The Ark of Solace Foundation
I know my story may surprise some of you, but it is my truth and the driving force behind The Ark of Solace Foundation.
Born in the Southwest of Nigeria, I grew up in circumstances many consider unbearable. My childhood was marked by hardships that ignited a lifelong desire to help those less privileged like I was. The reality is that comfort is not universal, and assuming so only blinds us to the needs of others.
In our family, we had few assets beyond a loving but financially strained mother, unshakable hope, and faith in a better tomorrow. Despite our academic potential, daily life was a constant struggle. Basic meals like rice, eggs, or milk were luxuries we could only dream of. Most days, we ate whatever was available—if anything at all. Our school uniforms were tattered, and we often went to school hungry.
For years, I waited, believing I needed millions before I could make the desired difference. But a simple yet profound message from Bishop David Oyedepo changed my perspective: “Start from where you are; don’t wait for the millions and billions.”
My mother’s sacrifices remain etched in my memory; she would sell her own clothes just to meet our basic needs. This instilled in me a strong sense of independence from an early age. At 14, I started working as a laborer at construction sites, carrying blocks and assisting bricklayers to earn a small but vital income. After secondary school, this became my primary means of survival. I worked hard during the day to afford food for the next day, a routine that defined my teenage years.
Life during these years was harsh. I stayed with an uncle whose small room couldn’t accommodate us all. For two years, I slept on a balcony, exposed to the elements. When it rained, I would move my mat into a shared passageway—if I was lucky enough to find it unlocked. By daybreak, I’d head to the construction site for another grueling day of work.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to change my circumstances. I studied under the dim light of the balcony, often battling interruptions when the landlord decided to switch off the power. From carrying cement to working as a bus conductor, I took on any job to survive. The insults were heavy, but the determination to rise above my situation was heavier.
A turning point came when a kind friend took me in, offering me a roof over my head. From there, I managed to gain admission to the university. Teaching private lessons became my new hustle, helping students prepare for exams while I pursued my education. Those difficult years fueled my resolve: if life ever smiled on me, I would dedicate myself to helping others escape the cycle of poverty, lack, and hopelessness.
For years, I waited, believing I needed millions before I could make the desired difference. But a simple yet profound message from Bishop David Oyedepo changed my perspective: “Start from where you are; don’t wait for the millions and billions.”
On March 25, 2021, while I digitally connected to witness the groundbreaking of The Ark Project at Canaanland, Nigeria, I was inspired to act. That same day, I took the first official steps toward creating The Ark of Solace Foundation. However, it wasn’t until April 2024—after resigning from my role at an international bank—that I was able to officially register the foundation.
The Ark of Solace Foundation is more than a dream; it’s a mission, a passion, a calling and a commitment to support the needy and the less priviledged, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world. My journey reminds me that no matter how humble your beginnings, with faith, perseverance, and a heart for others, you can create lasting change.
We also welcome the opportunity to partner with others who share our vision of providing solace to those in need—be it children, women, widows, the young, or the elderly—anywhere in the world. Together, we can make the world a better place by ensuring that people are supported to live quality lives and inspired to reach their full potential.
Collectively, we can continue to build bridges of hope and opportunities for those who require it the most regardless of where they are or who they are.
Olusegun Afolabi