"I Took a Loan to Chase My Dream Abroad” — CMD Folagbade Shares Emotional Journey from Humble Beginnings to Success at TEDxLokoja

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Dr. Oluseyi Bamidele Folagbade, Chief Medical Director of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, inspired participants at TEDxLokoja 2026 as he shared his touching story of sacrifice, resilience, and determination during the event held in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Speaking on the theme, “Start where you are” Dr. Folagbade revealed how he rose from humble beginnings to becoming the Chief Medical Director of one of the leading health institutions in the state.

In an emotional moment during his presentation, the renowned medical practitioner disclosed that he once took a loan to finance his overseas training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in pursuit of his professional dreams.

According to him, success begins with vision and preparation.

“You need to see before you start so you can go far,” he told the audience, stressing that preparation remains one of the strongest foundations for greatness.

He explained that while opportunities may not always be within human control, preparation is a personal responsibility.

“Opportunities are mysteries because we cannot control them, but preparation is an individual decision that we can take charge of,” he stated.

Dr. Folagbade encouraged participants to conduct proper needs assessments, build valuable relationships, and remain willing to start from scratch regardless of their ambitions.

Quoting former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, he said, “If your dreams do not scare you, then they are not big enough,” urging young people to dare greatly and think beyond limitations.

The CMD further emphasized the importance of leadership mastery, innovation, quality customer service, and consistency, noting that excellence is achieved through deliberate effort and continuous improvement.

According to him, consistency played a major role in his emergence as Chief Medical Director of the hospital.

“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well and even overdoing. Moderation is for cowards. A man who wants to go far must be ready to do better and possibly overdo,” he remarked.

Speaking further, Dr. Folagbade said anyone who desires success must understand the realities of competition and embrace innovation in order to stand out.

“The road to excellence is not accidental; it must be intentional. You must be ready to learn in order to earn because the reward for hard work is more work,” he added.

He also encouraged volunteering and selfless service, explaining that some opportunities may not bring immediate financial rewards but could become stepping stones to future success.

Dr. Folagbade concluded by stressing the importance of discipline and focus for anyone aspiring to achieve greatness.

The TEDxLokoja 2026 event attracted professionals, students, corps members, and young innovators from different sectors across Kogi State.

The programme was chiefly organised by Iloka Chidera Theresa, a serving corps member in Kogi State with code number KG/25A/1266.

Credit:

~Umar Samuel Onotu

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