Thread by @yinkanubi

2 years ago, my battery charger/mechanic called to ask for my old inverter batteries. I asked if he wanted to resell them, he said no, he needed them for the house he just built in Lagos. Moi, d professional with all my degrees was still doing yearly contribution for Oga landlord

I asked how he did it and he asked if I remember the car I sold to him? Yes I remembered. My old reliable Renault. I could have given him the car for free but I wanted him to feel like he bought something of value with his own money. So I sold the car for a paltry N50,000.00

He told me that the cost of maintenance was high. So he sold it and bought a danfo bus which (as a mechanic) was easier for him to maintain. He focused on doing charter and deliveries where he cld get bulk payments. With his savings, he bought a plot and started a housing project

I was genuinely happy for him because he is a hard working devout muslim who prioritized the education of his children. A part of me wondered how many people will see him in his place of work and not know that this man is living in his own house and making a decent income.

Life is not fair. If it was, I'll be living in Buckingham palace by now popping out princes as part of my JD. But however unfair life is, opportunities comes and goes. Truth is, if I didn't find him diligent, I would not have been so generous and the opportunity wld've been lost.

I tell my children that the difference between them and the kid on the street is privilege & opportunity. A reality that shd humble them rather than make proud. They are were they are because they got a head start in life. Some are not so lucky but we all must lend a helping hand

So what are lessons I learnt from my mechanic?

1. Never belittle any labor. When d results comes, it never looks like the cost.

2. My days of yearly contribution to Oga landlord must end. By force by fire I must own a house in this Lagos. IJN!

If you agree with me say AMEN! 😊

*where