By Our Correspondent
Public finance expert, business strategist and former aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Oyeka Amara Kate, has called on Nigerians to embrace perseverance, tenacity and personal development as essential tools for navigating life’s challenges.
Kate made the call on Saturday in Lagos during the launch of her debut book, “The Wait Work”, which explores the value of patience, character and resilience in achieving personal and professional success.
Speaking at the event, the author said the book was inspired by her own life experiences and the lessons she has learned while navigating various stages of growth and life’s accomplishments.
According to her, many of the situations people worry about today often become the very experiences that prepare them for future opportunities.
In her own words, “I was inspired for the most part by my life experiences journeying through life and just realizing that some of the things that we put so much fuss about, in the end, turn out to be part of what takes you to your next level.”
Kate said one of her motivations for writing the book was to provide guidance for people going through seasons of waiting, uncertainty and delayed expectations.
She urged readers not to rush life’s process, noting that meaningful outcomes often require time to develop.
Drawing an analogy with food preparation, she said just as properly marinated food produces richer flavours, patience and endeavours often yield better results in life.
“If you don’t rush it, just follow the process and make sure you’re consistent, hardworking, with the right people and the right mindset. Things will unfold in a way that you will love even more than you expected,” she said.
The author identified consistency of character as one of the most important lessons contained in the book.
According to her, integrity and a reputation built over time can open doors and create opportunities that competence alone may not secure.
“When people are very confident of your character, they can speak about you even when you’re not there. They can open doors that you never knew could open on your behalf. So maintain a consistent character,” she said.
Kate described The Wait Work as a guide for adults seeking direction in an increasingly demanding world, adding that the book was written to help readers remain focused and productive during difficult periods.
“I wrote it for every single adult who needs a guide. Every single insight or guide that comes from that book is purely from a place of ensuring that people are not lost. We’re already in a difficult world,” she said.
Using the example of flight delays, she advised people to channel their energy into productive activities instead of becoming frustrated by situations beyond their control.
“Don’t fuss over what’s not working; do the one that’s working within the time that you find yourself,” she added.
Kate who previously served as Executive Director, Direct Taxes and Senior Special Assistant to Mr. Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR respectively at the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), now an Author, encouraged attendees to take up the challenges of life more seriously.
A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), United Kingdom, she has over 17 years of experience in taxation, finance, accounting, tax technology and strategic business management.
She is also the founder of the Obele Women Empowerment Foundation (OWEF), a platform dedicated to supporting women through education, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Guests and speakers at the launch described the author as a seasoned professional whose career journey embodies many of the values highlighted in The Wait Work”, including patience, discipline, resilience, purposeful leadership and industry.
