Author: Eyibio Patience Kufre

When you think of Bill Gates, you think of Microsoft, Windows, and a guy who basically rewrote the rules of modern technology. But behind every mega-success is a pile of not-so-mega-successes. That’s just how the game works—even for one of the richest, smartest, and most influential people in the world. You see, Gates didn’t just wake up one day, wave a magic wand, and create a tech empire. Along the way, he dabbled in plenty of ideas that didn’t stick, startups that flopped, and products that made people scratch their heads. But here’s the thing: failure didn’t stop him. In…

Elon Musk is the epitome of ambition—a relentless visionary who constantly pushes the boundaries of possibility. But even the most daring dreamers sometimes stumble. While Musk is celebrated for his monumental successes, not every venture has soared to the heights of Tesla or SpaceX. Let’s delve into these ten failed or struggling ventures and remember the Nigerian saying: “Èébú ò p’óko mó. Ohun tó bá sùn, ó máa jí”—“Failure does not kill the farmer. What sleeps will surely wake up.” True entrepreneurship lies in rising from each setback, armed with lessons learned and a stronger resolve. 1. X.com (1999) Musk’s…

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s very own business colossus and Nigeria’s pride, has undoubtedly built an empire that can make even oil sheikhs green with envy. From sugar to cement, and now a massive oil refinery that seems to be in competition with the sun for the title of “biggest thing in the sky,” Dangote is undeniably the king of industries. But, even kings have moments when their crowns tilt. Yes, even Dangote, with all his billions, has experienced some business ventures that left him shaking his head like my uncle after tasting poorly seasoned Egusi Soup. This is going to be…