Adeolu Akinyemi

God Truly Crowns the Year with Goodness

This year has tested us, bending us under its weight, yet, by the grace of God, it did not break us. Over the past 15 years in business, one of our proudest achievements is never owing salaries. It's not about having excess, but ensuring those who work with us don't go without. This year brought us uncomfortably close to that edge. This isn't the first time, but facing it repeatedly is unprecedented. With over 70 staff and real overhead, 2023 brought with it unprecedented challenges. We're grateful that the storms didn't drown us, and the fires didn't destroy us.

To truly grasp the context, a whole book might be needed to document the kind of challenges we faced this year. In summary, NairaSwap affected one of our businesses, causing a loss of over 90% of its operating funds. I won't delve into exact figures to avoid causing unnecessary concern. Additionally, when the new government came in, their decisions on subsidies impacted another business, resulting in a 20% capital loss, completely depleting our purse and leaving us indebted for another 100% of our operating costs. This was just one of several "sege's" we encountered.

Yet, here we are, as the year comes to a close, with much to be thankful for. We don't resemble what we've been through. We crawled through dirt but emerged on the other side shining like diamonds.

This December feels like God is showering us with blessings, crowning the year with hope and anticipation for the new one. Just like good news from a distant land is refreshing to a thirsty soul, the blessings pouring in this December are overwhelming.

In this last month of the year, we've experienced extraordinary events:

* We received a letter that eyewitnesses claim has never been given to anyone before.
* New international frontiers opened up for our business, opportunities that were absent throughout the year.
* We secured new deals to significantly expand into an African region.
* Our most significant brand, with vast market potential, finally received approval to go live.

I want to take a moment to pray for you and speak into your life. In these final seven days of the year, may miracles and wonders abound for you. Good news will find you! Success you had given up on will manifest. Timelines you pushed into the first quarter of next year will be confirmed for you this year. You will close this year with testimonies, back to back to back! Amen!

May these upcoming days prepare you for a year filled with God's favor. Amen!