NEW BOOK ALERT!
DETERMINED NOT TO FAIL
From a small village in Nigeria to completing 77 races in 12 months while serving as a diplomat, Ambassador Simeon Adewale Oladele’s remarkable story proves that with determination, purpose, and unwavering commitment, anyone can achieve extraordinary success.
About the book
Determined Not to Fail goes beyond running.
On May 18, 2025, Ambassador Simeon Adewale Oladele stood at the starting line of the Trinidad and Tobago Midnight Marathon. What followed was a testament to the power of determination, purpose, and unwavering commitment to success.
Determined Not to Fail goes beyond running. It’s about life itself, about learning to endure when everything in you says quit, fighting through disappointment and self-doubt, and believing that what lies ahead is greater than what you leave behind.
From a small village boy to serving as Finance Attaché at the Nigeria High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Oladele’s journey proves that anyone can achieve greatness through determination. Within 12 months of being posted to the Caribbean, he completed 77 races and earned 77 medals, joining the elite 1% of the world’s population who have completed a marathon.
Our Services
This book is your guide to:
Building the inner foundation for success
Discover the seed of determination and how to live with clear purpose rather than drift through life
Setting and achieving your goals
Learn to break down big dreams into actionable SMART goals with practical frameworks
Developing the lifestyle of great achievers
Master the habits that separate those who succeed from those who stay stuck: growth mindset, excellence, time management, organization, and resilience
Creating lasting impact
Move beyond personal achievement to build a legacy that outlasts you
Rising after failure
Transform setbacks into stepping stones and remain consistent in the face of adversity
Each chapter includes reflection questions, practical application exercises, and proven principles distilled from Ambassador Oladele’s remarkable journey from childhood challenges to diplomatic success. Whether you’re striving to improve your career, relationships, or personal growth, Determined Not to Fail provides the tools and inspiration you need. This is a roadmap for anyone ready to stop settling and start succeeding.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ambassador Simeon Adewale Oladele is a diplomat, accountant, philanthropist, and servant leader whose life embodies the principle that determination can overcome any obstacle.
Born in Awe, Afijio LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria, Simeon rose from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable success through hard work, selfless service, and unwavering faith. Raised by a single mother who worked as a civil servant, he defied those who doubted that children from single-parent homes could succeed.
Professional Achievements
Simeon holds impressive academic and professional credentials:
- PhD in Forensic Accounting & Audit – Charisma University, Turks and Caicos
- Master’s Degrees in Forensic Accounting and Accounting & Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Achievers University, Ondo State
He is a Fellow of multiple international accounting organizations including:
- Chartered System Accountants (FCSA, USA)
- Chartered Forensic Investigation Professionals (FCFIP, USA)
- Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCTI, Nigeria)
- Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA, Australia)
- Institute of Financial Accountants (FFA, UK)
- Certified National Accountant (FCNA)
Career Highlights
Simeon’s professional journey reflects his commitment to excellence:
- Finance Attaché – Nigeria High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (with oversight for Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Suriname, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent)
- Personal Assistant/Principal Private Secretary to the Accountant-General of the Federation (2011-2015)
- Various senior positions across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies including Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Character Commission, and Federal Ministry of Power
His exceptional service during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2006 earned him:
- Overall Best Corps Member, Kogi State
- Most Popular Corps Member
- Prestigious NYSC President’s Honours Award (National Award) with automatic Federal Civil Service appointment
Global Impact & Recognition
A true global citizen, Ambassador Oladele has visited over 30 countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean. He has been honored with numerous awards including:
- UN Peace Ambassador by the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA)
- Best Youth Leader by Nigeria High Commission, UK
- Oyi Ndigbo (Friend of the Igbos) title, Abuja Community
- Highest honor as Ambassador Plenipotentiary with Royal Ambassadors
Community Service & Philanthropy
Simeon founded the Oladele Adewale Simeon Ideal Skills (OASIS) Foundation, dedicated to youth and women empowerment. Through initiatives like the One Youth, One Skill (OYOS) Project, the foundation has:
- Empowered over 500 beneficiaries with vocational skills
- Provided employment opportunities for more than 1,500 people
- Conducted free medical outreaches to IDP camps and underserved communities
- Supported orphanages and facilitated prison decongestion
- Built community infrastructure including boreholes and educational facilities
He has personally mentored thousands of young Nigerians, facilitating admissions to higher institutions and helping over 1,700 unemployed youths secure jobs in federal agencies, paramilitary, military, and private sectors.
