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Friends -1

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I once read someone’s article on a friend a long time ago, I have searched all day for this article online but haven’t found it, so I’m going to write mine, and hope that it would give someone the feeling I had back then, when I read the same thing.

In the story I read, a man talks about his childhood friend, how they had drifted apart somewhere along the line. To schools they went, different schools, and to Jobs they went, different Jobs. Wifes happened, and so did kids, and the tide of life threw them along different paths. Sometimes at work the young man would think, “oh, my friend, he would have said this and that”. Sometimes he’ll recall, and push till later when to give him a call. By and by the story went, each day with the pressure to call and see mounting stronger, until one day the young man receives a post mail. He sees the mail is stamped from the same place where his friend and he grew up. “A letter from his friend?”, he thought, but no, a letter about his friend. Just last week, his friend had passed away. Selah!

The friends you don’t talk to, mail or see are good as dead. For when death happens communication ceases. Why not call your friend and let him know that you are still there and care. Why not spend some time reliving the old days. Why do we spend so much time chasing moving shadows at the expense of the little connections that come with real peace, and ease? Why? Why call when we can talk, or chat when we can see? What investments are you making in your relationships and real friends?

What if you suddenly heard that she died last night? What if you get a call that he passed away in the early hours of this morning. Will you regret how far you had been? Would you weep that he is gone, or will you cry that you didn’t stay in touch? Why not bridge those gaps while it is called today? Why not celebrate your friends while they still got their breaths? Why wait until they are gone before you quote their words, or wait till they are no more to sing their praise. Why not give warmth to your relationships today, why wait till it’s too late? My friend was this my friend was that… what not make it is before it is was? How come the value of people appreciate only when they are fully depreciated? Let’s express ourselves to our friends.

I was thinking earlier in the week, that I can actually tell the story of my life by talking about the friends in my life. I doubt if that will end in one post but here is a start. I’ll omit someone – Temitope Akinyemi, my wife, that’s a friend in another league ๐Ÿ™‚

Adeyemi Popoola

If I would go back to the very beginning of my life, then this person will score as my first good friend. Yemi was my God given benchmark, and I guess I was for him as well. We were born on the same day, in the same hospital, our mothers bore the same first names, our fathers worked in the same place, and we grew up in the same neighborhood. We went to different primary schools, but have gone to the same schools and read the same courses since then. Yemi was an early friend for me, and our friendship was a little bit competitive. Yemi’s friendship gave me the necessary push I needed as a young boy to want to be the best. Be it sports – particularly football or academics, Yemi was a stiff competition for me any day. I didn’t need to compete with the world, somehow, Yemi was always there – we went to the same secondary school, went to the same university, studied Electronics and Electrical Engineering together. We are a lot both grown and matured now, and do not compete as brutally as we once did ๐Ÿ™‚ but I respect Yemi Popoola. He is a friend that made an early difference in my life. I and Yemi also got our first Jobs in the same company :). Yemi is in the UK now, consulting for one of the best. So Yemi, I’m not sure I’ve told you this before. Thank You!

Oyeniyi Oyelade

This was the next friend that came along. I joke with him that I met him on a table tennis table ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m not sure he beat me then, and he’ll surely beat me today – he’s very good now :). We were in the transition between primary and secondary school then. Niyi since then has been a great friend. Not only was he bright and good competition, he was also a great encourager. I and Niyi ended up in the same school and class for Secondary school, and we both further went to Ife – OAU to study Elect/Elect. Niyi is one of those good guys, that despite being good makes you feel great. Niyi is someone who can surpass me in something and I’ll still be happy about. All those guy conversations around -“that girl, Tope, really likes you ;)”, were had with Niyi. Niyi was a friend, a bunk mate, a brother, a real pal. Still is. Distance tears us apart currently and I don’t get to see or hear from him as much as I should, but he has a special place in my heart. Niyi is currently in the UK, he is a Java Specialist and works with one of the Top 100 companies to work for in the world. Niyi, I’ve not told you this before, you are very very valued, and I am deciding also to be a better friend.

Adekunle Awofolajin

I was in SS1 when this friend stepped into my life, he had just come from Calabar to stay with his parents in Ilorin, where I grew up. Somehow there was a chemistry of some sort, we became friends, then prayer partners. I and Kunle have prayed together, fasted together, studied together, done a lot together. Our friendship was deep and had a lot of God in it. Far back as secondary school we went for outreaches to villages together, we preached to groups and crowds together, did deliverance for people together, prayed for the baptism of the holy spirit for people together, and organized events together. We were so close we were like brothers. We were so predictable to each other, it was interesting. Interestingly we only schooled together ever for a year, his SS3 in FGC Ilorin, but our friendship has over time transcended physical location. With Kunle there was no competition, just two young people driving each other to be the best for God. Kunle is a resolute and deep thinking soul. He’s Choleric, he’s melancholic and the Sanguine in him comes out around me. Our friendship has continued till this day, and his contribution to my life has been exceptional. I dare say, a lot of things would have been different were it not for the timely introduction of this friend. Kunle is a minister and is currently also an investment specialist and instructor. Kunle is in Nigeria here. I’m not sure I’ve said this much before, Kunle, I value and love you.

