I wrote my first Braille book to inspire the blind – Expidale Logistics CEO, Owolabi

CEO, Expidale Logistics, Oluyemi Owolabi. | Credit: Temitope Adetunji

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Chief Executive Officer of Expidale Logistics, Oluyemi Owolabi, opens up to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his new book, how he rebuilt his life after losing his wife, business, and thousands of customers, among other issues

What inspired your book?

‘The Power of Consistency’ is my first book, and my inspiration came from my own failures, setbacks, and personal pain. In 2023, I lost my wife. It was extremely devastating. Depression set in; at the time, I felt as though my world had ended. We had been married for almost a decade.

But in the midst of that pain, I remembered that my life is designed to impact others positively regardless. I thought about my upbringing; I grew up as the third and last boy in a family of four, but by providence, I completed secondary school earlier than my older siblings.

I always sensed there was something unique about me. With the benefit of hindsight, I realised that even during the most challenging moments, life offers uncommon nuggets of wisdom.

Between 2023 and 2025, I confronted failures and rejections that were painful but also instructive.

Those experiences gave me deeper insights that I could not keep to myself. It became apparent that many people face similar challenges and feel like quitting, and I wanted to show that failure is not the end.

For instance, my business, Expidale Logistics, was co-managed by my late wife. After her passing, I lost access to the business accounts and about 3,000 customers. It was overwhelming. But I returned to my purpose: I was born to impact lives.

I embraced the principle of consistency and the power of starting small—achieving one task at a time. By reaching out to one former customer, rebuilding relationships, and slowly regaining trust, I restarted the business.

This experience reinforced the core message of my book: failure is not final, neither is it fatal.

Many young people today prefer social media—Facebook, Twitter, TikTok—over hard copy books. While writing this book, did you think about this challenge?

Yes. Many young people today spend hours on social media, watching skits or following influencers while neglecting personal growth and education. TikTokers like Peller, who create comedy content, are making millions, while educational content is often ignored.

But I don’t see this as a reason to stop writing. I believe a new generation will rise—one that values reading, learning, and self-development.

If your future matters to you, you will make choices that build it. If you spend all your time scrolling through social media without purpose, you are drifting away from your destiny.

I tell young people: watching movies or social media isn’t inherently bad.

But you must be intentional. If you want to be an actor, you must study performances. If you want to be an entrepreneur, focus on content that educates and inspires you in that direction.

How do you see your book contributing to this shift?

I wrote this book believing that personal development matters more than formal education alone. It’s about self-education, dedication, and focused discipline.

Take Veekee James as an example: she dropped out of school in 2018 but dedicated herself to her craft with unwavering consistency. And within seven years, she has become a global fashion icon and brand ambassador for several reputable organisations. That’s the power of commitment and learning beyond the classroom.

This book is meant to inspire readers to embrace their journey, overcome setbacks, and take charge of their growth. It’s practical, motivational, and grounded in real-life experiences.

When people talk about success, I hope they understand that true success is built on purpose, resilience, and consistent effort, even in the face of failure.

What are the core principles or habits the book highlights?

The book focuses on three main principles: self-discipline, patience, and consistency. If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others. Nothing meaningful happens immediately; you have to nurture your dreams the same way you nurture the Chinese bamboo tree. It stays underground for four years, but in the fifth year, it grows 90 feet in weeks.

What challenges did you face while writing this book?

The biggest challenge was separating my personal struggles from the message of the book. I battled insomnia, headaches, and emotional pain. I didn’t want the book to be about my personal experience; I wanted it to carry a universal message of hope. Balancing that was tough but important because I wanted readers to be inspired, not depressed.

How do you personally balance consistency with flexibility?

In the first chapter, I wrote: Be consistent with your destination but flexible with your direction. There are many ways to get to Lagos Island from the Mainland. If one route is blocked, you take another. Your direction may change, but your purposeful destination must remain unshaken.

What is the key takeaway you want readers to gain from this book?

That failure is not fatal. Every setback can be a setup for a comeback. Many people quit just when they arrive at the borderline of their breakthrough. Failure teaches wisdom, and ‘no’ should be a morale booster. If your dreams attract only “yes,” then your dreams are too inconsequential.

Do you plan to expand on this book in the future—perhaps through workshops or seminars?

Yes, definitely. We are scaling the virtual “DO It Hard” Conference next year. We want to bring together young Nigerians, both visually able and visually impaired, to birth new ideas for the country.

It’s noteworthy that the book is written for everyone, especially for visually impaired entrepreneurs, which makes it the first of its kind in Nigeria, being published in Braille.

No nation becomes great because of its political leaders alone; citizens build nations. Even the japa trend presents opportunities through export logistics, which is our core operation at the award-winning Expidale Logistics.

Do you plan to write other books?

Yes. As the Bible says, ‘No man who puts his hand on the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom.’ I intend to keep writing for as long as I live.

How can young professionals in Nigeria apply the principles in the book to their daily lives?

Forming habits is difficult but possible. Start small. If you want to read daily, start with 30 minutes. Small, consistent actions become habits. Avoid burnout. Write down what you want to change, set big but SMART goals, and protect your time. Learn to say no. Time management is part of self-discipline.

Why do you think many people struggle with consistency?

The major issue is the hunger for quick rewards, what I call the “noodles mentality.” People want success instantly, without building deep foundations. But anything that will last must be deeply rooted. Success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, steady and consistent.

How many chapters does this book have?

We have 11 chapters — 235 pages in total.

Is it affordable for everyone?

Oh yes, very affordable. The hard copy costs N10,000, while the soft copy costs N5,000. We also have it available on Selar and on Amazon.

Who is the main target audience for this book?

Young people, especially young entrepreneurs, including those who are visually impaired, I want Nigeria to become the new headquarters of world entrepreneurship.

Even people working 9–5 (9 am to 5 pm) can build something meaningful by investing their time and savings wisely. Purpose comes before consistency; without purpose, you’ll be consistently climbing the wrong ladder.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who feels stuck or struggles to stay consistent?

Discover your ‘why’. People feel stuck because they lack inspiration or direction. Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Why now? Why this path? Live for impact, not just money. If money is your only motivation, you will give up easily. But if your ‘why’ is strong, you will endure challenges. Know your purpose and anchor your consistency.

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