Chief Hardy

22/10/2024

Lately, I've been caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, and honestly, I sometimes feel lost in what I'm doing. Since we started brainstorming about transforming OtownGist Media & Creative Hub into a creative hub, I've found myself overthinking more than ever.

I've been reading and researching extensively, and while I often feel like I have a grasp on things, it’s those morning moments when someone tells me, "What you've done is beautiful," that truly ignite my motivation. It’s a reminder that my efforts matter and push me to strive for more.

Right now, I take immense pride in collaborating with a team of like-minded individuals. Just as uncertain as I am about what tomorrow holds, I’m confident that today we didn’t just try our best—we gave it our all. And that’s the foundation of everything we will accomplish together tomorrow.

Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and creating something incredible!

27/09/2024

As the leader of a small media company, I’ve realized that success comes from empowering your team to work independently and collaborate effectively. It's important to groom people who don’t need you every day, but rather feel confident handling tasks on their own.

Instead of placing blame when things go wrong, I always ask, ‘What do you need to do your job better?’ Constructive feedback and guidance are key to making improvements and helping the team grow.

Starting small with just one, two, or three people, I’ve learned the value of creating a positive work atmosphere. When people are excited to come to work because of the great team they’re working with, goals become easier to achieve.

As a leader, my focus is on fostering open communication and ensuring that everyone feels heard. Leadership isn’t about micromanaging — it’s about giving your team the tools to succeed and helping them thrive together.

23/07/2024

HELP IS NOT COMING

When you're building, you often find yourself all alone, with only a few genuinely believing in you. It's a hard truth, but the help you think you'll need in the future is already arriving today. Every little compliment, every bit of encouragement that boosts your morale, and every small act of support that keeps you hanging on—that is help.

We often wait for a million-dollar grant or a massive gift to help us leap, but we've already received all the help we'll ever need. And sometimes, in our ingratitude, we squander it all, dismissing it as nothing. As a result, more never comes. When we disrespect those who support us, they walk out of our lives, leaving us to face our struggles alone. And then, we say no one cares. But what’s the truth? We never cared or appreciated the little things, yet suddenly, we want big things from people we've hurt.

Entrepreneurs often fall into this trap, wondering why no one cares about their ideas. They forget that ideas belong to the owner alone, but products belong to everyone. People want to see what you're doing. That’s when you need to help yourself push beyond your ideas to a product that will serve others. The more they see, the more they believe.

Be appreciative of every bit of belief you receive. Remember, the ocean started with a drop. Cherish yours today.

Have a great week ahead!

04/07/2024

If you have a big dream, things will get scary sometimes. You might wonder if the right people believe in you, making you forget that your belief in yourself is what truly matters. When you believe in yourself, others will naturally believe in the fact that you believe in you.

It’s okay to daydream and imagine things that others think will never be, but to you, those dreams will someday be a reality.

For me, music does it all. I don't know how religious you are, but there are songs I don’t joke with. They are my personal morning gospel, and I think you should try them.

My Morning Playlist:
1. Daydream by Lily Moena
2. Tiny Victories by Christina Perri
3. This is Me from The Greatest Showman

These songs might take you 10 minutes to listen to, or you can sing them in the shower and watch your confidence soar.

God already loves you, but you need to remind yourself how much you love yourself and how much you believe in yourself.

Music is a gift you need to enjoy. It’s a powerful tool to boost your confidence and keep you motivated.

So, what are you dreaming about today? Share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other to keep believing and achieving our dreams.

Daydream
Song by Lily Meola

When we were kids in the backyard
Playing astronauts and rockstars
No one told us to stop it
Called us unrealistic
Then suddenly, you're eighteen
Go to college for your plan "B"
What you want is too risky
Live for weekends and whiskey

We all got these big ideas
One day, they're replaced with fears
How did we get here?

Darlin', don't quit your daydream
It's your life that you're making
It ain't big enough if it doesn't scare the hell out of you
If it makes you nervous
It's probably worth it
Why save it for sleep when you could be living your daydream?

Thirty-one, waiting tables
She has a voice of an angel
Out of money and power
She only sings in the shower
All these things we say we'll get to

Shot down by the reasons not to
Darlin', don't quit your daydream
It's your life that you're making
It ain't big enough if it doesn't scare the hell out of you
If it makes you nervous
It's probably worth it
Why save it for sleep when you could be living your daydream?

So scared of failure that we fail to try
Turnin' around before the finish line
Gotta fall for a minute before you can fly

So daydream
It's your life that you're making
It ain't big enough if it doesn't scare the hell out of you
If it makes you nervous
It's probably worth it
Why save it for sleep when you could be living your daydream?

Why save it for sleep when you should be living your daydream?

Listen Here https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ohwd2OLGk

tiny victories
Song by Christina Perri

Some days I Iook in the mirror and I think
The meanest things, all the meanest things
Somedays I'm holding my self-worth up
By a string, a string
But every day that I don't hide myself away
To me, is a tiny victory

Some days it feels like a wrecking ball is swinging
Through my rib cage, my rib cage
Some nights I'm just a million broken pieces singin'
On a stage
I'm a little more broken open, but a little more free
And that's a tiny victory

And if battles can win a war
I can keep picking my sword up off the floor
And learn to treasure these
Tiny victories, tiny victories

Some days givin' up on myself looks so
So easy to do, it's so easy to do
The struggle is slow, I'm barely movin' the needle
And the cracks may be few, but there's light coming through

And if battles can win a war
I can keep picking my sword up off the floor
And learn to treasure these
Tiny victories, tiny victories
Tiny victories, tiny victories

Every day that I don't hide myself away
Every day that I don't hide myself away
To me, is a tiny victory

Listen Here https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6RgGoUiq7eU

