Ifs, Buts and 2021
Life comes at you fast! 2021 has blitzed in the twinkle of an eye. It really doesn’t feel like it’s that festive season again in fact. I’m certainly not gonna finish this before 2022 so let me start by saying Happy New Year to you. It means a lot that you take time out to read my stuff. Thank you.
Here-we-go!
I’ve carried you along this year more than most, on the major highlights of my year. I began the year with a lot of optimism. 2020 ended with several intentional decisions that I took into the new year but most of them were disrupted when school resumed in February.
2021 has been rough. Damn! I thought 2020 was hard but this year be like, “e jé kó cook”. Korie captured my thoughts when he said “you’re twenty something and…”. The pressure was as real as can be and I struggled emotionally, academically and spiritually as a result, and more. There was just no way out. Rough patches back to back.
Brothers in the Hood!
I spent majority of the year with my brothers, Albus and K9 - Pamz was an occasional visitor. My folks had pretty much moved permanently to IB so it was just the gang together. Most times in January and early February, we’ll wake up to play FIFA, bemoan how we didn’t have money and spend the rest of the day hustling. They were pretty drab times but being with them taught me vital lessons. One is that when those closest to you call you to order, pay attention. They see you more than most. They may even be wrong, but pay attention.
February was a really pivotal month for me. It stretched me and broke me. Yup. I’m still not ready for the details but it brought so much so early, I hardly recovered. Pamz was there to listen to me rant for those few weeks…wasn’t funny. I’m really grateful bruv.
when those closest to you call you to order, pay attention. They see you more than most. They may even be wrong, but pay attention
I appreciate everyone who noticed and checked in, prayed for me and encouraged me. It’s easy to assume “is it not him? He’ll be okay”. Thank you for not assuming. I must say I’m blessed with many amazing men that I can always count on in different facets of my life. Would never trade you guys. Love you babies ❤
Consultant Surgeon!
I ranted a little about what the Medicine posting was like in my last story and I went straight to Surgery after the EOP (End of Posting exam). It was a much milder experience. I love Surgery! I’m very good with my hands and I always imagined myself putting them to use. Orthopedics used to be the dream - always had this idea of owning an estate with my Ortho Hospital, Football Club and Mega-restaurant all in a close, operating inter-dependently. But that posting scarred me in some way. My focus is on CTSU, for now. I enjoyed those 12 weeks and the Community Health posting that followed. Had some pretty rough moments with some group members but we keep learning innit. I also had the most amazing project supervisor - Mr Olodu!
PS1. Sir, I’m working on it. I haven’t forgotten, I promise.
Good Times!
It wasn’t all bad though. 2021 had its moments. We organized the biggest Health Week OAU campus has ever seen. I remember Dr. AY Bello telling me a couple of years back how IFUMSA held her Health Week in Ododuwa while he was in school. This had never happened in all my years on campus. We made it happen. That rally to kick off the week too!! Major talking point. IYKYK!
Aproko Doctor was around for the Health Week and Unkle Ayo came along with him. Been such a huge fan and follower and it was nice to meet him in person. He tensions in person just as he does online. Lol.
Being FYB Chairman for my Graduating set was also an experience in itself. I think that when you lead people, you see certain things differently and appreciate the innate differences in each of us. I’m just really glad everything turned out well. We had the most amazing Lagos trip which was the highlight for me. So beautiful, I wanna go back 🥲!
2021 was also year I finally met Johnny Drille too (wrote about it here) and got to attend his live show - he legit called out my first and last names when he saw me while performing, before shaking my hand (haters will ask for receipts 😂). I’m really pumped about the BWFA album too, my guy finish work.
Music is Life!
Speaking of albums, I formed a very surprising partnership with Sola Allyson when my final exams came around. Feels like we signed a deal brokered by YouTube music. I’m not her biggest fan but I adore how she beautifully uses our language. Ìrì has a hook where she goes “Ní ìgbàtí ìdánwò bá dé, Olúwa só mi” meaning when exams (trials, in context) come, God protect me. It was my go-to song while studying. My hands literally went up in the air like God abeg everytime it played out. Thank God for coming through cos na him run am.
