When Olumide messaged me yesterday, and said, "RDJ is late, Baba...", the first thought that came to my mind was "are you crazy?" But what came out of my mouth was a very loud screen of "Jesus!!!"
The phone dropped from my hands and as the thought sunk well into my consciousness, I fell done and cried. This year has taken so many people from us but I NEVER thought that in a decade from now, I'll be writing this about you.
The first lesson you thought me is to ALWAYS address people by their full names and that I must try to get pronunciation correctly. I assumed the R in your name was Richard but you were very gentle to let me know that it's Richmond. You said to me, "Bisi, don't ever assume anything. Always establish the facts"
You were a very cultural person and very interested in your tradition as a Yoruba man and Nigerian. I remember asking why your home WiFi password is the same for every place you lived - UK & Nigeria. And you went to explain to me what he means to, "give your children the wings to fly and the roots to know where they're coming from". Apparently your daughter was more interested in coming home to Nigeria and you wanted to ensure they have it easy to integrate. You had it all planned to internet password. I was dazed.
After you read my book, you called me on the phone and said, "Bisi, I'm going to be in Lagos next week on my way to Abuja for a conference but we have to meet. We need to talk about this book and your plans for the future". Shocked and happy at the same time, I managed to ask why not just go to Abuja directly. The response you gave will continue to surprise and guide me till my dying breathe. These were your words, "Bisi, everything we do for ourselves, we take it to the grave with us but whatever we do for others, we leave behind. We might never have the opportunity again so take the moment you have and do what you got to do". RDJ, I heard and still hear you clearly, I will forever pay it forward, my good friend and advisor.
You've always been there for me every step of the way! Even when we're thousand of miles away, you always reminded that you're always there there to hold my hands. And you did!
I will forever cherish the time we spent together and the lessons you taught me - both in your deeds and words.
Adieu my friend, coach and mentor.
Till we meet again, you'll always be in my heart, RDJ.
