31/07/2025
Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank Group, recently visited Cafe One, a coworking and digital space owned by the bank, where he was dismayed by the subpar work of a painter on the wall.
As a leader who champions excellence and does not tolerate mediocrity, he expressed his disappointment at the poor work done by the painter and the need for a redo.
Unbeknownst to him, the security guard, a talented painter who sells handmade portraits on the side, overheard the conversation and seized the opportunity to showcase his skills.
When the CEO went back the next day, he was blown away by the security guard's stunning blackboard mural (hand done) which transformed the space into an oasis of creativity and imagination.
Impressed by the guard's ingenuity, Mr. Abubakar offered him a job on the spot to join Sterling Bank's creative department.
Thanks to this chance encounter, the security guard's life is about to take a dramatic turn, and he will start a new chapter as a full-time staff member of Sterling Bank from Friday, August 1.
For proper context, entry-level staff of Sterling Bank earn 528k, which is what the young talented artist will start earning from next month.
Not sure he was earning up to 100k as a security guard before.
Young disadvantaged Nigerians without any help can actually create their luck.
This is the biggest takeaway from this story.
As the CEO aptly put it, 'The next generation of Nigerians are not seeking permission to create.'
And it is true. Via Chukwudu Iwuchukwu
