By Prince Ejeh Josh
With a nostalgic spirit, my fingers were heavily glued to the keyboard as my mind reminisced the old days of sublime twilight. I could still vividly recall how we both commenced the journey in the hinterland of Ondo state in Owo Local Government Area. The sonorous lullaby, the nursery rhymes, the days of mischief making just like every child is prone to. Those old days when everything appeared beautiful, and when we worried less.
Can you still recall how we walked on the boulevard of life? How we would come out during the full grown moonlight competing with daylight? Those stories; tales, fables and folktales about legends, tortoise and his deceit. The didactic distilled from the stories. Life’s beautiful with friends, acquaintances and companions. I found a genuine friendship in my friend and brother.
My brother, Engr. Agunloye Ayodele, and myself were probably born the same year but with differences in months. He stole some months from me. Or perhaps, different year. But we grew up together somewhere in Owo LGA, and attended the same Primary and Secondary Schools. He was ahead of me while in school, but we remained the best of friends. He was my “egbon” or what we called in our local parlance as “brouda”. Our childhood experience was outstanding. The memories keep echoing from yonder. The love we shared. The little gist. The side talks. The designs and intrigues associated with childhood experiences. We fought together, played together, visited many places for games. Engr. Ayodele is parented by Uromians in the present day Edo State. He was an award winning student throughout his days at the school. Truth is, I was nowhere close to him when it came to academic performance. Ayo is, indeed, a brainbox.
In our early days, we were like twin brothers. So attached to each other that we were always gaming. However, he was more exposed and guided academically by his parents than many of us. So, early enough, he was able to clinch his fists to his mission in life. We all lived in the same neighbourhood; say, adjacent each other. Our parents were friends; close friends that shared secrets. This afforded me the opportunity to learn from him. My friend was adventurous and as young as he was then, he could dare any challenge that posed threats to his interest, and overcome.
While our days were counting as kids, the impression of many of them was that I was going to end up a Roman Catholic Priest. I, too, shared the same line of thinking with them. I could still recall an ordeal I once experienced from “the boys” when they bundled a girl to me. “A girl?” It happened I was inside a room that fateful day when some mischievous boys and girls invaded. We chatted and laughed as usual. Finally, they broke the “big” news to me. “Father, we have got you a beautiful girlfriend from Owo Town”. It wasn’t funny that day, but how I managed to escape that trap remained a mystery to me. Few months later, I saw the girl, heavily pregnant. I felt sorry for her. So, another person took over the free gift! Interesting. Well, I no do anything o. This was the kind of life in vogue then, and of course, it has degenerated today. So, guys had to wack the wackable. Today, however, we dey shee omo. Things have since changed.
My good friend travelled away after completing his secondary school education, and finally settles down in Abuja where God has handsomely blessed him, while I took a different path. We still continue to relate very well even though it’s more than a decade we’d seen ourselves until recently when our path came together. His life is a testimony, and I know he deserves today.
Sometime in July this year, just shortly after my academic programme at the Nigerian Law School, our results were released and the timetable for our Call to the Nigerian Bar ceremony was published by the Body of Benchers. Usually, Car to Bar ceremony takes place in Abuja. I had to travel early for clearance and sundry arrangements. I needed an accommodation, and was about booking for a week accommodation in one of the hotels when my friend, Engr. Ayodele told me he had an accommodation for me. I told him hotel would be better for me. He, however, insisted I would stay with him. Interestingly, my friend left everything he was doing and came to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to pick me up. We drove to the Nigerian Air Force Valley Estate, Asoroko District, where he lives with his beautiful family in a wonderful mansion. Indeed, my room was magnificent, smiling nice and alluring. There’s no other accommodation that would be more exquisite. I enjoyed it.
I met his beautiful wife and lovely kids. The family I saw was awesome. It’s a kind of home everyone would desire to have. I met Mrs. Clorrete Agunloye, my friend’s beautiful wife and a French maestro who works with the National Defence College, Abuja. I met my friend’s beautiful nieces. They were looking awesome, and strikingly stunning. I felt at home because the family I met was homey. The environment was plush and deluxe. But most importantly, I observed that everyone was happy.
Mrs. Clorrete is a pleasant looking young woman. And I was happy seeing her discussed issues with my friend’s nieces. They chatted like siblings. The smiles exuding from them had no semblance of pretence, and I concluded my friend has got the best home through the lucky woman God had blessed him with. The love between my friend and his wife is as juicy, unsullied, refreshing honeyed and sugary as if the relationship just started. Throughout my stay there, I learnt a lot. I saw a responsible and caring husband, and I equally saw supportive, loving and virtuous woman. It’s simply amazing. Simply awesome. Simply inspiring. I was happy, and in a certain occasion, I called Mrs. Clorrete and told her; “Thank you for making a beautiful home for my friend.” It’s indeed, a beautiful home. Home sweet home!
Of course, I was treated scrumptiously with the good things of life. Abuja life is beautiful. Thanks to my friend and his wife. My friend had to take me out to places, introduced me to the big masquerades in the Federal Capital Territory and linked me up with necessary connections. Of course, I had the opportunity to see old friends like Mr. Salawu Tunde (Erinlowo), a gallant soldier. We drove around, had some good tastes, and other things I will keep my readers to guess. All thanks to them.
My friend is a successful entrepreneur and investor. He’s into real estate, logistics, projects management and development, service provider in and outside Abuja. He’s being doing that for years and has cut his teeth in business diversification. With his quality outputs, he’s tested and trusted. I visited some of the sites where he’s managing, and what I saw was magnificent.
Mr. Ayodele, as you celebrate yet another gracious and glorious year of God’s love and grace, I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will continue to bless you and your family with good health of mind and body. Brother, I love you. Happy birthday and many more years.
Prince Ejeh Josh, nim, Esq, B.Sc, M Sc, LLB, BL.