Athletic Achievement
In Trinidad and Tobago, Simeon discovered a new passion that would test every principle he had lived by. Starting from zero running experience in October 2024, he completed:
- 10K race (March 2025)
- Half Marathon (April 2025)
- Full Marathon – 42 kilometers (May 2025)
Within 12 months, he completed 77 races and earned 77 medals, joining the elite 1% of the world’s population who have completed a marathon. He crossed the finish line after 6 hours and 26 minutes, proving that determination truly conquers all obstacles.
Personal Life
Ambassador Oladele enjoys traveling, writing, and public speaking. He is known for his approachable nature, ability to listen intently, and skill in negotiating favorable outcomes for all parties. He is happily married and blessed with children.
His life motto: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
Determined Not to Fail is written for anyone who refuses to let their circumstances define their destiny.
You don’t need to be an athlete, diplomat, or high achiever to benefit from this book. You simply need to be someone who is determined not to fail, someone willing to fight for your dreams, learn from your setbacks, and finish strong.
This book is for you if you are:
You have visions and aspirations but fear of failure keeps you paralyzed. This book will give you the courage to take that first step and the framework to keep moving forward.
You started strong but now find yourself discouraged, exhausted, or questioning whether to continue. These pages will reignite your determination and show you how to push through to the finish line.
You've accomplished goals but wonder if there's deeper purpose to your success. Learn how to shift from achievement to legacy, from success to significance.
If you're early in your career or a seasoned leader, discover the habits and mindsets that separate good performers from great achievers.
Students, youth, and emerging leaders will find practical guidance on setting goals, developing discipline, and creating a life of impact from the start.
Navigate the challenges of building something from nothing, learn to persist through setbacks, and develop the resilience required for long-term success.
Equip yourself with principles and practical tools to guide the next generation toward purposeful, determined living.
If life has knocked you down, through failure, loss, disappointment, or difficulty, this book will show you how to rise again, stronger and wiser.
If you're ready to stop settling for mediocrity and start living with intention, excellence, and purpose, this book is your roadmap.
WHAT READERS WILL LEARN
Part One
The Seed of Determination
The Seed of Determination
Discover what drives human achievement and how to cultivate unstoppable determination in your own life.
The Power of Purpose
Learn to define your life’s purpose, create a clear purpose statement, and align your daily actions with your deepest values.
Goal Setting for Success
Master the art of setting SMART goals and breaking down big dreams into achievable milestones.
Self Leadership
Understand why you cannot lead others or achieve results until you first learn to lead yourself.
Part Two
The Lifestyle of Great Achievers
Your Mindset Matters
Develop a growth mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities and failures into lessons.
Be Excellence-Driven
Learn to pursue excellence in everything you do, making it a lifestyle rather than an occasional effort.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Discover practical strategies for prioritizing what matters and protecting your most valuable asset, time.
Listen More, Speak Less
Develop emotional intelligence and the power of active listening that builds trust and influence.
Organized People Lead Organizations
Master the systems and habits that create order, reduce stress, and position you for leadership.
Build for Legacy
Shift from short-term success to long-term significance by creating impact that outlasts you.
Celebrate Your Progress
Learn the power of acknowledging small wins and staying motivated throughout your journey.
Be Addicted to Personal Development
Cultivate an insatiable hunger for growth that keeps you evolving and improving.
Learn from Failures
Transform setbacks into stepping stones and extract valuable lessons from every experience.
Be Consistent in the Face of Adversity
Develop the resilience to keep showing up, even when circumstances try to knock you down.
Each chapter includes:
- Real-life stories from Ambassador Oladele’s journey
- Practical reflection questions
- Application exercises
- Key principles to remember and apply
GET YOUR COPY
Determined Not to Fail By Ambassador Simeon Adewale Oladele
Transform your determination into destiny. Start your journey today.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” , 2 Timothy 4:7
