In 2021, we had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Bola Akindele, founder of Courteville Business Solutions Plc, who told us something that deeply shaped our understanding of success. He started Courteville at the age of 42.
From his structured 9-to-5 background to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur, his story reminded us that sometimes, destiny waits until we are mature enough to handle its weight. It was a living testimony that when the favour of the Almighty God is upon you, timing becomes divine and age loses its meaning.
His story immediately brought to mind one of the world’s most famous examples — Colonel Harland Sanders, who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) at 65. Before success, he had been rejected over a thousand times while trying to sell his chicken recipe. Yet, his resilience birthed a global brand that now feeds millions daily.
Ray Kroc joined McDonald’s at 52 and turned it into the biggest fast-food empire on Earth.
Vera Wang didn’t design her first wedding gown until she was 40; today, her name defines elegance and luxury worldwide.
Samuel L. Jackson didn’t get his first major movie role until 46, yet he is now one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors.
Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company at 45, revolutionizing transportation and industry forever.
Martha Stewart launched her first cookbook at 41, creating a billion-dollar lifestyle empire.
Arianna Huffington started The Huffington Post at 55, long after many would have retired from journalism.
Jack Ma was rejected from dozens of jobs before founding Alibaba at 35, but his real success came years later when others thought he was “too old” for tech.
Grandma Moses, one of America’s most beloved painters, began her art career at 78, proving that passion never expires.
Even Nelson Mandela, who became South Africa’s president at 75, showed the world that purpose is timeless when grace is involved.
Since that moment with Dr. Akindele, we have drawn strength to keep starting new things — no matter how late it seems. We’ve invested in several companies, started new ventures in publishing, production, and real estate, and embraced the future with faith.
Each of these stories reinforces one divine truth: when God’s favour rests on your life, no age is too old, no dream is too late, and no delay is wasted.
But beyond success in business, my heart grieves for the way politics and money are gradually destroying our traditions and cultural values.
We cannot claim to uphold our heritage while ignoring its distortion. For example, the Iyaloja chieftaincy title — by tradition — has always been the exclusive right of the market community to choose, and the Oba (King) to coronate. It is not, and has never been, a political appointment.
Recently, we saw a disturbing video where Iyaloja Folasade Tinubu-Ojo was seen installing a new Iyaloja in Edo State. Initially, I thought she was merely a guest, but it became clear that she was the one conducting the installation. That’s not how our ancestors did it. That’s not the Yoruba way.
Why do we enjoy controversy so much? Why can’t we live and let others live?
Why are we allowing politics and sentiment to override tradition and truth?
There was a time when the process was clear — market traders chose, and the King confirmed. What changed? Still, we trust that the Almighty will restore order where men have brought confusion.
And in that same spirit of faith, we are reminded again that it is never too late to begin anew. God’s grace does not operate by the clock of men. When His favour locates us, everything changes — our story, our timing, our destiny.
Look around the world, and you will find proof everywhere.
So let us stop doubting ourselves. Let us begin again — with courage, with faith, and with gratitude. The same God who turned rejection into recognition for Colonel Sanders, who blessed Dr. Akindele’s vision at 42, and who lifted Grandma Moses at 78, is still in the business of doing wonders.
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second-best time is today.
And when God decides to water that seed, even the dry ground will bloom again.
Because when His favour speaks, time itself must bow.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
