28/07/2021
One early morning in 2017, I packed my bags and left for Abuja with a small fund and no idea how I was going to survive in the long term.
I was simply fed-up with living broke and wanted to breakthrough. The only chance I had at this breakthrough were the various Embassies and High Commissions, sited in Abuja. There was no way I could stay in Port Harcourt to take that chance, so Abuja it was.
My apprenticeship with a Port Harcourt based travel agency had just come to an end, after months of training and I was eager to start off my own agency.
When I arrived Abuja, I was able to secure a place with a friend after much pleading. It was a family house and I had to deal with the incessant abuses and name callings that was eventually the hallmark of my stay there.
As hard as it was to cope with that toxicity, I didn't look back. I would wake up every morning; perform house chores, and set out to the Embassy, where I spent all day, armed with a medium sized handbag where I kept client's documents.
There was no place for travel agents within the embassy and High Commission premises. That meant I had to stand all day, irrespective of which of the extreme weathers of Abuja I have to deal with, while ambulance chasing for clients.
One of those days, after a stressful outing, the mother of my host informed me that I have overstayed my welcome and had to leave. I had no option than to express my thanks for the shelter while it lasted, and packed my bags to lodge in a hotel.
It was during this period I had my first major breakthrough. Some of my clients were successful with their applications and made payments. I couldn't believe I have become this fortunate overnight that I had to go to my bank, withdraw everything from the account and counted them myself before redepositing.
I was able to rent a one bedroom apartment in Dei-Dei District and gained some stability.
Since then, God has been helping Me to grow from strength to strength.
GGL Logistics and Travels majorly strives on the wings of referrals from successful clients. We offer international travel and logistics services to countries around the world; Arabian, Asian, European, African, just name it.
Two days ago, I was conferred an "Outstanding Personality" Award as one of the key actors of the New Niger Delta by the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG).
I accept this recognition with all sense of gratitude and humility. I must commend the union and her leadership for looking out for young people like Me from the region who are striving to make a difference, one way or the other, and not resorting to crime and social vices. It is indeed an encouragement and moral booster.
I equally want to urge every Niger Deltan youth out there to be consistent at what they do, irrespective of what the current picture look like, as their breakthrough is just by the corner.
Below are pictures of Me receiving the award from the leadership of NIDSUG led by its President , Comrade Goodness N-epba .
© Peace Barikwanee Luwide.
CEO/ Managing Director,
GGL Logistics and Travels.
