Mr. Solomon Ajala is not your typical AHI employee. His path to the organization was paved with unexpected turns and a relentless pursuit of personal growth, all fueled by a passion for helping others.

In this interview, Mr. Solomon (as the AHI team fondly calls him) sheds light on his journey, from his early education in Northern Nigeria to his current role as Admin Support and Site Supervisor at AHI.

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Educational Journey and Breaking Barriers:

Solomon’s educational background reflects the stark differences in educational opportunities between Northern and Western Nigeria. He describes the challenges he faced upon transitioning from Suleja in the North to Ogbomoso in the South-West, where he had to repeat some of his primary education due to the disparity in the curriculum.

“I finished primary school in Suleja and was even the Senior Boy in my class. But coming down to Ogbomoso, I discovered that everything I’ve been doing there is not even it. In Suleja I was somebody who knew everything. But when I got to Ogbomoso, I had to start all over again from Primary Three. The person that has been Senior Boy in Primary School, had to start again in Primary Three.”

This experience initially led him to believe he wouldn’t pursue further studies, but the unwavering support from AHI’s management ultimately propelled him to complete his H.N.D. at YabaTech. “That is why I just decided, okay, when I’m done with my Secondary School or N.D. I will just fall back and not go to school again. But thank God for the push which I got from the E.D. (Executive Director) at AHI.”

Finding His Place at AHI:

He joined AHI in 2016 as an I.T. trainee. He was drawn to the organization’s focus on empowering young people, particularly females, and the strong sense of community he witnessed within the team. “As an I.T. student, I found that the organization focused on young people, especially focused on making an impact in females’ lives, and most of the time what they did was empowerment programmes. All these things made me more interested in AHI.”

A Culture of Teamwork and Growth:

What Solomon cherishes most about his work at AHI is the collaborative spirit and supportive environment. He finds constant inspiration in the close-knit relationships and the shared dedication to the organization’s mission. “It always inspires me seeing people working as a team, working as a family, the relationships we have together always inspire me to be available.” This drive has led him to consistently arrive early, motivated by the joy and fulfillment he derives from his work.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles:

Solomon acknowledges the challenges he faces, particularly in areas like the use of Microsoft Excel, where he recognizes the need to improve his data management skills. “As a supervisor, you’re supposed to have a good record of everything that’s going out and in. I need to improve my use of Excel so that I have all the data and can provide an analysis of what is happening.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Professionals:

He emphasizes the importance of passion and responsibility for young people starting their careers. He believes that genuine passion fuels success while taking ownership of one’s work fosters a sense of purpose and drives positive outcomes. “The advice I’m going to give to young people, or anybody willing to start their career, is to have passion. Whatever you have passion for there is no way you are not going to be successful.”

Advice for the AHI Community:

Solomon’s final message to his colleagues at AHI is a reminder that life is a journey filled with ups and downs. He encourages everyone to embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, recognizing that every experience shapes our unique paths. “No matter what you’re passing through, it’s just teaching you.”

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Sharing His Story: A Message of Hope:

Mr. Solomon Ajala’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of dedication, a supportive environment, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He emphasizes the challenges individuals from underprivileged educational backgrounds face and the importance of overcoming self-doubt to achieve personal and professional goals. His journey within AHI serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

The advice I’m going to give to young people, or anybody willing to start their career, is to have passion. Whatever you have passion for there is no way you are not going to be successful.

Solomon Ajala