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| Sunday Olugbenga |
Life’s most defining moments often arrive unannounced, wrapped in loss and uncertainty rather than celebration.
For Olugbenga Sunday, the period between 2009 and 2010 marked a turning point that would dismantle a promising banking career and lay the foundation for a future built on resilience, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Since it was shared online, the personal account has generated wide reactions across social media platforms, with readers describing it as a powerful reminder of perseverance, adaptability and the hidden opportunities that can emerge from personal setbacks.
A Defining Phase of My Life (2009–2010)
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| Olugbenga in 2009 |
Before then, I was a banker. I joined Oceanic Bank in Eket, Akwa Ibom State in 2005, fresh from NYSC. Banking was everything in those days—no online banking, few ATMs, crowded banking halls, passbooks in hand. I started as a Bulk Teller and later moved to the front desk, processing payments on Finacle 14.0.
We were the “Oceanic boys” in town, corporate suits, air-conditioned offices, young, confident and full of life. Tips from customers sometimes exceeded our salaries. In March 2008, I got married. Life looked set.
Then 2009 happened.
I lost my job.
Within three months, I was completely broke. No business. No income. Nothing. The only lifeline was my wife, who had just joined Intercontinental Bank as a contract staff. We survived on her modest salary.
I swallowed my pride.
I took a field job with Motor Trader, an e-commerce company selling cars online. My office became the streets. Under the scorching sun, I moved from car stand to car stand, collecting vehicle details, negotiating with dealers, snapping photos, then staying up late to upload everything online. My weekly target? 70 cars.
From AC banking halls to street hustle. I lost weight. My skin darkened. I looked worn.
But I endured for 11 months.
What I gained changed my life forever: digital thinking,online marketing and the power of the internet.
Today, most of my businesses run online—Hotel Managers Conference, Hotel Managers School (100% online) and Idere Hills.
Hotel Managers Conference
Hotel Managers School
Idere Hills Oyo State
What is the lesson you see here?
Drop it in the comments.
The write-up continues to attract reactions online, with many readers sharing personal stories of resilience and career reinvention.
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