Okanlawon Ayodeji

Our friendship started in University. We studied the same course, attended the same fellowship and met. The Chemistry started gradually and then it blossomed. Deji is a rare blend of Sanguine and Melancholy. Deji reminds me of David in the bible, one of the few rare souls that has the capacity to love deeply, to live passionately and to go almost any length. Deji is one friend whose not economical with his expressions, like or hate, he’ll let you know. He loved and loves God, had a liking for me, and we stuck together. Deji was my best man on my wedding, he was there in anything that mattered to me, and I tried to replicate the same. Deji is a friend you want to have as a friend, the melancholy in him makes him choosy, but the sanguine in him makes him get along with anyone once he decides to. He’s the kind of friend who leads the friendship relationship naturally. He calls, he visits, he’s in touch, keeping up with him is a challenge. Deji was also very bright and was competition, but I never felt it going on, we were on the same side. When Deji speaks, it’s memorable, he speaks with well articulated language and with burning passion. Deji is a 100% kind of guy, whatever he does, must be done! While some of us incurable sanguines wait till the last moment to prepare for an exam, and go into the exam without all the facts, the melancholic in Deji will not allow him off with a good conscience. Deji is a friend I miss a lot, he called me one morning after a long time that he had a dream of something happening to me, he’s far but he’s near. He’s rounding up his CCIE and is currently working in the UK. Deji, I love and appreciate you, and understand why you are in the UK.

Tope Ogunfayo, Gbenga Sesan…

… Watch out for part 2.

Till then… appreciate your friends, your acquaintances, your mentors, your teachers… Call them, mail them, send them a text, go visit them, but do it while it is called today!

Adeolu Akinyemi

Adeolu Akinyemi

22 thoughts on “Friends -1”

  1. Royal_Prince
    July 9, 2008 at 11:58 am

    MNT once said that “friends are the reason we smile”. After pondering over this statement, i came to the conclusion that more than that, friends are the reason we live. Abraham lived for God becuase He was a friend and Jesus, at a point, called His disciples friends and xplained its significance to them.
    You are there becuase of us and we are here becuase of you.
    Even marriage the closest of relationships started out as friendship. Philial r/ships becomes a joy when taken to the level of friendships. Most parents are yet to understand this: that they can make their kids their best friends. The same is true for siblings.

    Adeyemi Popoola, What a coincedent that was! Very rare to find such friends these days.

    Thank you for reminding us of those little things that matter.

    Luv U!

    Reply
  2. Niyi Oyelade
    July 9, 2008 at 1:00 pm

    When people like Adeolu praise you, you want to cry. If I would write a drama piece about how my childhood associations charted the course of my future, Deolu would be a major actor. He doesn’t seize to amaze me, i have not seen multitasking and multifocus abilities in anyone like I have seen in Deolu. How do you explain someone still talking these deep ever relevant life stuff despite heavy involvements in the world of business at the level Deolu is.
    A major thing to always learn from Dee is his strong grasp of the core issues that matter in life despite his mega-giga-tera successful pursuit for success and achievement. He has always been and still is a major checkpoint in every great decision I needed to make for obvious reasons……and in case I haven’t said this to you before, Deolu……I honestly think you are ‘one in a million’ in this generation.
    Last word……I am making a resolution to get back into nourishing my friendships while I still have the chance to…..”We won’t die before our time…true…..but when is our time???”…..sorry I was quoting deolu again there…..lol..so my friends, watch out, expect my call soon!!!

    Reply
  3. felix
    July 9, 2008 at 2:49 pm

    Really there is no better way to tell your life story than with friends, i am inspired… and waiting till present day when it will get to my turn, if i have in anyway been a competition like these guys… ๐Ÿ˜‰ … that will be the day… lol

    Reply
  4. Peter Oluokun
    July 9, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    What a touching story, i like the presentation despite the fact i’m always in touch with my friends, i’m still pressed to re-examined myself to be sure no one is left out, nice piece, waiting for part 2…….

    Reply
  5. Emog
    July 9, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    I’ll pick up my phone now, there are a lot of people that I should call now.

    Thanks for the reminder Chairman

    Reply
  6. Oyinda
    July 9, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    Nice one Deolu, as usual. Thanks for d wake up call.

    Reply
  7. Ogu
    July 10, 2008 at 8:41 am

    I really appreciate this. No man is an island. We really need our friends at one time or the other. There is need to alwys stay in touch. I score myself high on this. I keep in touch as much as possible. I wil do more.

    Reply
  8. Okanlawon AYodeji
    July 10, 2008 at 9:54 am

    Its not quite often that I am at a loss of words to say, but this piece leaves me speechless.

    Adeolu, A friend, a brother, a soul mate.

    From Angola Hall, to Fajuyi, to Moremi, to PG Hall.

    From SCM, to Elect/Elect, to Akere, to Several Visits to UI.

    From Ilorin, to Benin, Asaba, to Ijebu-Ode, to Port-Harcourt

    We journeyed together, studying,praying, dining, excelling, encouraging and been encouraged.

    Adeolu, gave me the first opprtunity to fully express my “Motivational Speaking” gift.

