One of my favourite quotes is:
”I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”
– Etienne Girellet
Regrettably, the families of Akande and Ogunlana lost a gem a couple of days ago; Mrs Mosunmola Akande (née Ogunlana). A beautiful woman, both on the inside and on the outside. Sister, as I always called her, lived like someone who perpetually kept it in mind that she would pass this place only once. It was almost ironic that even in her unassuming nature and manner, she never failed to leave her unmistakable imprint of warmth, compassion and kindheartedness on all who were lucky enough to come her way. If we are to go biblical, you could say she indeed numbered her days. This heavy loss was all the more painful because it’s barely two years since her darling husband Kayode my brother, passed on too.
Someone once said that life is like an unstable thread that can cut at anytime. So true. If only we could all be more mindful of this. The Bible says, “love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no commandment greater than this.” Indeed none comes close. What does this mean though? To Love others by treating them as you would like or expect to be treated. Putting others first. Pursuing the common good. A little less self. Simply put, neighbourly love. A greater effort to imbibe this doctrine starting with you and I and this society called Nigeria can and will transform into the haven we all desire. So remember this when you hold that public office and control the people’s purse. Remember this the next time you see a vehicle which indicates that it wants to join your lane. Especially when it finds itself behind a broken down vehicle, leaving it with no choice. Put me first as you would like me to do for you. As individuals working at cross purposes, failure of a society is inevitable but as individuals working together, cooperating and forging ahead with a common purpose, we could form an unbeatable team.
“For myself, I am certain that the good of human life cannot lie in the possession of things which one man to possess is for the rest to lose, but rather, a thing which all can possess alike, and where one man’s wealth promotes his neighbour’s.” – Spinoza.
Through my writings I try to draw attention to things we do every day. Things we habitually do without giving much thought. Seemingly insignificant behaviour which unknown to us, have far reaching implications for self and society; as they inadvertently reflect our values. And this is why I couldn’t agree more with the wise man who once said, “nations develop or decay in response to the value system they operate by.” Still wondering why Nigeria is like this?
I believe every life is a unique message God sends to the world. A message whose ultimate goal is to bless humanity in one way or the other and unique because the culmination of your peculiar experiences, upbringing and a multitude of other factors, both good and sometimes adverse, is you; a product like no other. Sister had a way of always making me feel superhuman. No matter how much I doubted my own abilities, she would succeed in making me believe I could do it. I really treasured that and I will miss it greatly. Life has taught me that many small things come in big sizes but every now and again, you’ll come across a gem, though small in size yet priceless in value. Take care not to miss it.
Oladapo Akande
