My Birthday : Another Phase
I just had to use a calculator to be sure. I am above 20, but not yet 25.
So yesterday was my birthday, I was born on the 26th of January in one of those years in the 90s. I am grateful to God for life, for friends, partners, colleagues, wonderful EXs (I have been in a couple of relationships now…I am good with all of them. You know those secondary school love stories, you dint have any? Ouch. I did).
I did not get the gifts… (I am still expecting some), so there is no instagram/snapchat: the gifts came in early posts. This year, I did not even get cake (I got a verbal one though….something like “and I wanted to get a cake for you oh”). I haven’t gone on the birthday outing, I will still do it. But it’s been the year with the most calls, messages, posts, DPs and kindness. I was overwhelmed.
I started having teary moments as early as 12: 40. Frank Ewoma Zino prayed for me and I couldn’t hold back. He has been a rock, friend, father and pastor since we met in my 100 level, University of Benin. Thank you Zino.
As if nature planned it, I woke at exactly 12:01. My Siblings were the first to call, Bola and Tolu (I have the best). Then my son in office, Ernest Agbonlahor – There are no words to describe what you mean to me bro. My mum called and prayed for me too. Before I leave talking about mums, some people are lucky to have one excellent mother in their lifetime at the same time…but I am graced to have two of the best! I mean the best- Mrs. Olugbemiro and Mrs. Ariyo (I told tosin and he replied “Ope I am jealous”)
I got over 200 messages and calls.
Thank you everybody. I love you all. I won’t be able to mention all the names, my protégées from UNIBEN, My pastors from UNIBEN and those I pastored, colleagues at the office, MAC 14 UNIBEN, NYSC family, partners in vision – Making Nigeria great again, Akure Tech community – New family for me, friends, family, those I am consciously or unconsciously mentoring, my family CIC 10- Citadel International College, CUNNA, CUNIFES, CUNIFES EXCO 11/12 & 12/13 and Elders, CUNNA – Christian Union NIFES Alumni Association, Kingsword International Church, Akure and The Wisdom Place church, Port Harcourt.
I saw a lot of “Happy Birthday Sir”. This still scares me. I had the opportunity to pastor a large fellowship with rich heritage at a very young age and then again, was graced to be vice Chairman for the Christian community in UNIBEN. I am reminded of the responsibility to be on track. I made mistakes, I still make mistakes sometimes, sometimes I fall too…but then there is mental consciousness that people judge me; this can be a huge responsibility. This is one of the reasons I cringe when people call me pastor. Maybe, one day, just one day, I will get used to it. But for now, I am a brother that loves Christ and trying to live out my life by Grace. Abeg make una allow me grow oh….smiles.
I still don’t get the HBD. Please now… haba! Shey we cannot just try to write it in full ni. The way it looks on the timeline sef is funny. And yes! I have a list of those I will be non-challant on their birthdays. I “carried their own on my head” but they dint even reciprocate with manageable level of value proposition. The people I dint even expect showed more love…. (Lolz). Anyway, I am learning how best to channel emotional energy, care and attention…God dey…
It has been few years, but I already have the feeling that time is running out. Especially due to the fact that I am surrounded by very outstanding minds who are already doing exploits in their fields; so why a good percentage of the society may still be like “ Wow… you are young oh”, within my circle I feel like “ Guy time is running out oh, we need to make more impact fast”.
For some, this is a huge pressure. It is for me too.
However, I am channelling the pressure as thrusts for the launch of bigger projects. I am consistent in my drive towards joining cliques and working with extra-ordinary minds. I am getting used to the push.
This new year, I want to learn from staying around these people and many more: Victor Fatanmi, Daniel Falonipe (Guy, the vex wey I get for you ehn…na God go settle us), Kitan Aboluwarin, Emmanuel Odunlade, Uwede Evi, Usman Abiola , Fasilat, Afolabi Boluwatife, Elder Joel Ogunsola ( I will glean and learn as much as I can from you), Hammed Hafiz,Anita Ejiofor, Ewoma Zino, Segun Ketiku, Braimoh Bello,Faleke Temitayo, VickyWears, … (The list is long; you are in it…Yes you.)
Daddy Bisi Kuku (You know how much I value you imput sir, new levels of learning this year, I am getting old. Shey I should still expect the gift abi? Smiles), Joel Osakue, Duro Oluwatosin (I don’t have words sir), thank you.
Oye Atere (You have always been an inspiration; I remember our tours around the city of Port Harcourt…. The excitement when we heard, Bro Bola is around; thank you sir. I will make you proud)
Abimbola Olasehinde, My daughter, I know how much you love me. I will try to always be there for you, you rock my world. Omuah Omoike, you are still my damsel. Aburo, Ariyo Damilola,you are the best.
The Olugbemiros, Opeyemi,Bola, Tolu, Mummy and Daddy, thank you.
I don’t want this thing to be long joorh, so that people can read it. Thank you all.
So cheers to a new year of more impact.
Background Music : Teni (Boluwatife)
I will do birthday Pictures Next Week (Naomi 5818Studios should handle that)
