When we come across some certain people in our journey of life, they leave behind with us some essential points that we always remember and apply when needed.
It was not a coincidence that our paths crossed, I believe it was meant to be; High Chief Hon. Bode Mustapha, the Bobagunwa of Egbaland, two term lawmaker at the House of Representative (Nigeria), Ogun State of Nigeria Senatorial Aspirant 2015, 2015 Ministerial nominee and a big time business tycoon, is a very humble man with touches of class, sophisticated, elegant, decent, noble and very clear with his words, a man full of action and discipline; also he possesses leadership skills, a man ready to listen and assist when he can, without drama.
Four things I relearned from him:
1.) It's not about how much money one has, but how well one can manage it: We were at the Telephone company to purchase some pay-as-you go phone credit on his Gambia phone, he has the money to put a few thousands of Dalasis on the phone, but the first thing he did was to ask for the tariff, he just want to be sure how much each minute will cost him, he asked again to be sure of the local rates and international rates; for him it wasn't about spending the money, but spending it wisely and to know what he was spending, how he was spending it and take account and control of it. He didn't try to pretend like most people would do, showing off because a woman or any other person is around. I believe he knows I'm that girl that likes it real and clear, being real goes very fine with me, there's no need to pretend, not pleasing yourself and not doing things right because of creating false image; I love people that can give account of what they do, no matter how rich they are. How would I think a man that flew in on a First Class fight won't be able to pay for as much airtime as he wants. As an auditor he knows how important it is to keep a good record.
2.) Not all things that glitters are gold: We were sat at his hotel room discussing about economic and political situations in Nigeria, then we came to a point that he said, "All the beautiful houses, mansions, businesses you see everywhere in them big cities in Nigeria are not fully owned by the 'owners'. It's when they die people see and know the truth, all you see is a make-believe lifestyle, they are not whom we think they are, he added.
3.) Men must always respect and honour women and give them good treats, "treat her like a lady": When he arrived in the Gambia for Miss Black Europe International Scholarship and Improver Awards 2016 where he was honoured with Outstanding Leadership Award, I saw him carrying his suitcases by himself; as a well cultured girl and a good host that I am, I was ready to give High Chief Bode a hand, he went, "no, no, you are a lady, I will do it by myself, a lady must be treated with respect and care" I didn't feel comfortable seeing him doing it all alone, but he refused totally, then I knew he meant business.
4.) Patience: We were at a printing press to get some work done, when we got there the assistance to the owner welcomed us and told the owner that we were waiting for him, but this man didn't pay attention to us, he was doing his non-stop unofficial chatting on the phone, it wasn't a business call and not an emergency one at all. After fifteen minutes I stood up to let him know that we were still waiting, because the way he was going seems he didn't want to end the conversation at all; it was the afternoon before our gala and time was not in our favour, so no time to waste at all; High Chief Bode said to me, "wait, he knows we are waiting", I sat back on the seat. This man didn't pay attention, he was still going on and on. I said Chief, "I think I have to talk to him" he agreed, even though he was right that we should be patience, but he knows that some people don't understand, they don't respect and lack customer service skills, so they take patience for granted.
I finally stood up to talk to the owner, as soon as he knew whom we were, especially knowing whom Chief Bode was, he changed his attitude, and all of a sudden he became that super nice shop owner.
A good close contact with people that we can learn from is very good to keep us going, not forgetting will should allow others to learn from us too.
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