Ikau is going places, thanks to his faith

The National People

By SAWATO HAHAMBU
IKAU Lou Reva has always wanted to manage a business.
“This has been my childhood dream job to become a leader or a role model in the workforce and in my environment.”
Ikau, 40, who comes from Elavala in Hanuabada, Central, is the second eldest in a family of three.
He dedicates his success in life so far to his late father Reva Sale Lou who passed away in 2009.
“I encourage those who haven’t completed their education like me to never give up because there are big things that God has planned.”
He thanks City Pharmacy Limited for giving him that opportunity to pursue his dream.
He is an assistant manager at the CPL Waigani branch.
“CPL is building me to achieve my dreams.”

Ikau Lou Reva with his father and siblings when he was younger.

He started his education at Hagara Primary School from grade one to Six. He moved on to Badiagwa High School for grade seven to 10. He completed grade 11 and grade 12 at the Port Moresby National High School.
But he did not have much success at university.
“After grade 12, I struggled at university because my parents could not afford my school fees. So I started looking for a job. I got a job at Stop N Shop, when it was under Steamships Trading Company Limited. I was a CPL buying officer.”
In 2009, Ikau applied for an AusAID scholarship and was accepted.
“I had to resign as part of the scholarship’s criteria from the company to take up study abroad. After my studies, I returned and rejoined CPL as an assistant manager.”
Looking back on his performance so far, he is glad that he had come through challenges. One of his weaknesses is his reluctance to point out mistakes or make suggestions to his bosses on how to improve things. But he is slowly getting over that.

“ I encourage those who haven’t completed their education like me to never give up because there are big things that God has planned.”|

“I overcome my challenges by getting out of my comfort zone and seeking assistance.
I speak out to find solutions to the staff, supervisors and my boss.”
Recently, he was selected to attend a six-day supermarket management programme in the United States. He left on Friday.
“I have always wanted to succeed in my life by achieving more in life every day.”
Ikau finds working with his boss very challenging and rewarding as he learns new skills and knowledge.
“I was selected through the recommendation of my bosses due to my outstanding work performance to attend the programme in the US. It is the first time to travel to the US and I am excited but a bit nervous. I am loking forward to explore, learn and meet new people from other countries who will be attending the programme.”
He believes in hard work and perseverance.
“You must strive for the best in whatever you do as you never know, you will receive a surprise one day. It happened to me during the CPL management conference when my boss told me about the US programme and to find out if my passport and visa were current.
“This was the news that motivated and inspired me. Especially for a person like me who comes from a village setting, to hear such rewarding news is incredible.”