Popular influencer Waris Olayinka Akinwande, better known as Ola of Lagos, has shared the remarkable journey of his father’s transformation from a humble motorcycle taxi operator to a successful property owner and businessman, demonstrating the power of perseverance and filial devotion.
The touching narrative, shared on Instagram alongside photos of father and son dressed in traditional Muslim prayer attire, chronicles a story of determination, success, and the fulfillment of long-held dreams. Ola’s father, Mr. Akinwande, once struggled as a commercial motorcycle rider, known locally as an “okada” driver, working tirelessly to provide three daily meals for his family.
In his emotional post, Ola revealed how his father’s life took an extraordinary turn when he not only became a homeowner but also experienced his first airplane flight – an international journey to a destination he had only dreamed of visiting. The significance of this achievement becomes even more profound considering Mr. Akinwande had never previously set foot in an airport.
“My father, Mr. Akinwande, had never in his life been near an airport, let alone flown on a plane,” Ola shared, emphasizing the magnitude of the transformation. “His very first flight was not just international but to a place he had dreamed of visiting all his life. He never imagined he could own a single block, but today, he owns a house.”
The story takes on additional poignancy with the revelation that the elder Akinwande now not only owns his own vehicle but has diversified into multiple business ventures, a far cry from his days of ferrying passengers on a motorcycle to make ends meet. This dramatic life change serves as a powerful testament to both the son’s dedication and the father’s resilience.
Ola’s narrative has struck a particularly resonant chord on social media, where stories of successful children giving back to their parents often garner significant attention. However, this account stands out for its focus on paternal appreciation, as noted by user @emmabossz_of_emsx who commented, “Finally seen a post appreciating fathers online.
The religious undertones of the story have added another layer of engagement, with many followers expressing surprise at Ola’s Muslim faith. User @maanga_afrika remarked, “I never thought Ola is a Muslim Mashaallah your story is really motivating,” highlighting how the revelation has helped break down preconceptions while reinforcing the universal nature of the story’s appeal.
The influencer’s decision to share this personal triumph has resonated deeply with his followers, many of whom view it as a source of inspiration for their own aspirations. As user @oluwa_dee019 commented, “This is one of the reasons why I can’t give up you sir,” suggesting the story’s potential to motivate others facing similar challenges.
Ola emphasized the motivational aspect of his father’s journey, noting how it continues to drive his own ambitions. My dad’s story is a huge source of motivation for me,” he shared, adding that his father never imagined achieving such milestones in his lifetime. This sentiment of exceeding expectations has particularly resonated with audiences, offering hope to those still working toward their goals.
The story has also sparked discussions about the importance of prioritizing family success and maintaining faith through difficult times. Responses filled with religious expressions of gratitude and hope, such as “Allah Akbar” and “Alhamdulillah,” reflect how the narrative has touched people across different aspects of their lives.
Through this sharing of his family’s journey, Ola of Lagos has not only celebrated his father’s achievement but has also provided a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation in everyone’s life. His closing message to those facing challenges – “don’t give up; it’s never too late” – serves as a universal beacon of hope, transcending religious and social boundaries to inspire anyone working toward a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