    Its been a journey, one that has changed the look, feel and the directions of my life. A journey that has brought me closer to my destiny. A journey I am proud to have embarked upon with you.

    As I write this, tears fill my eyes. I miss you! I miss you!! I miss you!!!

    Oh I remember when we write poems and just simply inspire each other.

    Oh what about those days in Archi (suposedly studying:))
    Oh what about our first event in University of Ilorin, that we spoke all night long!

    Do you remember the day we did control exam and it was bad! Yet we had to attend to the “ministry in UI”

    Do you remember the special song we sang in SCM together????

    What about our final year in Ife…We did lots of things…From serving the Elect/Elect committee to Presenting short dramas for the final year student in SCM.

    Oh do you remember several meetins in sports center!!!

    The list is endless…

    Your life inspires all. A true example of a believer, a friend, Adeolu, what a friend!

    Reply
  9. Solomon James
    July 10, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    There’s alot of things we will never get even by prayer and fasting, but relationship gives us access to them, relationship is a great asset, lets begin to manage it well, i called a class-mate of mine sometime last year and his wife picked the call, when i ask after the husband…he was gone, two weeks before that day, i still dont know how i felt and still feel bcos 3wks before his death i kept geting this feeling to call him but no i didnt and when i finally did it was late, am learning to value my friends, thanks Deolu for keeping me on track i was already drifting.

    Reply
  10. Damilola Afolabi
    July 11, 2008 at 6:58 am

    I can imagine how many friends/ relationships that i can confidently say have made an impact in my life, so many of them. This is wake up call to appreciate such loving ones. This is such a timely reminder. God bless you.

    Reply
  11. JesusFreak
    July 11, 2008 at 8:50 am

    Thanks for this…I’ve been thinking on my friends for a while.. I should write about them on my blog too courtesy the inspiration i got from yours… Thanks

    Reply
  12. Bussee
    July 11, 2008 at 9:15 am

    It’s interesting to read this sha, i’m sure you should be on my own first page though i’m not urs.

    good stuff CM

    Reply
  13. KENNETH
    July 12, 2008 at 8:45 am

    I HAVE NEVER LEFT UR SITE WORST THAN I MET IT.

    UR SIMPLY A BLESSING TO ME.

    Reply
  14. D'LECTURER
    July 12, 2008 at 10:33 am

    D,
    that you value your friends so much as to remember them this way shows the depth of character that you posess.
    To most that you mentioned, i can bear witness that they are worth celebrating.
    Sir neyo,Oga deji, yemi kunle,this is the chief usher (scm) saying i am so proud of you guys, keep the flag flying wherever you are sirs.
    D, like you always told us at the sub group meeting,like apostle Paul said, “we are divided in the flesh, but united in the spirit”.

    Reply
  15. emeka
    July 15, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    thanx for the reminder.sometimes we dont really know what we have until we lose it.there is nothing like living each day at a time,enjoying the joys of life and friendship is one of them.
    deolu,thank you.

    Reply
  16. Taiwo Olayinka Solomon
    July 16, 2008 at 2:37 am

    Thanks for this reminder i will take to it immediately

    Reply
  17. juliet
    July 17, 2008 at 11:28 am

    It’s really a great reminder of how important and great a friend is in our daily lives and how important it is for them to be appreciate.cos (a friend in need is a friend in deed).A friend is actually one we love b’cos they stick closer to us than our brothers and we both put the (5ps)of love in practise as friends,(popularity of love,perspective of love,power of love,practise of love,persistence of love).So we have to keep remembering them every moment of our life before it’s too late cos (Anyone who closes his/her heart to friendship will not go far in life).
    Thanks sir for this educative lessons.

    Reply
  18. Cyril
    July 18, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    Deolu,

    Another reminder yet timely.

    Thanks for this piece.

    Reply
  19. Bukola
    January 30, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    Very good reminder on friendship. I’ve learnt though that it’s only proper to identify how well appreciated you are on time by that friend, it helps check the kind of expectations you have.

    I used to think earlier on in life too that breaking up and going distant were forbidden but I’verealised too that some paths will part, but for those that haven’t or won’t keep that flame burning.

    Reply
  20. Adeyemi Popoola
    April 28, 2009 at 11:42 am

    I just read this piece and it brings back some good memories of days back. From FGCI to OAU to now. Adeolu, I must say that you are a great friend to have and I am honoured to be called your friend.

    Reply
  21. OMOZELE
    May 12, 2009 at 11:05 am

    friends are wonderful. sometimes i marverl when people speak so negative about friends. the people who have impacted my life the most have been my friends and that is why i will be eternally grateful God brought them my way.just like Isaac Nweton sai” if i have stood tall, i stood on the shoulders of giants(my friens).

    Reply
  22. IKOTUN ADEBISI
    May 28, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    i call this “joining the broken lines”. it pays to stay in touch and keep contacts fresh. my friends are my greatest treasures.

    Reply

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Many hold their audience spell bound with motivational speeches but few care to hold the audience by the hand and help them walk their way to financial freedom like he does. Many have failed at everything they have tried to do but everything he does turns to gold. Read more…

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