EPISODE ONE – THE YOUNG
SHALL GROW
Once Upon A Time….
In
the town of Ijebu-Ode, There lived a man who recently got a job as a gateman to
the House of one of the city town’s men; Chief Babatunde Babalola was just a
young rich man in his middle 30s, He had just been coronated a chief due to his
father’s influence in the land.
Chief
Babatunde Babalola was also privileged to take charge of his father’s businesses,
thereby making him one of the richest young men in Ijebu-Ode Town.
One
striking reality is the fact that despite the riches and influence Chief Babatunde
Babalola had, he was humble and kind to everyone; he was loved within the
community.
Here Comes Komolafe;
Mr.
Shola Komolafe, also a young man in his early 30s, had just moved into the town
with his family, in search of a new life. After several toils of hardship, he
decided to leave Okitipupa Town for Ijebu-Ode; he had heard that some of the
rich men needed gatemen for their houses.
Fortunately,
he got introduced to Chief Babalola by an old childhood friend who was also
based in Ijebu-Ode.
Chief
Babalola was very kind to him and accepted to employ him as the gateman to his
house. He was so kind and generous that he insisted that he moved in with his
family into the boy’s quarters just behind the house in order to prevent
distractions and stress induced issues as a result of his distance.
A
SMOOTH BEGINNING
It
had now been over six months that Mr. Shola Komolafe and his family had been
working and living in the Babalola’s Compound. In a nutshell, Chief Babalola
was God-sent to Mr Shola and his family.
At
times His boss (Chief Babalola) would sit in the courtyard most evenings to
share with him stories about life, friendship, business and relationships. The conversations
often, extend late into the night.
This
was a huge learning opportunity for Komolafe. He was a gateman quite alright
but never got the treatment of gateman from his boss. The duo got along very
well.
THE
BIG QUESTION
As
with usual practice, Chief Babalola would summon his new gist partner (Mr.
Komolafe), to their usual spot for evening banters.
However there was a twist to the usual engagement. Chief Babalola turned to Mr.
Akomolafe with a stern look in his eyes and leaned forward to ask him a
shocking question.
Chief
Babalola: AK (an alias for Akomolafe) what burning question do you have in mind
to ask me? Tell me……… I really want to know.
Akomolafe:
in response to that direct question, Mr Akomolafe summoned courage and
proceeded with this statement – My Chief……. Why are you so nice to everyone
especially those of lower class and economic status? Please tell me what do you
see in them?
Chief
Babalola: (Clearing his throat, answered and said) AK……Ak Life has taught me
one simple lesson. THE YOUNG SHALL GROW. You see growing up I had a lot of
questions that I needed answers to. Why are people poor, why can’t everyone go
to school etc.
DEEP
REFLECTIONS
Thankfully
I had a wise grandfather who took time to break it down in practical terms. My
grandfather said to me – my boy we all need each other when you grow much
older you will see the truth in my statement.
I
realized that judging people based on today, their economic status etc might
not be the wisest thing to do. The tides can change or turn in people’s favour.
People
rise and people do fall. Therefore, we must never think too highly of
ourselves. We must remain thankful and hopeful. The young shall grow he
added again”.
Chief
Babalola sighs……
This
is the same reason behind the choice of my children’s school. I choose their
school because I want this as part of their firm foundation for life.
Akomolafe
: What is the name of their school and How has that got to do with the
principle?
Chief
Babalola: City of Knowledge Academy is the name. I will tell you more some other
time. We need to stop at this point now. It is dark already and I must retire
to bed.
AK…Ak (chief smiles again) I will start to call
you the City Gateman from now onwards.
Do have great night rest.
To be Continued...
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