It was a moment of fulfilment and a dream come true as the Ayodeji Megbope Inspires (AMI), a mentoring Academy, graduated 27 from its first cohort.
In her welcome address, Mrs Ayodeji Megbope, Lead Coach and Founder of AMI mentoring Academy, said the event was more than a convocation ceremony but a celebration of courage, faith, and the power of transition, saying it is never too late for the Almighty Creator to open a new chapter in the life of every human being.
Mrs. Megbope shared her story of a transformative journey that began with N1000 after a frustrating academic failure resulting in the hawking moin-moin.
She described how the small undertaking later turned into a thriving catering job and now an entrepreneur dedicated to helping women realize their potential through business mentorship.
Referencing her Sachs training in the 1000 Women Initiative, which provided her with critical training that enabled her to evolve her business and empowered her to give back by mentoring others, Mrs. Megbope said, “I have stood on His word, trusted His timing, and moved brick upon brick, step by step.
Megbope emphasised the importance of self-awareness and focus to help women recognise and overcome perceived obstacles by stressing the importance of self-identity and awareness.
She instructed the graduates of the academy to challenge invisible barriers, embrace creativity, and dream boldly.
“They should enhance their abilities, develop competence, and position themselves for lasting success. They should develop resilience, innovation, and the power of self-belief, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.”
She added, ‘If a woman who started at 40 with N1000, with children mocked for stew-smelling uniforms, stood at the gate of a school selling moin-moin, can rise to own a restaurant and now a wellness center by the grace of God.’ There is no limit to your possibilities.”
She praised her husband of 33 years, Mr Olufemi Megbope, the Director of AMI, for being the anchor and for his unwavering support and beliefs that made all the difference.
To her two children and their wonderful spouses, she said, ‘Your sacrifices and understanding as children, enduring the smell of stew on your uniforms, and being mocked as ‘Stew-smelling children,’ have been the unseen foundation of my success.’ I deeply honor you.”
The keynote speaker, Mrs. Olufunto Igun, a consultant focused on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and teaching financial and digital literacy, stressed the importance of developing character, courage, and competence to rise to the next level in any chosen calling.
In her presentation titled: ‘Rising to Your Calling, Developing the Character, Courage, and Competence Needed for the Next Level,’ she encourages the graduates not to settle at their current level but to strive for continuous improvement, both personally and professionally.
Sharing insights about Mrs. Megbope’s journey to success, she urged the graduates of the academy to emulate her characteristics of resilience, courage, and unwavering faith, serving as a role model in both her personal and business endeavours.
Early, Mr. Olufemi Megbope, the Director of AMI, lauded the founder’s courage, resilience, and God’s assistance for her unquantifiable virtue in managing the home and personal progress, which was exemplified by the graduation of the first cohort of the academy.
He appealed to the graduates not to look back, but to continue forging ahead in their quest to become better people, strengthen their skills, build competence, and position themselves for sustainable success.
Elizabeth Achike-Osegbue, the Head of Administration at AMI Academy, in a chat with journalists, characterised the event as an extraordinary journey, stating, ‘It started as a dream, but suddenly it has become a very big harvest.’ To be honest, a small seed that turned into a mighty harvest. Even for me, it’s been a great time to learn.
“Despite having mentors and mentees, I was able to grow and discover myself while leading the academy and inspiring other women on their journey of growth,” Achike-Osegbue stated that it has been an amazing time.
She urged the women never to relax, but to keep interrogating what next?, and stay moving on the growth curve.
The convocation ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, spiritual blessings, and presentation of special recognitions to deserving graduates and staff of the academy.
