01/12/2025
A LONG READ BUT I HOPE YOU STICK TO THE END
This is probably the first time I’m putting this story out here. As I clock 30, I want to pass these words of counsel from a wise father to an ambitious son to someone out there who feels discouraged about where they are in their life’s journey — someone who feels like a placeholder, barely struggling to get by.
After my NYSC in 2017, I was excited to finally live the age-long Nigerian dream: go to school, graduate, get a job, and start a family. A mindset that has eaten deep into the hearts of many young people — ingrained in us like a tattoo.
But little did I know I was about to face the gruesome reality of graduating into a place (for the sake of this post, let’s say a country) with broken systems. I had my own share of “breakfasts,” what many call post-graduate disillusionment — a daily love affair with depression, the unfortunate “national cake” that adulting offers.
“Why is my case different? I graduated with a 2:1… I did this, I did that… what is happening?”
It was then I realized that good parenting goes far beyond birthing a child or providing for them. It is being a custodian of wisdom your children can draw from. My father modeled something I vowed to replicate for my own children. Among his many wise counsels, this one stayed with me.
“Fortune,” he asked, “is there any of your contemporaries you feel you may be doing better than, even at this stage?”
I paused, reflected deeply, and replied, “Yes, Dad.”
His follow-up response became the blueprint I have lived by ever since:
“Everyone’s timing is different. One person may travel to Lagos by flight, another by road, another by sea — but one thing is sure: they will all get to Lagos if they follow the right route, even if they arrive at different times.”
That shifted everything for me. I stopped looking at my mates who seemed to be doing better, and instead, I turned inward and focused on my own journey. My challenges fueled my passion to grow, to improve, and to become better each day.
Today, I may not have achieved everything — but I am grateful for the victories God has given me. And I can boldly say: GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Happy Birthday, King Fortune 👑
