Blog - November 24, 2020

Day 24: The November Happiness Challenge 2020

I’m sure you are wondering, who are the men? What is Tolani up to? Lol. Well, God has blessed me with some male friends turned brothers that I can’t but talk about their awesomeness. These men have been there for me over the years, and they have proven to me that pure and platonic friendships happen between men and women without anything messing it up .

OYESUNKANMI

Ilorin, 2007. I met this young man thirteen years ago, when we were both teenagers trying to get by during the remedial program in Unilorin. Our mutual love for songs and music, and how we wanted to study hard to make sure we passed the programme, brought us together. Since then, it gladdens my heart that he has been a reliable and dependable friend, one who cares for me like my own blood, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand. We went through university years together and our friendship never waned, we are still friends despite the distance and busy schedules, and it is beautiful to see that we both understand that we don’t have to talk all the time, but anytime we do, it is wholesome. Thank you for being a worthy friend Sunkanmi, thanks for taking out time to be there for me, and for the sacrifices over the years. Thanks for being my driver when I came to Lagos for my event, and handling things at the venue to prevent any fuck up. You are a true friend, and I’m thankful for the gift of you. Please don’t stop. I pray that God continues to journey with you, and that your beneficial desires are granted soon.

ADESOLA

Solar Unique of life! That one friend who doesn’t play with my matter. It is almost unreal that we met via social media, because one would assume that we have known each other since childhood, that is the extent of our friendship. I remember sometime ago when we had to do some shopping from outside the country and I needed someone to clear the goods in Lagos. I spoke to Sola and he immediately agreed to get it done. Despite the back and forth at the place, he never complained, he just made sure he got it sorted and if that isn’t the coolest thing, I don’t know what is. I love our conversations and how easy it is to pick up from wherever we stopped. I love how objective he is and how he never hesitates to let me know when I did something wrong. I also love how he hyped me and makes me feel good about all I do. Thank you for this gift of friendship, Sola, I am thankful to God for you and I pray that you continue to be happy, genuinely.

AKINTOMIDE

Tomide has been my friend for about five years, and I’m truly happy that our paths crossed. Right from when we met and became friends, he has been really invested in my career development and anything that pertains to my growth. I remember how he’d help me to apply for jobs, work on my Cv, edit my cover letter and so on. I also remember how we would tell me that I deserved to be in better places and how he knows I’d get there. Talk about a friend who wants good for not just himself but also people around him, that is Tomide. I like to say that all my friends are very selfless, and Tomide is one of such friends. He would go the extra mile to make his friends comfortable, and to make sure they are doing fine. Regardless of how he is, he would rarely ever be absent when he is needed, and this is huge! I know that I can’t repay your kindness, but I can let you know that I cherish our friendship, and I pray that you are granted every desire of yours, as long as God deems then beneficial.

BRO BALI

I had to put brother there, because this person is my brother! He is my big brother , and he lives up to this name through and through. Oh how kind he is, how accommodating, how generous! How many things would I mention? Is it how he was always ready to take me wherever I wanted when I was pregnant? How he catered to me and constantly checked up on me to be sure I was fine? How he prayed for me? How he would come to the house to deliver my cravings without being prompted? Did I mention how he shops for Fareedah? Yes, he does that too. Never have I met someone more soft spoken, calm and laid back like him. He is the real definition of a gentleman and I’m thankful for his life. Big brother, I wish you everything good, I wish you a beautiful life, and I wish you genuine happiness. Thank you for everything!

ADEKUNLE SHAFT

Lagos, Nigeria: 2015-2017. How do I speak of this period without talking about Kunle? Just how? This human taught me the meaning of loyalty and reliability in friendships without ulterior motives. Never have I seen a platonic relationship so pure and genuine. I like to think of myself as Kunle’s little sister while he is my big brother because indeed that is how he treats me. I can’t remember having an altercation or annoying session with him because how? He takes life so easily and is always willing to be there for me. He opened his home to my friends and I and doesn’t mind making himself uncomfortable just so we were fine. You know people who do stuff for you then beg you to please not tell anyone about it? Because they don’t want public accolades or show off? Yes, that is the kind of person Kunle is. I have always known that whoever gets to marry him has gotten herself a wonderful man and I’m glad to see that manifest. Kunle, thanks for all that you’ve done and continue to do for me. Thanks for being my friend and brother, and for never getting tired of my down moments during my lagos days. Thanks for being amazing, and I pray that God continue to protect you, and that He makes your wife and daughter sources of joy to you. I have many other male friends who are awesome , but you already know I can’t mention them all. This is a shout out to all of you, thanks for being in my corner and for being amazing. Today, we are going to have an early night. Yes, I know you sleep late because you are either on social media or trying to sort one thing or the other. Today is the day you sleep as early as 8pm or just a time that is earlier than your heal, because your body needs all the rest it can get. Don’t forget that I’m watching you o! I’ll be back. OBA