MAMA I MADE IT ADS

The 22nd of February 2022 is a day that will always bring me fond memories. It was induction into the league of Extra Ordinary Gentlemen. I was inducted as an Authorized dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Exchange. It was a glamorous ceremony. My parents were elated especially my mum. Finally I have taken over the baton from my Mum. Oh! What a feeling.

This day brought in old memories. The exhaustion, long hours of study, the trade-offs etc.

The Journey

This journey started a decade ago when the goal was written on paper. The goal was to be an authorized dealing clerk at the age of Thirty. I thought it was going to be a done deal but to my surprise, life happened. There were bumps and detours on the way. I gave up at a point but Thank God for my mum and my mentor who pushed me. They made me see what I would give-up if this was not achieved.

My mum paved the way for me. She is a chartered stockbroker and an authorized dealer of the Nigerian Exchange. She introduced me to this noble profession. Her red jacket was the major attraction. It made her stand out. Anytime she wore the red jacket, I would say to myself one day you too will wear this jacket.

INSPIRATION

Growing up, my mum would bring her work home. She would show us how to go about it. It was from these little assignments I picked interest in the profession. I developed on this by getting internship roles in some of these stockbroking firms.

I registered for the professional exams immediately after school. I started by taking classes in preparation for the exam but had to stop midway as I was posted to Abuja for the mandatory NYSC.

After NYSC, I secured a Job in a stockbroking firm. I was happy about the Job. My life was beginning to take shape. I was on my way to realizing my goal but life struck again.

I took a detour.

I signed up for ACCA. The qualification took me three good years to finish. After conquering this qualification, I went back to sit for the exams. The goal must be achieved.

I thought the exam was going to be easy but to my surprise, I could not pass a paper. I failed. How can Tosin fail? I had to take a break because I was afraid of failing again.

My Mum and Mentor encouraged me to go back and face my fears. I went back, faced the challenge and conquered the exams. I qualified as a Chartered Stock Broker ,but that was not the destination. The CIS qualification was a pre-requisite to becoming an authorized dealing clerk.

I sat for the exam , passed the exam and went on to the next stage. I had to be interviewed by various stakeholders in the capital market. It was not an easy one. I passed the interview. I made it Mama.