I Am A Product Of Great Grace – Uche Odina @ 60

Uche Toyin Odina is the Founder/CEO of Fuud Konnekt, a Lagos-based renowned catering services company. A successful banker with nearly three decades of experience, Uche is a versatile professional who successfully transitioned from being a Mass Communication graduate to a banker before embracing entrepreneurship. She spoke to Ademola Akinbola on the occasion of his 60^th birthday. Enjoy the excerpts …

Congratulations on your 60th birthday. How do you feel?

I am super elated. I am eternally grateful to God for keeping me till this day. It has been God all the way; I thank Him for seeing me through the various vicissitudes of life.

What has been your staying power in the last 60 years?

It’s been God and the fear of failure. My children, Chubby and Dumi, brought purpose and hope to my life, and I drew strength from the fact that I can’t afford to fail them. It has not been an easy journey, but I focused on the important things that made my life meaningful.

Are you fulfilled?

Absolutely. Though I feel I could have achieved more, but then when I look at how the journey has been and how God kept me, I believe I have done well by His grace. I have also learnt to be contented and to trust in God’s blueprint.

Tell us more about your birth, family background, and early years

I was born on the 8th of October 1965 to Emmanuel Ifeanyi Odina and Aderonke Abiola Odina (Née Awoite). I am the third child, and I have three other sisters. I started my Kindergarten years at Mainland Preparatory School, Yaba, Lagos, from where I moved to Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Lagos. My secondary education was at the prestigious Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, Surulere. I spent a year at the Yaba College of Technology reluctantly studying Statistics and Mathematics (not by choice; my dad chose it because he said he can’t watch me waste an A1 in Maths, A1 in Economics, and A1 in Govt).

I have always wanted to be a broadcaster since Form 1. Eventually, after so much cajoling and pleading that almost cost my mum her peace of mind, I was allowed to accept my admission to Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, where I studied Mass Communication from OND to HND.   I eventually ended up in the banking industry after a few coaster rides through Radio Lagos, LTV 8, and FRCN, Ibadan. I have a Master’s degree in MBA (Finance). My banking career started at African Continental Bank, and then to Continental Trust Bank, and finally United Bank for Africa, where I was till January 2020. I spent 28 years in the banking industry altogether.

What was your childhood like? Can you share some fond memories of your childhood with us?

It was full of fun. My parents doted on us and ensured that we didn’t lack any good thing. I grew up in love in a family where there was unity and togetherness. Our parents were firm and brooked no nonsense. I have fond memories of how we celebrated Christmas and how we all related as one big family, including extended family members.

Who is Uche? Which words best describe you?

Uche is a simple, affable, and hardworking lady. I am firm and love to do things the right way. Some call me a disciplinarian because I can be very blunt and insistent on due process. I believe in fairness and justice. I believe in God and His loving kindness.  I am fun-loving. In fact, I am a child of great grace

What motivates or inspires you?

God and the zeal to succeed. God has been my rock. I am committed to succeeding and excelling in whatever I do. The fear of failure actually inspires me. I hate to fail.

Are there people who have been instrumental to your success in life that you want to acknowledge?

Yes. Firstly, my parents, Emmanuel Ifeanyi and Aderonke Abiola Odina, who taught me to be responsible, resilient, and above all, God-fearing. May God rest their beautiful souls, amen. My sisters, Ngozi, Nkechi, and Ogugua, for all their love, encouragement, and support when I had to navigate through very difficult times in my life. Of note is also my brother-in-law, Mr Kehinde Phillips, and my eldest sister, Ngozi Phillips. They became father and mother to me and my children when I had to make some difficult decisions in life.

I must not fail to mention my aunt, Mrs Taiwo Majekodunmi, who has been a huge pillar since I started childbearing and understanding my role as a wife and mother. She was my prayer warrior and confidant. My late aunt, Mrs Joke Sokoya, was also my confidant and prayer partner from when I was born till she died. She was my nanny, and she instilled patience and courage in me.

There is also my uncle, Chief Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, who pulled me out of my darkest moments in the year 2001 and hasn’t let go till today. I have other family members, friends, and spiritual fathers who are too numerous to mention, who helped to shape who I have evolved to become today. I am eternally grateful to them all.

Which principles do you live by?

Hmmm …… Trust God and learn to move on.

What does the future hold? What are your plans?

 It’s time for me to take care of myself and live my dreams by God’s grace. I would like to read law or go for my Ph.D. I would also love to travel the world.