10th Anniversary in 2012.
 One of the Best 160 Nigerian Youths during the Future Awards 2010 as the best use of advocacy.
 A facilitator at the 3rd Edition of the West African Youth Conference which took place at Grand.
Bassam, Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire (2017).
 Becoming a Board member of Non-Governmental Organization in Nigeria. (2020)
8. How can you encourage those who are yet to start off on their passion?
Passion is a bit difficult to identity because there will be cross feelings but once you have vision and purpose, it makes it easier to identify. Here is a tip on how to identity your passion. By answering these questions honestly, you could work out what to do with the rest of your life.
“What subject could I read 500 books about without getting bored?”
“What could I do for five years straight without getting paid?”
What would I spend my time doing if I had complete financial abundance to do anything?”

These questions will encourage those that are yet to start off on their passion to keep doing that one thing they love doing. One day it will be clearer to them as their passion or calling.

Kategorie:

Kunst & Kultur 

Geschrieben von:

Nwodi Daniel