A Simple Question For Every Good Parent... by Martin Udogie

* Martin Udogie.

Recently, one of my mentors asked me a very simple question: “Martin, what is your son passionate about?”

I thought long and hard, going back as far as when he was a toddler, till now. Was it cartoon network? Game Boy? Perhaps when he became a Karate black belt at 9? I was clueless.

But greatly alarmed and bothered. Because I could imagine even him asking me, what he should write as his passion, while trying to answer an essay question, or at some interview, etc.

And then, days later, I got some relief.

Something I myself enjoy doing so much, that I derive so much joy and satisfaction from (and which quite a number of people appreciate from formal and informal feedback) is relentlessly seeking useful and practical knowledge and disseminating same through the media (social and traditional).

And I didn’t discover this passion of mine until about 10, maybe 15 years, or so ago.

So, when someone’s passion is discovered could vary from individual to individual. But as countless examples have demonstrated, from Bill Gates, to Michael Jackson, the Williams Sisters, etc, the earlier a child’s talent is spotted AND encouraged, the surer the chances of success and fulfillment.

And this brings me to the fascinating story of George Onafowokan, MD/CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables Company.

George’s interest and flair for business started as far back as when he was in secondary school. He remembers starting with the sale of Lake Country wine. From a carton, his stock grew to twenty cartons and more, all stacked away in a corner in the same warehouse used by his father.

Then he noticed that for six months, his father’s staff were unable to sell his consignment of corned beef. So he approached his father with an offer: To help him dispose of the consignment but for a commission.

Father and son struck a deal. Barely two weeks later, the entire stock was sold out completely. And all fully paid for!

George was only just about 16 years old then.

So several years later, when his father was looking for a successor for his struggling cables company, he recalled this and several such similar experiences with George.

George took over the reins of the struggling cables company. And today, he has turned the business into the biggest cables and wires company in the whole of West Africa.

So, what is your son passionate about?

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Martin Udogie, Publisher, Trainer and Programme Host for the Radio Nigeria Network, wrote in from Lagos.

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