Debt of Gratitude (D.O.G)

 

An ungrateful soul is like unto an armed robber who dispossesses one of one's valuables Yoruba Proverb

Who says that we ought to be thankful only on thanksgiving day? Well, as a sworn rebel to everything that is called status-quo, I hereby declare such tradition ultra vires. Why? Because I say so. I have such a huge debt of gratitude for every good thing in my life. I am where I am today because of the invisible hand of Yahweh and the goodness of those that I have come across. My friends, family and even foes alike. This is my attempt to show my gratitude for everything that life has brought my way. This is not in anyway a name dropping affair. If I leave out any name, it is not a deliberate act. I am grateful for everything to everyone dead and living. Everything I have received is a big deal. 

To God, for life and all that is in it.

The author of life who I owe my breathe. This is not a matter of religion. I reckon that God is not an intellectual idea. Consider how big He is (He makes the earth His footstool). Yet, he puts everything under man. What manner of love is this really? I could have been dead many times. Like the other day when I hit an Okada rider and his passenger and their seemingly lifeless bodies lay on the ground. That was a straight ticket to the jail for manslaughter. Well, my victims didn't die nor did I land in jail. There was a time when I couldn't see past my today. Dreams were luxuries. Mediocrity was my bliss. The enemy robbed me of my imagination. I couldn't imagine a nation. Now, I live for more with such ounce of dignity some even consider to be pride. Plenty unseen battles won. Victories on every side. Cast down but not destroyed. Persecuted but not abandoned. To Him, who makes all things beautiful, to Him, I owe my very life. Ten thousand tongues wouldn't be enough. I love to call him Eleburuike (the big breasted caring God).

To family, who loves me nevertheless.

The warmth that birthed me. My biological extended extensions. The Patriarchs living and dead. Olufemi Akanji Oni, Festus Alao, (whose name I bear) and my Grandmas; Esther Bolaji Oni and Mercy Omoronike. The loins that begot me. Blessed are thou Kolawole Onaolapo Amoo Oni and Abosede Olusola Oni (Nee Alao). The equation of life is ejaculation plus incubation. My Father and Mother activated the algorithm and God allowed it. Volumes I'd write to chronicle the goodness of this duo but that time will come. I know sacrifice in both my parents. I have learnt contentment and serendipity from my progenitors. I am learning love and perseverance from them. Folasewa Ayoka and Olatoyosi Ayinla (the one we call David); my siblings who sucked the same breast as I. They inspire me and teach me in no small measure. My greatest prayer is for you to outlive me and be greater than in the fulness of time.

I arrived in ilorin on a summer afternoon of 2004 for my IJMB A levels. My Aunty; Professor Margaret Olabisi Araoye is married to Professor Bayo Araoye. There home was my home for two years. I ate of their bread and butter, oil and water. I owe them. My name came out deserving on the merit list not because I scored 11 points out of 16 but because there was someone who watched out for me. It was in their home I learnt about the Rental business. I make boast that I can singlehandedly set up a tent without any assistance. There children; my cousins were a company to cherish. Oyewole, Oyeleye, Bukola and Gbenga (the one I call P-Jagz) made life awesome. Thank you.

I got countless and timely support from Uncle Olayinka Oni,  Gbenga Fashakin (a man who I grew up knowing as a loyal and committed individual). He (Uncle Gbenga Fashakin) even though he is not family by direct blood qualifies as a family. My favorite lecturer and project supervisor; Mr. W.A Lawal (he hails from my town). His teachings on banking and credit provided me with the magic to get my first job in a leading indigenous consulting firm; H. Pierson. Uncle Yinka's  generous gift covered more than 50% of my first accommodation in Lagos which I shared with Seyi Oni. He got me a letter to the Executive Director of H. Pierson who is now my current boss at Deloitte Nigeria.

I arrived in Lagos on a very hot summer afternoon with a Ghana-Must-Go bag for the mandatory NYSC camp. For the next two years between 2008 and 2010, Dr. Oluremi Oyindasola Oni and Bola Oni's home was my home. I ate of their bread and butter, oil and water. It was in this model family that I learnt duty and integrity. My Uncle Remi is a man of timber and mahogany (they say caliber). His good name precedes him as a thoroughbred professional with no blemish at all. I conquered my fear of dogs. Here goes his usual words "Take it easy young man". Uncle's library is the inspiration for my own library. On my first ever trip to the United Kingdom, I took a trip to Piccadilly Circus to buy books. I saw him return home from trips armed with new literature. I envy my Uncle's marriage; his wife and him are a model. 

To bosses,  leaders and managers who have aided my growth.

My firs job was at Cityflex Express (Nig) Limited as a Youth Corp member. Founded by Prince Bayo Aluko (MD/CEO), the company provided me with the  golden opportunity to use my youthful energy. As a rookie, I did everything from plan projects, to implement them and even write the disengagement letters of management staff (a topic for another day). The team at Cityflex was a go lucky one. It was a family in some way. My last day at Cityflex was a hot praise and worship session with Wunmi Ilesanmi (maiden name), Wunmi Gabriel (maiden name), Toyin Olagundoye (maiden name) and Mayowa Awosan. I have not had another session like that since then. One night I will never forget. I am grateful to Mrs. Eileen Shaiyen who gave me a chance to cut my teeth in Management Consulting. It was her that gave me the most profound counsel to Kiss It Simple and Stupid (K.I.S.S) and I will go far. I am trying hard at this everyday. I recognise the impact of mentorship in my life. My relationship with some certain great men and women have saved me from committing grave errors. To these people I owe a lot. Ajiborode Abiodun; a man who I met by the very arrangement of God remains a pillar of safety. Thank you.

To lovers and friends who put up with me.

I must have the best friends in the world. Life has been kind to me indeed with the kind of people I call friends. My list of friends include those acquaintances whose impact are far reaching. On Facebook alone, I have more than 1000 human beings who I call friends. Some we never talk but aren't less of friends. I know love. I have shared my heart with different people at different times and there are no regrets. 

Thank you

I owe you a million thanks. The exact number depends on today's gratitude exchange rate. Thank you. Something told me this piece was tending towards an autobiography. This is not intended.

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