This past weekend, I attended the book launch of Thrive, a book written by Damilola Uzoma-Udoma. The event took place in Bariga, Lagos—a neighbourhood full of life, character, and meaning. This wasn’t just a random location; it was where the author grew up, where her dreams were shaped, and where the values that inspired the book were first nurtured. And honestly, that made it the perfect setting for launching a book like Thrive.
What Thrive is About
Thrive isn’t your typical self-help book. It’s a guide for living a meaningful life, packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and biblical principles. The book walks readers through important steps like understanding who you are, breaking free from fear and doubt, and making decisions that align with your purpose.
At the event, Damilola explained why she wrote Thrive. She talked about how so many teenagers feel stuck or unsure about their next steps in life, and she wanted to create something that would help them move forward. She shared how her own experiences, successes and struggles. Hearing her speak made it clear that Thrive isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap, written to encourage others to keep going no matter how tough life gets.
One of the most touching moments of the event came when Damilola’s mother shared her own story. She talked about how, despite facing so many roadblocks, she chased her dream of becoming a teacher. Money was tight, she fell sick for over a year when money finally came, and there were moments when it felt impossible, but she kept pushing forward. Not only did she achieve her goal of becoming a teacher, but she went even further and became a school proprietress. Her story did not just inspire me, it kind of also reminded me of what resilience looks like. It also helped me understand where Damilola gets her strength and determination.
The event was simple but meaningful. Held in Bariga, it brought together family, friends, and mentors who have supported Damilola over the years. She started by talking about her journey as an author, from having to write the book when she was pregnant with her daughter to finally seeing her vision come to life. Her honesty made everything she said so relatable; you could tell she wasn’t just giving a rehearsed speech; she was speaking from the heart. Damilola explained that when you truly understand your identity, you make better decisions, find direction, and live with more confidence. That message stayed with me long after the event ended.
Another major highlight of the launch was the panel session. The panellists included individuals who had played significant roles in Damilola’s journey. They shared their insights on topics such as self-discovery, building resilience, and staying true to one’s values in a world full of distractions
As I left the event, I kept thinking about how relatable the lessons in Thrive are. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the idea of pushing past limitations. We all have challenges, doubts and fears that hold us back, but hearing Damilola and her mother talk about their journeys reminded me that those barriers are not permanent. Another thing that stuck with me was the importance of understanding your identity. Knowing who you are isn’t just a nice idea, it’s the foundation for everything else. It affects how you make decisions, how you handle challenges, and how you show up in the world. I also learnt the importance of understanding your identity. Knowing who you are isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the foundation for everything else. It affects how you make decisions, how you handle challenges, and how you show up in the world. For instance, Damilola talked about how knowing her identity in Christ allowed her to focus on her purpose and make meaningful decisions. That’s a powerful reminder that self-awareness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Why You Should Read the Book
If you know any teenagers or young adults, Thrive is a book they need to read. It’s full of practical advice, real-life stories, and spiritual insights that will help them move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re trying to make a big decision, overcome self-doubt, or figure out what your purpose is, this book offers guidance that feels both relatable and achievable.
Even if you’re past your teenage years, you’ll find nuggets of wisdom that apply to any stage of life. As someone who attended the launch, I can confidently say that Thrive is not just a book—it’s a call to action. It challenges you to take charge of your life, push past your fears, and walk in your purpose.
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