Choosing happiness is an act of nation building,’ says OJ Posharella

Choosing happiness is an act of nation building,’ says OJ Posharella

By Efe Onodjae

Nigerian entrepreneur, entertainer and creative executive, Ojoma Sule, popularly known as OJ Posharella, has said that embracing happiness is more than a personal choice, describing it as a mindset that can inspire creativity, entrepreneurship and national development.

Speaking on the philosophy behind her self-styled title, “The Incredible Minister of Happiness,” Posharella said the identity evolved naturally through years of engaging with people and observing the positive impact of creating joyful experiences.

“I didn’t receive the title of Incredible Minister of Happiness, audition for it or find it waiting for me at the end of a long career. I grew into it gradually through years of understanding what happens when I show up in a space,” she said.

According to her, the title reflects what she considers a commitment to serving people beyond entertainment.

“What I do is not performance alone. It is service. It is a calling. It is a ministry,” she added.

Posharella said Nigerians have long demonstrated remarkable resilience by maintaining hope and optimism despite difficult circumstances.

“For years, this nation ranked among the happiest on earth, not because everything was perfect, but because Nigerians have an extraordinary capacity to choose joy in spite of circumstances,” she said.

She argued that genuine happiness should not be mistaken for ignoring challenges but rather as a deliberate response to them.

“Real happiness is not about pretending nothing is wrong. It is the decision that life’s challenges will not extinguish your light. Happiness is discipline. Happiness is strategy. It is the foundation from which meaningful things are built,” she said.

The entrepreneur said the philosophy has shaped the growth of her business interests, including the Posharella Group of Companies, which comprises ventures in investment, fashion, beauty, jewellery and philanthropy.

According to her, the businesses were built on purpose rather than fear.

“A woman who chooses to operate from happiness rather than fear builds differently. She thinks more expansively, leads more generously and creates things that carry lasting value,” she said.

She also explained the inspiration behind The Mother Ltd, describing it as an organisation built around long-term impact and community development.

“A mother does not build for today alone. She builds for futures she may never see, and she does so from love. That philosophy guides everything I put my name to,” she said.

Highlighting the role of creativity in society, Posharella said the creative industry has the power to bridge cultural and ethnic divides.

“When music, fashion or performance connects people across different backgrounds, something powerful happens. The things that divide us become smaller than the things that unite us. That is an act of nation building,” she said.

She added that her Posharella Life Foundation was established to translate those ideals into practical support through mentorship and empowerment programmes.

“When we invest in people’s potential, we are putting happiness into active circulation. We are telling them their dreams matter and that their future is worth investing in,” she said.

Encouraging young Nigerian women to pursue their ambitions, Posharella urged them not to wait for ideal conditions before taking action.

“I didn’t build what I have by waiting for perfect conditions. I started with joy as my foundation and excellence as my standard,” she said.

She concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs and creatives to see happiness as a driving force rather than a reward.

“Happiness is not something you receive after building something great. It is the energy from which great things are built in the first place. Nigeria has always known this, and we should continue to build from that understanding,” she said.