This Is Me
Song by Keala Settle

I am not a stranger to the dark
"Hide away, " they say
"'Cause we don't want your broken parts"
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
"Run away, " they say
"No one'll love you as you are"

But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that's what we've become (yeah, that's what we've become)

I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
This is me

and I know that I deserve your love
(Oh-oh-oh-oh) there's nothing I'm not worthy of
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
This is brave, this is bruised
This is who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come (look out 'cause here I come)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Whenever the words wanna cut me down (oh-oh-oh-oh)
I'll send a flood to drown 'em out (oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
I'm gonna send a flood (oh-oh-oh-oh)
Gonna drown them 'em out (oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
Oh
This is me

Listen Here https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=kbo0XwwLFks

02/07/2024

Princessa Oreo, popularly known as Princesser Africa Ekwurekwu has opened up about her painful battle with fibroid, a condition that caused a 3kg mass to grow in her belly.

As someone I know personally, her story is part of what we witness everyday. People who work hard to make others happy while dying inside.

I am very happy she is fine. I am supper happy for you my friend.

Princessa Oreo, popularly known as Princesser Africa Ekwurekwu, has opened up about her painful battle with fibroid, a condition...

02/07/2024

Are You Ready to Read this?

In Nigeria, many of us find ourselves studying courses that aren’t aligned with our true passions, simply managing to finish them. After graduation, we’re faced with the daunting reality of making a living out of something we aren’t truly passionate about. But sometimes, the things you're passionate about will ultimately save you. Starting afresh is difficult, especially when you feel like you’ve wasted four years, maybe even five or six if there were strikes.

As a graduate of Industrial Chemistry now running a media outfit, I can confidently say that you can succeed in an unfamiliar environment if you decide to do unconventional things. Here’s how:

𝐁𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧: The willingness to learn new things is crucial. It opens the door to new ideas and plans that can transform your life. Embrace learning, no matter how strange or unrelated it may seem to your past experiences.

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧: Many who want to start over don’t have a solid plan. They sometimes adopt a "Jesus take the wheel" approach and, before they know it, three years have passed in a fruitless experiment. A good plan is key. Know where you want to go and outline the steps to get there.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬: The path to your destination is often rough and tough. Remember that every tiny victory matters. The more you celebrate these small wins, the more your confidence grows. These moments of success are the building blocks of your larger goals.

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Confusing the two can lead to premature celebrations. Many small victories lead to success, and while success is your destination, it’s important to understand that it never truly ends. Once you reach your goal, don’t stop working. Keep pushing forward.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦: Don’t let what people say about you or others in similar situations weigh you down. You are the author of your story, while others are merely readers. They cannot change what you have written. Focus on your path and continue writing your own narrative.

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support you. Networking can open doors to opportunities you never imagined.

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: Take courses, attend workshops, and read extensively. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate your new path.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Maintaining a positive mindset and being persistent in the face of challenges will keep you moving forward. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with determination, it’s within reach.

When your certificate might have failed you, only your experience, passion, and willingness to adapt will shape your career and life.

So, what are you writing now in your story?

Feel free to share this post and inspire others who might be struggling with the same dilemma.

01/07/2024

This is not the kind of post you want to read, and it is long 😔💔😭😫

In many parts of the world, young people focus on innovation, sustainability, and creating a better future for themselves and those who come after them. Inventors and builders are respected, and their efforts contribute to the overall development of their countries.

Unfortunately, the reverse seems to be the case here in Nigeria. In a country where many are struggling with hunger and soaring prices, it appears that the most celebrated individuals are those who talk the loudest, rather than those who build and innovate. Every day, we see countless people waking up just to check what someone has said, often things that add no value to our society or immediate environment.

As a nation, we should be pained by this trend. But more importantly, we need to find ways to reverse it. Here are some solutions to help us get out of this issue and create a culture that values action over mere words:

✔ Promote and Support Innovators: Let's celebrate and support those who are creating solutions and making tangible contributions. Share their stories, follow their work, and provide financial and moral support.

✔ Educational Reform: Advocate for educational systems that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Encourage schools and universities to partner with industries to provide real-world experience.

✔ Mentorship and Networking: Create and support networks where young inventors and builders can connect with mentors, investors, and other innovators. This will help them gain the support and exposure they need to succeed.

✔ Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns that highlight the importance of innovation and the negative impact of empty rhetoric. Use social media, community events, and collaborations with influencers to spread the message.

✔ Government and Private Sector Collaboration: Encourage the government and private sector to invest in innovation and infrastructure. Provide grants, tax incentives, and other support for startups and research initiatives.

✔ Personal Responsibility: Each of us has a role to play. Instead of idolizing those who offer nothing but empty words, let's focus our attention on those who are making real changes. Encourage friends and family to do the same.

Together, we can create a Nigeria where young people are inspired to build and innovate, where action is valued over words, and where we all work towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Let’s start today. Share this message and take action in your own way. The future of Nigeria depends on it.

29/06/2024

In life, there's no universal standard for success. Where one person finishes, another begins.

Think about it: raw materials transform into finished products, each step crucial in its own right. The key is to excel in what you do because if you fail, the world could crumble. Every role matters, every effort counts and that is the circle of life.

Imagine having all the money but no garri and other little things to buy. Owning a big car but no one to fix it. We often overlook the importance of these roles, thinking they're less significant. But without them, the circle of life would be incomplete.

This post is a celebration of everyone who is succeeding at something. No matter how big or small your achievement, you are a vital part of this world. Your hard work, dedication, and tiny victories make the difference we enjoy everyday..

You are the best. Keep shining and excelling! 🌟💪

12/05/2024

Let's introduce Chief Hardy and watch what he can offer us.

31/01/2024

Do we pray for a better economy or to survive no matter how bad it is?