PS2. Started using YT Music in September ish and I think the algorithm on the app is superb. The way it shuffles through songs once you select the first is flawless 7 times out of 10. Awesome.
Better Times
The year ended on so many positive notes. I mentioned how I was able to recover my money here. I also signed off as Rt. Hon. Speaker of the IFUMSA Parliament, an experience I absolutely loved and learnt so much from.
I finally got Inducted into the Medical Profession and also grew the nerve to break out of a very difficult situation (sigh). I started finding my way again which is what I’m most grateful for in 2021. The Reboot camp was so pivotal and refreshing. Felt like I had a lot to table to God and settle ahead of the new year and nothing beats getting clear instructions on what to do next! I learnt another valuable lesson, that circumstances do not determine my relationship with God. It’s the other way round. In my twin brother ’s words, “we go in the name of the Lord”.
“circumstances do not determine my relationship with God. It’s the other way round”
I’ve always loved challenges so taking up the role as Executive Director of Hopefield Network is one I’m really pumped about and looking forward to. Watch out for us in 2022.
I finally got to attend the YPB camp last year. It was supposed to be an opportunity to relax for me, after a long year. Nothing more. I really wasn’t interested in listening, but it was well worth it. Sensei and stuff aside, I met really amazing people and learnt from real and practical people. Thank you Pastor Poju!
What next?
I’ve driven interstate a lot this year too and visited more states. I hope to create time and explore Abeokuta as much. So far, e don fall my hand but I’m optimistic that there’s more to this place. I’m looking to travel a lot more next year, especially outside the country. On God.
I started a MW Course and the McKinsey Forward program as well last year. Haven’t been able to make as much progress as I would like (my laptop has become a chore 🤦🏽♂️) but I’m hoping to make it stick ASAP. Looking to learn a Tech skill and German as well - putting it out there so I stay accountable to myself.
The boy just resumed for Housejob at Abeokuta and is NOT loving it so far. Everyday call for a month, 2 weeks down and 2 to go. Been in the city, sorry, town for 2 weeks and I only slept in my house for the first time yesterday after the crossover service (January 1st). I decided to start my year as I mean to go on. HO on call cannot come and go and die.
❤❤
I like to think I’m a man of my words. I give it and I stand by it. This year tested that. I’ve taken a step back this time and I’m sorry. I just couldn’t anymore.
Shoutout to the amazing people I met this year, especially at my lowest moments. Thank you so much ❤. I’m really happy for my friends too. I see everyone winning in their own space and making great strides. Really love to see it. Keep going guys, yes, you! I’m rooting for you.
2022
I’m looking forward to 2022. Hoping it’s a lot more straightforward and beautiful year with less Ifs and Buts. I’ll be more proud of myself next year as well. I’ve long used monetary value as a marker of my progress but I see now that while money is good, it will come in its time. I’m doing well and I’ll remind myself more of that.
I’m doing well!
I’ll be in Abeokuta for most of 2022 and I intend to make it count. I might have finally found a church to attend as well - that is such a key ingredient for the year. Fingers crossed.
I also intend to start sharing other people’s stories next year. I’m going to be running a couple for free (already picked) and see how it goes so keep an eye on this space. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome.
I pray for you this year, that when Life seems overwhelming, and you need those seas to calm, that you will find the Peace of God. Amen.
PS3. My twin brother graduated from Uni this year and I’m really excited for him. It was a rough road but he’s here now and I’m glad we made our parents smile. Anywhere you see him, bill him. He’s a big boy!
Errr. Fuck! I just found out my friend passed. It broke my heart to see Pelumi in so much pain last year and it sucks feeling like I could have done more. I texted him just yesterday to check on him again - I had no idea 😢. I had to travel on short notice after we last saw in December and I probably didn’t pray for him enough. He’s gone now. He’s fine now. Rest easy man. I love you!
