Who is Solomon Eko?

A Story of Grit, Growth, and Purpose of a Generalist.

Like many children growing up on the busy streets of Lagos, Nigeria, I carried big dreams, fueled by ambition, motivation, and an unwavering determination to make myself and my family proud. My journey began on the dusty football fields of Command Children’s School, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, where I envisioned becoming the next big name in Nigerian professional football, inspired by legends like Finidi George, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Kanu Nwankwo. However, life had other plans. While football ignited my passion, it set me on a far more diverse, challenging, and fulfilling path than I could have imagined.

From aspiring professional footballer to amateur musician, actor, teacher, journalist, and entrepreneur, I have worn many hats. I describe myself as a “jack of many trades or a generalist” but each role has taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped me into the visionary today.

The Call to Adventure (My Many Lives)

My ambition to become a professional footballer first ignited my passion for excellence because I wanted to be remembered as a great player, so even as a kid I put a lot of work into it. However, at a pivotal moment, my older sister encouraged me to focus more on school, perhaps unaware of how lucrative football would later become. Despite this, I poured my heart into the sport, hoping circumstances would eventually shift in my favour. But over time, I realised my path wasn’t leading where I had envisioned.

At first, this realisation felt like a loss of identity. If not football, then what? This question sparked a journey of self-discovery that would take me far beyond the pitch. Leaving football behind, I ventured into the classroom and explored new horizons.

I experimented with music, acting, and even engineering, not just as hobbies, but as earnest attempts to uncover a new purpose. Each endeavour brought its share of failures, but every stumble became a lesson. With every pivot, I unearthed a deeper understanding of myself, turning setbacks into stepping stones toward a more fulfilling path.

The Pit Moment

The darkest moments of my journey came during the transition from football to other pursuits. I grappled with the frustration of uncertainty, the sting of setbacks, and the haunting fear of becoming "just another dreamer" who never quite makes it. Dropping out of an engineering programme at the University of Lagos- realising it lacked the practical value I sought, was one of those defining moments. I pivoted to focus on my German courses in Berlin in 2008, but the sense of being lost lingered. I had invested so much time, effort, and hope, only to find myself questioning everything again.

Doubts crept in: Was I chasing shadows? Did I truly have what it took to succeed? Yet, my lifelong curiosity about the world drove me forward. Seeking answers and direction, I transferred to study Geography at the University of Lagos. It was during this period that I began to explore new skills and passions. I taught myself photography, graphic design, and writing, creative outlets that not only satisfied my curiosity but also became lifelines. These skills opened doors to freelance gigs and projects, giving me a sense of purpose and stability after university.

Each setback taught me resilience, and each new skill became a tool for building the life I had once struggled to envision.

The Search for Meaning Despite the setbacks, what kept me going was a deep-seated belief that I was meant for something greater. Every failure forced me to ask, "What can I learn from this?" My curiosity became my compass, guiding me to journalism, education, project management, and eventually entrepreneurship. Along the way, I discovered that my true calling wasn’t about mastering one thing; it was about embracing my versatility and using it to create impact.

I returned to education, earning a Master’s degree in International Media Studies from the Hochschule Bonn Rhein-Sieg and the University of Bonn. This period of learning wasn’t just academic; it was personal. It taught me to see challenges as opportunities and to find purpose in every endeavour.

There were failures, some painfully humbling, and there were victories that fueled my drive. These experiences became my greatest assets, teaching me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of following through on my commitments.

Building My Vision (The Inner Breakthrough)

The moment I realised there was no turning back came when I embraced my identity as a generalist, a “jack of many trades.” For years, I had seen this as a weakness, a lack of focus. But as I connected the dots between my varied experiences, I saw how they uniquely positioned me to solve complex problems and lead with empathy. I wasn’t a failure; I was a pioneer, willing to try, fail, and try again.

Today, I channel my eclectic background into entrepreneurship. As the founder and Chief Vision Officer of Retink Media, a marketing tech and AI startup, I’m harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems for businesses. I also lead Kampus Konnekt49, an educational consultancy focused on empowering students and professionals alike. As a managing partner at Europe Africa Solutions, I facilitate partnerships that bridge gaps between Europe and Africa.

But my journey is not just about building businesses or personal success, it’s about creating impact. One of my most notable achievements is an environmental communication project executed in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. This initiative educated over 1,000 Nigerian students on recycling and environmental sustainability, transforming their communities in the process. The work was featured by media outlets such as Deutsche Welle and Nigerian press organisations.

My storytelling lens also extends to photojournalism. In a memorable project with the University of Cambridge, I captured the stark realities of climate change, combining my love for visuals and my passion for meaningful narratives.

A Passion for Empowerment My work now ripples far beyond me, as I strive to build bridges where none exist through initiatives like mentoring Kenyan youth in digital marketing and empowering African women in tech through German for Girls in Tech—projects that go beyond skills to embody hope, dignity, and the transformative power of opportunity; driven by a deep love for Africa and its people, I am committed to educating and inspiring young Africans with a better understanding of their culture, history, and the global forces shaping their future, leveraging the power of technology paired with knowledge and purpose to alleviate poverty and expand career opportunities, particularly for African women in tech seeking to thrive in Germany and Europe by learning German.

Guided by Simplicity and Principle

Through it all, my guiding mantra remains: “Be simple with principle.” This philosophy reminds me to stay grounded, focus on what truly matters, and align my actions with my values. To me, simplicity is not about doing less; it’s about clarity of purpose and staying true to one’s values. This belief guides every decision I make and every project I undertake.

A Journey in Progress

My story is far from finished. Each chapter reflects a man unafraid to try, fail, and try again. I see every experience, whether a stumble or a triumph as a stepping stone toward something greater.

From the football fields of Nigeria to the global stage of entrepreneurship, my journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and purpose. And just to let you know, my best chapters are still ahead.

To anyone on their journey, remember: the path may not always be clear, but every step- forward or backward can bring you closer to the person you’re meant to become.

Your key to success is E! Excellence.

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