Don’t think you don’t need to read this, because you will be
surprised how much you mean to me and I just can’t hide it! Sometimes you don’t
have to wait till you can’t see the people you hold dear before you tell them
that. It hurts when you wish you had said something earlier and you know you
can’t say it again. And that’s why…
I can’t wait anymore to tell you how dear I hold these
people in my life:
My father, whose profundity of wisdom and knowledge turned
me into an avid reader, desirous for knowledge and wisdom. His words have been
inspiration whose degree of impact in my life is more than the thermometer’s.
My mother, whose zest to see the best in me has caused her to
invest all her all, like Paul would say, ‘she spends and has been spent for me’.
The Renewal Team, the crew has been the platform and hands
through which my wings for speaking, impacting and growing have been carved.
My siblings, they have become the mirrors through which I
define, beautiful… rare breeds of excellence.
David Adeoye (my pastor), it was through the mission in your
vision that I found purpose. To succinctly state, your vision gave me purpose,
broadened my horizon and made me want to live a life that’s more. Something about
you makes me love you Sir.
Bright Edada (resident pastor, House on the Rock, Ebonyi
State), I just walked up to him, told him my intention, and he just bought my
dream. To me that was a miracle (he wrote the foreword of my last book, ‘Defining
Sex and You’). Your homely way of teaching made me love the pastoral work
(although, it is not that I want to become one-I just admire the
‘have-been-there’ message), and your wife sir, she is such a wealth of
resources. (I just hope on this note I can envy my pastor? (Forgive my words
sir). Your impact during my stay in Ebonyi is immense.
Sarah Imoukhuede, who called me daddy even when I was a
friend.
Yomo, ‘la noir un’, who
helped me understand more, the value of having a friend that believes in your
dreams and can work assiduously to help you achieve it.
NCCF Drama Department, you brought beauty into my leadership
and you made me love acting and leadership in such a way that only the heart
can explain.
Yemi Success, a friend who knows your worst, flaws and
faults and still believes in you.
Serah Olude Jacobs, allow me call you what you know,
‘driimbird’, khikhi’s girl, whose heart I kept in mine.
Ahonsi Samuel, whose loss of appetite some and most of the
times fed my hunger (not that I like food o!).
Nelson Bukola, ‘Mama Chelsea’, one of the strongest and firm
ladies I have ever known (I hope I still have your daughter betrothed to…?)
Femi Adeleke (we belong to the Rachael’s clan-na u
understand) you are a quintessence of artistic and professional perfection. I
hope to one day be like you. You are a leader, a teacher, a friend, a brother
that I hope to be like.
Ifiok Etuk, (‘omo iran ologo’, meaning, ‘son of the glorious
vision’) you made love music more than I can explain and in such a way that dazes
me… you are one of my inspiration. Thank you for doing some of my songs.
Ajibola Dada, whose crave for excellence makes me find no
reason to be a mediocre.
Napoleon, (HOD, Agape Theatre) who made me love acting, one
more time.
Oluwatayo Kehinde Grace, your thoughts fill my mind with
ellipsis that only you can write. I can’t stop being me to you.
Ayeobasanmi, your undying spirit to dust of the behind and
rise arouses mine. You are an inspiration.
TD Jakes, a man have not physically met, but a mirror of my
future. I feel we both know that we have known each other from somewhere that
we just connect. Your words, written and spoken are like Brother Paul in the
Bible speaking to me. In-fact, as I type now, I am listening to you, in your
song, ‘He-motions’
John C. Maxwell, whose leadership teaching, style, and the
live-up-to-what –you-preach way of life you live makes me see you more like a
tutor that reaches into the spirit of my purpose.
Abdul, of the Midnight Crew, something about you in music is
like a part of me that is yet to come out. I wasn’t two-faced when I to you how
much I like you and your music.
Deaconess Adedapo, my most treasured Sunday School teacher,
you taught me how to love God, you made me love God. Though I don’t know where
you are presently, but I hold you so dear Ma (in my heart).
Taiwo Rachael Oluwatayo, whitebird… you of all knows my
heart, so? Take all that’s there and give no one, ‘cause I am doing same with
you. Believe me.
Reverend Moses Alabi, you know how you made us read, pray
and fast each time you return from school then. Thank you for putting me on the
right path.
Pauline Ezeka (Pastor) don’t know why since 1997 something
still draws your thoughts to me. You inspire me. (don’t ask me why or how ‘cause
I don’t know either).
Olayinka Salami, words can say this well, but read the lines
and get the message, ‘thank you’.
I don’t have to wait till when I can’t see these people
before I tell them how much I cherish them. This can’t wait another day , and I am writing this to celebrate
today, World Parents Day and equally remind my Mum and Dad, Engineer and Mrs
Olatunji Alabi that I know I can’t find anyone to replace them in my life and I
am not intending to find. Dad and Mum, you are my greatest treasures. I love
you.
(I have so many
others to write but I chose these dear people today to celebrate today, wait
for me as I write the Series II. Thank you)
Alabi Olamide Victor
