Title: Human Insecurity to God’s Security
Author: Victor Ogunniyi
Publisher: Harper Partners LLC
ISBN: 978-1088058763
Pages: 98
Genre: Business Professional Biography
Reviewed by: Rae Capri

Read Book Review

Have you ever wanted to know what life would be like if you woke up in a different body, called a different country home, and carried out a different life?

In Human Insecurity to God’s Security, author Victor Ogunniyi paints a detailed picture of his life, starting with his parents and giving information about their back story. Nigeria is a beautiful country with opportunities in the tech and engineering fields, where education and work ethic are highly appreciated and respected. There are no limits, only the limitation of one’s imagination and whether or not one believes in God. Reading Victor’s highs and lows in his career with Shell Nigeria is an inspiring story because throughout everything, he was steadfast in his faith, and was selfless to care about how his career moves would affect his wife and children. He is an honest man who prefers being direct, standing up for what is right, and not backing down from difficult work. A man with his integrity is rare in today’s world and many people hope to encounter other individuals just like Victor. Being extremely family oriented, and always willing to help out members of his community, his children have the best role model to look up to.

We follow Victor’s life as he talks about his experiences in his role as an engineer for Shell Nigeria company and how he had to move his family around often. Based on what he describes, nothing else mattered as long as his wife and children were not too far while he had to relocate to see the completion of many projects. The adventure continues with moving on and up the spectrum ladder of engineering and learning there hasn’t been a dull moment working for this company. One example of being a community member was when Victor took over the Lions Club and revived it with the invitation of his friends to kick things off. Unfortunately, where there’s good money, there’s usually politics and drama brewing. As an outstanding man, as soon as there were signs that things weren’t going in the right direction or aligning with his righteous path, he would walk away from it and start anew elsewhere. The Lions Club was an inspiring journey, and its members were pleased to have Victor as their Past President.

Many people will go on to new and greater things and it’s admirable to know that Victor didn’t believe in settling, staying in one place, or going along with what others do. Following his internal compass, he made sure not to associate himself with anything that could jeopardize his reputation. A wholesome role model for his children, leading by example and putting God first proves that anything good can come your way. It is wonderful to read about Victor’s accomplishments. He was a recipient of two awards in 1991 and 1992 for his contribution to the Lions Club International and was recognized for his humanitarianism and voluntary services within the community. These are such proud moments for all of his hard work in being an inspiration to others.

Reading about one of Victor’s philosophies of “mediocrity is not to be an option,” demonstrates how he has been conducting himself in the business world from day one. When someone has a broad vision that is optimistic about many possibilities, it paves an opening for even more success. With a growth mindset, there is little room for doubt as you tend to see silver linings in every opportunity. To learn about the Shell company going over and beyond for their hard workers proves that some companies value their employees and understand they cannot progress further without every individual on board. Even a welfare package is handed to their staff, granting them a Housing Affordable Loan to assist in employees building their homes, which is an exceptional offer included with the hiring package. Victor was excited to take advantage of this offering as a level up from living on the company’s camp and placement for his wife and four children.

An incident Victor mentions about later in the book was addressed to the decision makers of Shell Company. The several concerns that were discussed within the letters was written with grace and respect. It is unfortunate of the treatment Victor received of his position and there could have been a better way to take care of it, as Victor stated. Good thing he had someone of knowledge to handle his case because it was unfair and seemed like poor communication on people’s parts.

I enjoyed reading and learning about a man who was born, worked, and lived majority of his life in Nigeria because it gives a different perspective of their version of the workforce. It was wonderful to read that both Victor and his wife Ola, did exceptionally well at creating a life to support their family. I recommend others to read this inspirational story and to stand firm with your faith.