From Setbacks to Success: Samuel Amadi Ukpe’s Inspiring NYSC Journey

Samuel Amadi Ukpe has emerged victorious after navigating a series of challenges during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Originally posted to Enugu State, Samuel made a strategic decision to redeploy to his desired location in Oyo State, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

After the 21-day orientation exercise, he faced unexpected hurdles. Despite managing a social media page that earned him a monthly salary of ₦75,000, Samuel lost his job in December 2023, just before he planned to invest in an Amazon KDP mentorship class. As if that wasn’t enough, he was soon informed that he had to vacate his temporary accommodation. Overwhelmed with emotion, he spent 45 minutes in tears, grappling with the harsh realities of joblessness and impending homelessness.

With limited options, Samuel considered returning to his family house but lacked the funds to do so. On January 7, 2024, he packed his belongings and moved to his church, where he received gracious support from Rev. Blessed Onyebuchi. By January 11, he secured a posting to the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission and began work after completing his documentation, although he had been surviving on a meager ₦33,000 monthly allowance during the interim.

Determined to stand out in a competitive landscape, Samuel invested in mentorship to learn how to design landing pages and create digital products. On February 6, he launched his first digital product, generating about ₦100,000 within weeks. By March 1, his book on Amazon began selling, earning him approximately $28 that month.

March proved to be a turning point as he landed his first international gig as a Social Media Manager for a fashion brand in Luxembourg. Following this success, he signed another deal with an NGO in Nigeria and expanded his skill set by learning Pinterest management and video editing.

By June, Samuel’s hard work paid off as he earned his first ₦500,000 through social media management. In celebration of his 30th birthday, he offered free social media management classes to nine participants. The success continued when his contract with the fashion brand was renewed in August, leading to his resignation from the NGO on August 31.

In September, Samuel embarked on a pathway program toward his second degree (BSc in Applied Communications) and started a diploma program in social media with Avalocx Academy. Additionally, he enrolled in video editing mentorship training with WX Studio.

By October 2024, he secured a social media management deal with a skincare brand based in Belgium, and his brand website was nearing completion—all accomplished without spending a dime, thanks to the generosity of those around him.

As he completes his NYSC program, Samuel expresses profound gratitude to his father, Amadi Ukpe, for being a steadfast support throughout his journey. Today, he proudly identifies as "Mazi 1 of Social Media" and a dedicated social media manager.

“Congratulations to myself,” Samuel declares, reflecting on the growth and accomplishments that have shaped him into the man he is becoming. His journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of dreams, proving that challenges can lead to remarkable achievements.