Going back to Nigeria wasn't a sacrifice, it was a blessing - Efosa Ojomo

In this segment of ASOM, Research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute Efosa Ojomo chats about letting go of the American dream, to start an organisation in Nigeria that addresses poverty.

In the latest episode of Africa State of Mind, Lee Kasumba chats to Research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and Founder of 'Poverty Stops Here' Efosa Ojomo about the possible ways of eradicating poverty.

Ojomo says that 18 years ago, he failed the National Entrance Exam twice but eventually ended up in an American college.

I started college in the United States and began pursuing the American dream after graduating adds Ojomo.

I bought a house, I got myself a car, and I was excited... Life was good!

Efosa Ojomo, Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and Founder of 'Poverty Stops Here'

One day, out of the blue, I started reading books about economics, development and poverty which captured me in a way nothing ever had.

Efosa Ojomo, Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and Founder of 'Poverty Stops Here'

Ojomo says that he read a book and was confronted by a 10-year-old character in the book who had to wake up every morning at 3am, to fetch and sell firewood at an Ethiopian market.

After I read that book, I couldn't continue to live life normally adds Ojomo.

Ojomo says that he knew that he had to do something so he returned to Nigeria and started an organisation with some friends called 'Poverty Stops Here'.

He adds that at that time, he was saving to buy a nicer car and a better house but once his focus shifted, he began spending his vacations in Nigeria.

I would go to poor communities, villages with no water. Kids who weren't going to school, and who have one set of clothing. The typical pictures you see.

Efosa Ojomo, Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and Founder of 'Poverty Stops Here'

For me, it wasn't really giving up anything, it was more like gaining something. It was like I had found my purpose in a way... It wasn't really a sacrifice, it was a blessing.

Efosa Ojomo, Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and Founder of 'Poverty Stops Here'

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