Ada Ikeobodozie
The reality is that not everyone is destined to be a successful
blogger like Linda. I believe each one of us has our own individual
calling from God. Sometimes what we think might be our calling might be
totally different from what God has in store for us. Hence, we waste
years in depression, struggling and deluding ourselves that ‘e go better’ when all we simply need to do is to ask God for direction and wisdom to know and do what he has called us to do, then follow.
The story you are about to read is to highlight the goodness of God
and His will in our lives. Also, to encourage people to believe in
themselves.
My name is Adaeze Ikeobodozie and this is my story (A true story)…
Sometime in 2013 after Law school, I was posted to Delta State to
do the “compulsory” one year Youth Service. After the three weeks
Orientation Camp, I was posted to a law firm in Warri, Delta State, for
my primary assignment. Due to certain health issues, I applied for
redeployment to Lagos State where my doctor and family live.
After one month in Warri, I got a call from the office of the NYSC
State Co- ordinator in Asaba, Delta State informing me to come over and
pick up my redeployment letter which had been approved. I was elated and
began telling everyone who cared to listen that I was leaving for
Lagos, (though I hadn’t seen my redeployment letter ) I presumed I had
been redeployed to Lagos, since my application precisely stated Lagos
State.
On opening my redeployment letter, I saw boldly “You have been Redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”.
To say I was shocked was an understatement. I ? Why Abuja? I was left
bemused. Hadn’t they read my application stating that I had to be in
Lagos where my doctor and family were? I personally had never seen nor
heard of anyone who had applied for redeployment to a particular State
and was redeployed somewhere else. Why was mine different? I was livid. I
had no choice but to report to Abuja because I was told if I did not
go, I would have to restart the youth service all over again. Mba o! I
packed my things and left for Abuja with the mind-set that once I
register there I would apply again for redeployment to Lagos.
The frustration and stress I experienced at the NYSC Secretariat,
Abuja was on a whole new level. Everything went wrong. At that point, I
gave up the thought of redeploying to Lagos State, as it was becoming
clear that a higher force wanted me in Abuja. I immediately stopped the
“I have to be in Lagos fight” and accepted Abuja. I was really sad. I
remember praying to God for His will to be done. I told myself that once
the service year was over I would run back to Lagos. The countdown
began (if only I knew). I was posted to a law firm in Maitama around
Aguiyi Ironsi Street for my primary assignment. People who are familiar
with this area know there are over 20 corporate organizations in this
vicinity. One faithful day, during the course of my service year, while
working at the office I began craving ‘small chops’ (small chops is a
small meal comprising of samosa, spring rolls, chicken, peppered
gizzard, puff-puff etc, all packed together in a takeaway pack). I kept
wondering where and how I could buy and get it delivered straight to my
office without going far.
It was at that moment after failing to find any company in that
vicinity that sold small chops, I thought to myself, 'hmmm, this would
be a good business to delve into considering there were over 20
Corporate Organizations in the area and no one was selling Small Chops
and doing delivery'. I figured if the food was good, people would
naturally patronize someone closer than go far. As a “confirm” Igbo
Anambra girl, the idea stuck. I commenced my research and put up a
business plan. This included the food preparation process, direct
delivery to any customer and catering to small/medium/large events.
After roaming the streets of Maitama for several weeks, I was able
to secure a small space in a Parking Lot off Aguiyi Ironsi, Maitama. It
was more like a funky “mamaput ” setting. It was perfect for me, the
rent was affordable. I guess I was very realistic about what I was
looking for because I knew there was no way I could afford a proper shop
in a place like Maitama at the time.
I put together my monthly stipend (allowee) and executed my
business plan with the sum of N100, 000. A small Freezer was the biggest
thing I purchased. With faith, I employed two staff and designed a
“cheap” flyer. I went from office to office, distributing and talking
about what we had to offer. Thankfully, most people I told bought into
the idea. The orders started (via phone calls and people coming directly
to our stand) and that was how my business took off. It came with a lot
of challenges. Delivering on time was a major challenge and many other
challenges. I thank God though, we are learning the ropes and curves.
As the business grew, I was able to buy a Motorcycle solely used
for deliveries that couldn’t be delivered on foot. A lot of our
customers requested we add garnished indomie noodles, rice and chips to
the menu. I did a little survey and realized a lot of customers were
asking for more on the menu. Sharply, we added them so long as it was
making us money and people were buying.What started out as a ‘Small
Chops’ business has gone up to become a full blown fast food restaurant
today.
They demanded more, we gave more.
Here is a little of what we do. 4Every Refreshment Restaurant
offers diverse food styles, offering street food with style, local and
continental dishes. Our street food includes roasted plantain (bole),
roasted yam and fish, roasted chicken, roasted corn with coconut and
pear, garri soaking (Kokogarri 100grm sachet ), hot puffpuff, glazed
puffpuff, Masa, Zobo, Kunu aya and more.
Our Local and Continental dishes include: garnished noodles, chips
and egg/chicken, jollof rice, fried rice, white rice, ofada, shrimps
sauce, salad, everything swallow & soups, spaghetti in sausages,
grilled chicken, chicken balls, beans, asun, ewagonyi, and more. We also
have a juice and shawarma bar.
Taking things further, we are also in partnership with a great
company called EverythingbutCoffee Ltd that specializes in making the
best coffee – latte, cappuccino including tea, hot chocolates with cream
and delicious pastries.
Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thought I think towards you,
thoughts of good, to give you an expected end‘. I dreaded the thought of
going to Abuja and fought hard to leave Abuja not knowing God had
better plans for me in Abuja. Sometimes I wonder if I had redeployed to
Lagos would I have gotten this far? I honestly doubt that.
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