Suicide never a good option, says Olugbodi

The Managing Director of Background Check International (BCI) Mr. Kola Olugbodi has advised Nigerians never to attempt suicide for any reason.

He said the depression or woes they suffer amidst the hopelessness in the nation must never push them towards taking their lives.

Rather, he urged people on the need to have a strong resolve to confront challenges and never be deterred in life.

According to him: “The person who commits suicide adds to the sorrow of his family and friends. Suicide does not proffer any solution but aggravates it.”

Olugbodi told reporters at the unveiling of his book Through It All that life is a bundle of challenges that must be conquered.

The book chronicles his challenges and myriad of problems in life and he surmounted them.

He said the book was written to give hope to people even in the midst of their hopeless situation.

“It is mainly to let people know that death or suicide is not an option for running away from challenges.

“Confront your challenges. Do not runway. We all have the ability to confront every challenge that comes our way.

“The Bible says no matter what happened to us, every problem has an expiry date.

Read also: Patient commits suicide at hospital

“All our temporary afflictions are working out for us eternal weight of glory. No pain, no glory. No test, no testimony.

“What makes your life inspiring to others is that there were obstacles and you were able to surmount them.”

According to him, he has polio early in life, which dictated the way things should be for him in life but he had to resolve never to be hindered in any way to live a meaningful life.

He said a major challenge that also tested his faith in God was the problem of infertility as medical reports indicated that he would never have children in life.

He noted that his faith in God never wavered as he is blessed with children though he had several years of delay.

The author also pointed out business bankruptcy made him lose all he had and he had to live in the boys’ quarters of a kind friend.

He added that this was a major problem for him and his wife as they had no means of livelihood despite the challenge of infertility at the same period.

In December 2003, he decided to give myself to a business venture he knew nothing about, which birthed Background Check International in Nigeria, a pioneer in its industry.

He noted beyond the negative feelings and comments from people, the company thrived against all odds.

“This first account was the open door that we needed and led to the formal incorporation of the company in on July 21, 2004 and officially inaugurated April 1, 2005. The company that had 5 staff at inception now has over 100 staff,” he stated.

He said: “My advice is for people to hopeful no matter the condition that confronts them. It may seem the night may not come to an end but it will give way to a new dawn.

“People should not be discouraged to start a new business despite the challenges they may face. I never knew anything about the industry yet I ventured into it and it is a success story as BCI pioneered the background check industry in Nigeria.”

On why suicide is never a good option, he said:  Suicide does not change the situation. It only adds to it. You compound problems for your family.

“If you fail, you never had strength in the first place. I am not sermonizing.

“It was what I went through and experienced. When everything looks hopeless, keep your hope intact,” he advised.