A flight to safety: navigating uncertainty for today’s youth and entrepreneurs

By Kingsley LARBI (Rev. Prof.)

Chapter 15 of Born to Win by Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi, titled “A Flight to Safety,” recounts a deeply personal and historical narrative of survival, faith, and purpose amidst the turmoil of Nigeria’s 1983 expulsion order. The chapter is not only a historical reflection but also serves as a profound metaphor for modern-day challenges faced by youth and entrepreneurs in Ghana.

It highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and purpose in navigating life’s uncertainties. In a rapidly changing economic and social landscape, the lessons from Larbi’s escape and eventual success remain highly relevant, providing timeless insights for young people striving to make their mark in entrepreneurship and beyond.

Historical Context and Overview

The 1983 Nigerian expulsion order, issued by then-President Shehu Shagari, forced over two million immigrants, including Ghanaians, to leave Nigeria by January 31, 1983. This directive was a response to economic strain, unemployment, and sociopolitical pressures within Nigeria.

For thousands of Ghanaians like Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi and Apostle Michael Asiedu, this order meant abrupt dislocation, financial loss, and potential danger. Chapter 15 of Born to Win chronicles the tense final days leading up to their flight out of Nigeria and their eventual journey back home to Ghana.

The Author describes the chaos and uncertainty at Murtala Muhammed Airport, where even confirmed flight tickets did not guarantee a seat due to the overwhelming number of people trying to leave the country. His and Asiedu’s eventual escape, facilitated by the generosity of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Ketu, exemplifies how crucial relationships and networks are during crises.

The Journey as a Metaphor for Entrepreneurship

For today’s Ghanaian youth and entrepreneurs, this chapter provides key lessons on the journey toward success, much like Larbi’s physical journey from Nigeria to Ghana. The obstacles faced during this journey, from the language barrier in Abidjan to the challenges of securing safe passage, mirror the entrepreneurial challenges of raising capital, securing resources, and managing uncertainty. Modern entrepreneurship, particularly in Ghana’s volatile economic landscape, requires the same adaptability and resilience.

Entrepreneurs are often required to make difficult decisions, operate under extreme pressure, and find creative solutions, much like Larbi and Asiedu did to secure their passage home.

The lesson here is clear: success is rarely linear, and setbacks are an inevitable part of the journey. Entrepreneurs, like Larbi, must leverage their networks, remain persistent, and adapt to rapidly changing environments.

Relevance to Modern-Day Youth and Entrepreneurs in Ghana

1. Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

The Author’s experience of being forced to leave Nigeria due to an unpredictable political decision is a reminder that external circumstances, be they political, economic, or social — can drastically affect one’s plans. Similarly, modern-day entrepreneurs in Ghana face uncertainties like inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and government policies. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, inflation stood at 40.1% in December 2022, making financial planning extremely difficult for businesses. Entrepreneurs must remain resilient, adapting to challenges with strategic pivots, just as Larbi had to adjust his travel plans.

2. The Importance of Networks and Support Systems

Larbi’s successful escape was, in part, due to the support of the Foursquare Gospel Church, which provided transportation to and from the airport. This underscores the importance of networks and support systems. In today’s entrepreneurial world, collaboration and strategic partnerships are key to overcoming challenges.

Ghanaian entrepreneurs can tap into various support networks, such as business incubators, trade associations, and even government initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For example, the Ghana Enterprise Agency offers financial and technical support to young entrepreneurs, which could be as lifesaving for businesses as Larbi’s church network was for him.

Adapting to Global and Regional Challenges

Larbi and Asiedu’s struggle at Abidjan Airport, where they faced language barriers and communication difficulties, highlights the importance of being globally aware and adaptable.

In today’s interconnected economy, entrepreneurs must understand regional and international markets, trade laws, and cultural differences to succeed. With Ghana being part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), entrepreneurs now have access to a market of over 1.3 billion people, making cross-border trade both a challenge and an opportunity.

Pursuing Purpose Beyond Challenges

Despite the tumultuous events of 1983, Larbi’s desire to pursue theological studies at Oral Roberts University (ORU) remained unwavering. This reflects the importance of having a clear sense of purpose, which can drive one through even the most difficult times.

For young entrepreneurs, purpose is a key driver of success. It is not enough to be profit-driven; there must be a deeper mission behind one’s efforts. Whether it is creating jobs, solving societal problems, or innovating industries, having a clear purpose motivates one to persevere through challenges. Today, many successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs, like Patrick Awuah of Ashesi University, have succeeded by staying focused on a clear mission despite numerous obstacles.

Economic and Financial Lessons

The financial impact of the Nigerian expulsion order on Ghanaians in 1983 was significant. Many lost their businesses, savings, and properties. This highlights a key lesson for entrepreneurs today: the importance of financial prudence and diversification. Entrepreneurs must be prepared for economic shocks by maintaining healthy cash reserves, diversifying their investments, and planning for contingencies.

According to World Bank data, Ghana’s economy has experienced mixed performance over the past decade, with GDP growth peaking at 6.5% in 2019 but falling to -3.4% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of such fluctuations makes it essential for entrepreneurs to not only focus on growth but also on sustainability.

Financial literacy and planning are essential tools for young entrepreneurs, and the government’s push for financial inclusion through initiatives like mobile money and digital finance platforms offers entrepreneurs new ways to manage their finances. In Larbi’s case, his focus on long-term goals, such as theological education, ensured that he was prepared for future opportunities, despite the immediate financial losses he incurred during his time in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The narratives in Chapter 15 of Born to Win offer modern-day youth and entrepreneurs in Ghana profound lessons on resilience, purpose, and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

Rev. Prof. E.K. Larbi’s experience of navigating the challenges of expulsion from Nigeria, language barriers in Abidjan, and the chaotic conditions of his flight to safety, resonates with the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs today. The relevance of these lessons extends beyond historical reflection; they serve as a guide for navigating the economic and political turbulence that often shapes the business landscape in Ghana.

In conclusion, as Larbi’s journey demonstrates, the path to success is seldom without obstacles. However, with the right mindset, support systems, and unwavering focus on long-term goals, today’s youth and entrepreneurs can transform challenges into opportunities.

Just as Larbi’s flight to safety ultimately led him to greater accomplishments, so too can Ghana’s young entrepreneurs rise above their current difficulties to achieve lasting success. The combination of resilience, adaptability, and purpose will be key drivers of this journey, just as they were for Rev. Prof. Larbi in 1983.

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