Ataisi Frank emerges RMF’s Personality of Week

Rivers State-born Ataisi Mba Frank, a native of Ataba in Andoni local council, has been announced as the Personality of the Week by Role Model Foundation (RMF). Born into the family of Chief Fynface Frank and his late wife, Comfort, the third of five children and last male attended State School Airforce Base and Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, before proceeding to then Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt, for graduate studies. Speaking after the awards, Frank said he is born-again and is passionately committed to touching lives and inspiring destinies through the ministry that God entrusted to his care. He is happily married to an educationist, Mrs. Eunice Ataisi-Frank, and the marriage is blessed with two lovely children, Miss Eneowaji and Master Ataisi Jr. RMF: What were your challenges while growing up and how did you overcome them? The challenges later became the defining factors of my adult life and the fulcrum upon which my business and ministerial functions are built. They inform my attitude and impact my decision to the extent that I strongly believe that a man’s sub-total is a collection of his story. I grew up having this challenge of being a shutter; it made me extremely anti-social. In fact, I was nicknamed ‘Prophet Moses’ because of my stammering. I was depressed and easily withdrawn, unable to express myself freely and easily. Who would ever believe that I would end up becoming a firebrand preacher, passionate, inspirational public speaker and articulate human resources development trainer? Hard to believe! Anyway, with God, all things are possible. I also suffered the trauma of sexual molestation at a very tender age. Until adulthood, this was a secret; it negatively affected my personality, sexuality and security beyond words. Overcoming these was simply God’s grace, mercy and help; and to everyone reading this, same mercy, grace and help are available, even now. I subjected myself to a lot of spiritual, physical and emotional development programmes, talked with mentors, read a lot of books and I tell you, I’m becoming the best of my kind on daily basis. RMF: What is your life philosophy? My philosophy is simple. I strongly believe that I am born to make impact, inspire destinies and touch lives. We are here for a purpose, on a purpose, by a purpose and through a purpose. RMF: Who are your role models? I have great role models after whom I have modeled and still model my life to that place of absolute fulfillment. Chief among them is my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. My late mum structured me, while the lives, times, works and words of these legends, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Dr. Uma UKpai, and late Dr. Nelson Mandela, inspire me. RMF: Are you into charity? What is your take on charity? In fact, this is the essence of my life. Partnering some NGOs, charity foundations and youth associations to help develop leadership capacity and improve the standard of living for many gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. Working with the Development Leadership Institute, and the Future Trust for Capacity Building – all in Port Harcourt – expanded my horizons, while networking with the Anglican Youth Fellowship in Nigeria and across the dioceses in the Church of Nigeria and beyond has been inspiring and engaging. RMF: Your words for the youths: Get up, wake up, clean up and fight for your dreams. Expect less from people, in fact, expect disappointments and discouragement from many. Don’t give up, don’t be lazy, network proudly, you have what it takes to make news. RMF: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I see myself engaging in a more global talent hunt initiative and hosting my marriage, relationship, leadership conferences across Africa, America and Asia. RMF: Worst or best moment of your life: Worst moment? Hmmmm, it was when in 1995 I watched as my mom breathed her last after a long fight with cancer, I thought I died with her that day. I still feel it sometimes. Best moment? Wow, when on June 7, 2014, I said ‘I Do’ to my best friend and wife. I was consoled of my mom’s death. My wife is now a better mother, sister and friend to me beyond comprehension. RMF: Passion and driving force: I just wanna touch lives and leave behind a story behind a glory to inspire an emerging generation. RMF: Tell about yourself: Ataisi Frank is the Executive Director of Ataisi Frank Talent/Creativity Challenge, aimed at developing the spiritual and intellectual capacity of the young across Africa via talent hunt and empowerment. A contest is already on, and a topical university debate is processing. Thank you and God bless you richly for considering me fit for this platform. I’m amazed and inspired.