His story begins with dreams of becoming a football star. As a talented player, he represented Nguti United, a second-division football team, during his youth. Like many young men with a passion for the sport, De Baron saw football as his potential escape from hardship, believing it could lead him to a better life. However, like many dreams in the world of sports, the path to stardom was filled with challenges and setbacks.

Instead of allowing disappointment to derail his ambition, De Baron pivoted and embraced a new opportunity that would eventually lead him to financial success. He became a roadside vendor, selling "funge," in Nguti. Starting small, he worked tirelessly, serving customers in the local community, and steadily growing his business.

    Despite the early struggles, De Baron’s work ethic and business acumen paid off. His humble beginnings didn’t prevent him from dreaming bigger. His dedication and focus led him to build a successful business, which eventually gave him the financial stability to venture into the hospitality industry. Today, he is the proud owner of a hotel in Buea worth 535 million CFA francs, a far cry from his days of selling "funge" on the streets.

    De Baron's journey is one of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. His transformation from a football hopeful to a successful business owner is an inspiring example of how one can pivot and succeed even when original dreams don’t materialize. His story continues to inspire many in his community and beyond, showing that with determination and the willingness to adapt, it’s possible to turn one’s life around and achieve greatness.

    Eyeni's journey was a testament to resilience. His early dreams of playing football professionally in Tunisia were dashed when trials for various teams did not lead to success. It was a bitter disappointment, but Eyeni refused to let it define him. Instead, he returned to Nguti, his hometown, where he found a new purpose in the most unexpected of places.

He shifted his focus to selling "funge," a locally processed fuel that was a necessity in his community. Though the work was humble and the challenges were many, Eyeni threw himself into the task with an unwavering spirit. His dedication did not go unnoticed; with each passing day, his business grew stronger. What started as a small venture gradually evolved into something bigger.

With the profits from his efforts, Eyeni's entrepreneurial spirit took flight. He opened a provision store, providing essential goods to his neighbors. As his reputation as a hardworking businessman spread, so did his success. Not content to stop there, Eyeni expanded further by starting a spare parts shop, meeting yet another crucial need in his area.

Eyeni's story is one of perseverance—proof that even when dreams are unfulfilled, determination and hard work can lead to unexpected triumphs.

Eyeni's entrepreneurial journey continued to evolve with each new chapter, each one marked by resilience and the willingness to adapt. Alongside his work selling "funge," he also took up bike riding, a role that gave him additional income and a sense of mobility. With his savings, Eyeni purchased a fairly used vehicle and began commercial driving along the busy Kumba-Mamfe highway. This new venture brought him steady earnings, but it also introduced him to a new skill that would play a crucial role in his future: tyre repair.

Eyeni quickly became proficient in fixing tyres, learning the craft as he faced challenges on the road. His knowledge of tyre repair became invaluable, not only saving him money on repairs but also enabling him to offer a service to fellow drivers, further building his reputation in the community.

With the wealth he had accumulated through years of relentless effort, De Baron set his sights on making a significant impact in his home country.

He invested in Buea, a city close to his heart, and embarked on the

construction of *Da Baron Hotel*. The establishment, valued at 535 million CFA francs, stands as a symbol of his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Located behind the Molyko Sports Complex on St. Luke Street in Buea, *Da Baron Hotel* is more than just a luxurious hotel; it is a hub of opportunity, providing employment and contributing to the economic development of the community.

The hotel is equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced security and a standby power supply to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a power outage.

The hotel is a monumental achievement for Eyeni George, marking the culmination of years of sacrifice and hard work.

His story, from struggling to make a name as a footballer to building a successful business empire, serves as an inspiration to many.

It is a powerful reminder that no dream is too far out of reach when fueled by perseverance, adaptability, and ambition.

As a community, we come together to celebrate this incredible milestone in De Baron's life.

Let us join in the celebration on the 30th of November, honoring his journey and the positive impact he continues to make. His success is a reflection of what can be achieved when one refuses to give up, no matter the challenges faced along the way.

                                      Article by Stephen Njang (Nexdim Empire)