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The Hidden Treasure of Information: Why Knowledge is the True Currency of Success
By Sam Agogo
It was a quiet evening when a simple conversation between two brothers revealed a profound truth. In the midst of discussing life, wealth, and influence, one of them whispered almost unconsciously: “Becoming successful just requires information.” At first glance, the statement seemed too simplistic.
Consider Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. His fortune was not built on chance but on insight. Dangote understood that industries tied to basic human needs—cement, sugar, salt—would never lose relevance. While others chased fleeting opportunities, he invested in essentials. His empire is a testament to the power of information: knowing what people will always need and positioning oneself to provide it. And today, his vision has expanded even further with the Dangote Refinery. For decades, Nigeria exported crude oil only to import refined petroleum products at high costs. Dangote saw the gap and believed Nigeria could refine its own oil. With information, courage, and foresight, he built one of the largest refineries in the world, meeting the needs of Nigeria’s energy sector and reducing dependence on foreign imports. This is not just business; it is nation‑building through information.
In real estate, Dr. Engr. Stephen Achema Akpa stands tall as a builder of dreams and a visionary brand. He is the owner of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited and Rehoboth City Estate, with several estates spread across Nigeria. Where others saw empty land, he saw thriving communities. His success is proof that information about urban expansion, population growth, and the psychology of ownership can transform barren plots into flourishing estates. He has carved a name for himself as one of the most respected developers in the country, showing that information, when applied with precision, creates legacies that endure.
In Nigeria’s fashion industry, Seyi Adekunle, popularly known as Seyi Vodi, has risen to prominence and built a brand that attracts clients from across the globe. His secret is not just in stitching fabric but in understanding identity. He knows that fashion is more than clothing—it is prestige, confidence, and status. By branding his craft as exclusive and luxurious, he transformed a humble trade into a global business. His clients include some of the most influential figures in Nigeria and beyond, proving that information is not always technical; sometimes, it is psychological.
Another inspiring figure is Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, fondly known as Kefiano, the CEO of Kefiano Group of Companies. He began by selling used cars, but with information and vision, he grew into owning one of the biggest car stands in Abuja. Today, he has diversified into multiple sectors: Kefiano Autos, Kefiano Farms, KC Hub, Chillers by New Yorkers, and the Kefiano Global Foundation. He has also ventured into entertainment and philanthropy, touching lives of widows, orphans, and entrepreneurs by providing grants and support. His journey shows that information is not limited to one industry; it can be applied across farming, automobiles, entertainment, and humanitarian work. Information made him who he is today, transforming a modest beginning into a life of influence and impact.
The oil magnates thrive because they understand energy’s role in civilization. Their wealth lies not only in barrels of crude but in geopolitical knowledge, market timing, and negotiation skills. Similarly, respected pastors and religious leaders wield influence because they understand human longing. They know that people seek hope, guidance, and belonging. With this information, they build congregations that span nations, commanding respect and authority that rivals political power.
And then there are stories that seem almost unbelievable, yet they prove the same principle. I watched a video of a Nigerian entrepreneur who discovered that plantain stems and leaves could be processed into fibers used to make hair extensions for women. What most people saw as waste rotting in the fields, he saw as opportunity. Today, he is wealthy, having built a sustainable beauty business from what others discarded. This is the essence of information: the ability to see value where others see nothing. Across the world, innovators are turning trash into treasure. Startups are transforming e‑waste into new technologies, while resourceful individuals in Nigeria are converting discarded plastics and cartons into income streams. What looks ordinary or useless becomes extraordinary when touched by the right knowledge.
History is full of similar examples. Velcro was invented after a Swiss engineer observed burrs sticking to his dog’s fur. Airbnb began when two young men rented out air mattresses in their apartment to travelers who couldn’t find hotel rooms. Starbucks grew from a small coffee bean shop into a global empire because its founders understood that people craved not just coffee but an experience. Each of these stories is a testament to the power of information: the ability to see what others overlook and act on it.
And here lies the most important truth: everybody, no matter what they do now, can use information to become better. Whether you are a farmer, a teacher, a trader, a mechanic, a student, or a tailor, information can change your story. The farmer who learns new planting techniques can triple his harvest. The teacher who discovers online platforms can reach thousands beyond the classroom. The trader who studies market trends can multiply profits. The mechanic who learns modern diagnostic tools can transform his workshop into a hub of innovation. The student who embraces knowledge beyond textbooks can rise to become a leader in any field.
Information is the great equalizer. It does not discriminate between rich and poor, educated and uneducated, urban and rural. It is available to all who are willing to seek it, embrace it, and apply it. The difference between poverty and prosperity, obscurity and influence, is often just one piece of information.
The wealthy are not superhuman. They are simply informed. As the quiet statement from that evening reminds us: your future is not determined by what you lack, but by what you learn. Seek knowledge, pursue information, and apply it with courage. For in the end, success is not about chance—it is about knowing what others don’t, and daring to act on it. And the beauty of this truth is that it belongs to everyone. No matter your current situation, no matter your present occupation, information can change your story and transform your life.
For comments, reflection, and further conversation:
📧 Email: samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com
📞 Phone: +2348055847364