PRINCEWILL ODIDI: Story of my Life

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Never in my wildest dream would I imagine that being a Son of peasant parents in Africa would I gain a chance to study at one of America’s best colleges, but Gods abundant grace made it happen upon graduation from University of Nigeria and being handed an application and recommendation from one of Africa’s finest scholars Prof Okwudiba Nnoli. It is an opportunity I live to remember.

I can remember the last time I saw my late dad to inform him I was leaving for the United States, I showed him a first Class plane ticket bought by the school in addition to full scholarship and weekly work free stipends to be paid all through my stay in the school.

Aerial view of University of Notre Dame, USA.

When my late dad saw the price of the plane ticket, I remember him saying his entire salaries all the years he worked could not afford that ticket. To my mom, when I told her I was leaving for graduate studies the following week, she wept, prayed for me and said I will achieve in life all she never got.

One week later, I boarded a KLM flight to the United States, being the first time I ever entered a plane, I arrived Notre Dame August 2nd, 1999, completed my studies and emerged best graduating student.

A week before I left Notre Dame, former President Jimmy Carter of the United States offered me a spot to work at his Presidential Center. This is a shot story of my life from jumping Okada in the streets of four corners, Ugep, Apiapum and Nko to a spot in America’s finest places.

Former President Jimmy Carter and wife with Princewill Odidi

If I could be so favored, a son of nobody from a remote African village, then Gods grace will locate you too if you keep holding on. That is the meaning of grace. It means “ undeserved favor”. I received favor I did not deserve.

Now, let me tell you about the University of Notre Dame. It is a Catholic private University and one of the best schools in the world. It has been recognized as one of the top universities in the United States, in particular for its undergraduate and graduate education.

Notre Dame’s graduate program has more than 50 master, doctoral and professional degrees offered by the six schools. I graduated from the Joan B Kroc Institute.

The University holds an endowment of fourteen billion dollars ($14billion) as at 2019. The Universities endowment is greater than the combined budget of several countries.

Princewill and Shantel Odidi on their wedding day

Late yesterday I arrived here with my family as part of my Christmas tour, as I narrate the story of my life to my young son who ask a lot of questions.

My story, is the story of grace. Undeserved favor. Never give up in life, never give up on your children, even if it means to forfeit all and give them basic education, just try your best, grace will complete the remaining, grace will bless the work of your hands, it is called Amazing Grace!

Princewill Odidi (L) with Adams Oshiomhole the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC