Interesting15:
On October 10th, 2025, I returned to my alma mater, the University of Ibadan, to deliver a lecture at the annual "Black History" event organized by the History Department. This year's theme was "Black Power and the Celebration of African Heritage," and I spoke on "Utilizing History and Your Natural Abilities to Get Ahead in Today's Society."
Here is a modified transcript of my speech:
"It is a well-known fact that one of the reasons we learn history and study the past, is to beautify our lives in the present. Those of the past lived in a different society from ours today, but indeed our lives are interconnected in different ways.
In 2018, I was a 100-level student at the Ibadan School of History, and I vividly remember sitting somewhere in this very hall during the first Black History event I attended. In my set, I was among the few who deliberately chose History when applying for admission—though I still can't fully explain why, as I could have pursued Law with my impressive JAMB score.
Many others were only dumped to the department because they couldn't meet up with the cut off mark for courses like law, political science, etc. They wondered what they could possibly do with a History degree in today's competitive Nigeria, believing their peers in disciplines like Medicine, Nursing, or Engineering had a clear advantage
Now, since we know that history always repeat itself, I'm sure there are people here who have the same thoughts. The response I will give you is that studying History will gift you these three invaluable skills and characteristics, amongst others, that can be utilised to forge ahead in life and be ahead of several others in society:
1. An Analytical Mind
2. An Excellent Creative thinker
3. An Excellent Researcher.
Many young people in our society today lack these three qualities. If you allow history to shape you, you will embody all three—and you will find yourself ahead of the curve.
Let me share a case study from my NYSC experience. Even before registering, I took time to analyze the scheme and discovered it offers a fair platform that anyone can leverage to excel. I learned that distinguishing yourself across the four major pillars of NYSC could earn you a Local Government Chairman's Award, followed by a State Government Award, ultimately making you eligible for Presidential Honours. I researched past award winners, reached out to some of them, and learned from their experiences.
During my service year, I incorporated creativity into every activity on the NYSC platform. On the day of my Passing Out Parade, I was honored with both the Lokoja Local Government Chairman's Award and the Kogi State Government Award, making me eligible for Presidential Honours.
I want to complement all I have said with admonishing you to also utilise your natural abilities, known as talents, to get ahead in life.
A case study to consider, Ladi Kwali. Her story is a powerful example of natural talent and creativity,
Ladi Kwali (1925–1984) was a Nigerian potter from Kwali, Abuja, whose natural artistic gift transformed traditional pottery into a globally celebrated art form. Born into a region where the craft was a common one among women, Ladi discovered early in life that she had a unique ability to mold clay into graceful, balanced, and decorative forms. Without formal education or technical training, she relied on her natural intuition, observation, and creativity to shape clay into vessels that were both functional and artistically beautiful.
Her skill in hand-building pots—especially water jars and cooking vessels—quickly gained her local recognition. What made Ladi stand out was her attention to detail and artistic imagination. She often decorated her pots with intricate geometric and animal designs that reflected local culture and storytelling traditions. These artistic touches gave her work a distinct identity, making her pieces sought after even before she gained national fame.
Her breakthrough came when British potter Michael Cardew, who established the Abuja Pottery Training Centre in the 1950s, discovered her talent. Impressed by her craftsmanship and natural flair for design, he invited her to join the center. There, Ladi learned modern pottery techniques such as wheel-throwing and glazing—skills she combined with her indigenous knowledge. This fusion of traditional African art and Western methods made her work stand out internationally.
Her pieces were later exhibited in London and across Europe, earning her international acclaim. She became Nigeria’s first globally recognized female potter and was featured on the Nigerian ₦20 note—an honor that immortalized her legacy. Despite the challenges women faced in her time, Ladi Kwali’s natural ability, discipline, and willingness to learn helped her excel in a male-dominated and colonially influenced society.
But what can we learn from Ladi Kwali’s journey today?
Lesson 1: Natural Talent Is Just the Beginning
Ladi Kwali was naturally gifted, but she didn’t stop there. She kept learning, improving, and mastering her craft. Whatever your talent — whether it’s art, writing, music, or leadership — don’t rely on it alone. Work hard to refine it. Talent opens the door, but discipline keeps you in the room.
Lesson 2: Value Your Culture
Ladi’s art was deeply rooted in her African heritage. She showed that our traditions and stories are treasures, not obstacles. In a world that often pushes us to copy others, she reminds us to stay original and proud of who we are.
Lesson 3: Hard Work and Humility Bring Success
She didn’t achieve fame overnight. Her rise came through years of dedication and consistency. Her humility also helped her learn from others, including those from different backgrounds. Hard work, patience, and humility never go out of style.
Lesson 4: Women Can Break Barriers
At a time when women had limited opportunities, Ladi Kwali became a national and international icon. She proved that gender is never a barrier to greatness. Her story tells every young girl here: You can achieve anything if you believe in yourself and develop your abilities.
Lesson 5: Creativity Has No Boundaries
Ladi’s creativity transformed simple clay into art that touched the world. She reminds us that greatness can come from the simplest things — if we use our imagination and passion.
In conclusion, Ladi Kwali’s life is not just the story of a potter. It’s the story of what happens when natural talent meets determination, learning, and vision. She used her hands to shape clay — and in doing so, she shaped history. Her legacy encourages each of us to discover, develop, and use our own creative gifts to make a difference in our communities and in the world.
So today, I leave you with this question:
If Ladi Kwali could use her natural abilities to make global impact with just clay and creativity, what can you do with your own gifts?
Thank you.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sunday-akanni-moshood-8138b033b_on-october-10th-2025-i-returned-to-my-alma-activity-7387552802715160576-h1DO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAFViT48BYmS0hSdbIMnZk6ZZW6Tz-LwwmBc Is this room 32? The good old days in UI, 2012-2015/2018/2021. Greatest UITE |
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