Rotimi
had come under tremendous pressure. He didn't know what to do, he was confused,
perplexed and if he could, would want to run away.
A
hard working young man, age 31, works as procurement manager for a leading
manufacturing company in Lagos. This young man from an average background is
the only child of his parents. It took his parents eight years to have
him and all efforts to have other kids after him had proven abortive. He is the
only child and the most precious subject in the life of his parents.
He
was born and raised in Ilorin, his father was a principal at a federal government
college and his mother a primary school teacher. They worked very hard to raise
him and train him and after becoming a graduate and securing a master's degree
five years ago, he secured this job as a buyer and was subsequently promoted to
the position of procurement manager.
The
company he worked for is a very successful world class multinational with
global presence.
Rotimi
was in charge of procuring spare parts and lubricants for the factory; a
multi-billion naira buying budget and he was directly responsible; he was as it
were, in charge!
For
about four years Rotimi had been under serious pressure from his parents to get
married as quickly as possible. His parents were very anxious about having
grandchildren considering he's the only child hence, they wouldn't let him
rest.
Rotimi
a very serious minded man, loves his job and wouldn't toy with it, he hoped one
day to become the managing director of this multinational hence, he's
kept focused on his job and kept shunning other distractions.
Despite
the pressure from his parents; he really never took seriously the issue of
women or the need to be married too soon. He believed he needed time to sort
out many other priorities relevant to his ambition in career thus he wouldn't
settle down till he's done. About 18 months ago, Rotimi was invited by this
friend and colleague to attend a wedding of another colleague and because this
female colleague was quite nice and had invited Rotimi personally, he decided
to go; attending this wedding occasion marked the beginning of a major
turnaround in Rotimi's life.
At
the after party of this wedding, Rotimi was introduced to Nike, a very
beautiful and attractive young lady. Nike was 25 years old, with two master
degrees from top American universities. Asides her primary education, the rest
of her education was in the United States.
She
was very brilliant and passionate about success. A computer engineering expert,
she had also acquired certifications in business management and
entrepreneurship. A dreamer and an achiever, Nike; highly intelligent,
passionate and knowledgeable; would blow the mind of anyone with ideas and
could intimidate anyone who wasn't very confident or knowledgeable. Nike was a
very beautiful girl too.
Rotimi
and Nike were introduced and from that moment on they struck a chemistry that
made them inseparable.
Within
the first six months of their meeting they became extremely close and did
nearly everything together. Rotimi fell in love and from that point onward he
began to consider marrying Nike.
After
a year, the duo had become so close they did and shared everything in common.
Subsequently, Nike moved out of her guardian's house in Lekki and moved into
Rotimi's house in Ikeja GRA. They became living lovers. They were happy
together and liked the idea of cohabiting until Nike discovered after 12 weeks
of moving in that she had taken in; she became pregnant.
Rotimi
was initially shocked and taken a back but after thinking about it for a while,
he began to calm down. His parents had been waiting for him to get married and
bear them grandchildren and here is one on the way; of course they'll be happy
and immediately he told Nike they should start planning towards their marriage
ceremony.
Nike
was not as excited; she had kept a secret from Rotimi all the while; Her father
happens to be one of the most prominent and respected traditional rulers from
the western part of the country; in fact he is known all over the country; a
very, very rich, powerful and popular traditional ruler. Nike took his first
name as her surname; hence Rotimi didn't suspect anything.
For
Nike, the problem is, Rotimi is not the kind of man her family would approve of
as a husband, no money, no fame, no reputation – the son of a common teacher
they would say. According to her, marrying him would be perceived as a
scorn or ridicule to their royalty. Worse still, she's pregnant.
Rotimi
began to sweat;.‘You mean that powerful man is your father? I'm in trouble?'
Rotimi said, as though talking to himself.
I'm
sorry Nike, you'll have to abort this pregnancy; I don't think I'm in any way
ready for all this; this revelation is beyond what I or my parents can handle,
sorry let me go for my class, you're way out of my class.' Rotimi said to her.
Nike
laughed out loud, in agony, with tears in her eyes! That's impossible she told
him calmly, I can't, it's a taboo, it's forbidden, I'm a princess, if I attempt
it, I'll die. We are not permitted to abort as royals. I dare not take the life
of even an unborn royal blood.
Rotimi
got off the bed and sat on the bare floor of his bedroom away from Nike; he
looked at the roof and looked at the floor. Nike you have killed me; my life is
over.
Two
weeks after, Rotimi in the office was still trying hard to face his reality.
Nike is pregnant, she's royal, she's rich, he impregnated her, he's common
blood, he's poor – no name, no reputation, no power, no influence.
When
he travelled a weeks ago to inform his parents of all that's happened, they
were visibly shaken.
‘So
what do we do? I don't even have a house of my own, I have no car. How do we
match this royal family? How do we avert shame and disgrace? This is beyond
what I can handle Rotimi, its way beyond my power.' His father had lamented.
Rotimi
was jolted out of his thoughts and worry, when a tall, heavily built man
entered his office and bellowed a ‘hi son, how is work going' in Yoruba
language.
Rotimi
stood up immediately, Prince Adedapo is one of the oldest suppliers of spare
parts to their company, he is a personal friend to both the managing director
and the finance director, he was well known in the business and everyone
treated him with respect and with high regard.
Prince
Adedapo sat opposite Rotimi and began to speak. ‘Young man, I believe you
didn't forget the discussion we had last week. You must favour me this year o,
I'm bringing in a lot of parts and I'd expect you'll purchase from me. My
business isn't doing very well now; most of the companies I supply have shut
down and left the country, only very few of you are left, please support me on
this'.
Sir,
you need not appeal to me on this, I will do my best sir. I promise. Rotimi
responded.
Prince
Adedapo looked at Rotimi, look son, he said in low tones, I can make you very
rich, you'll make millions on this seat if you can collaborate with me; you're
not a small boy you know exactly what I'm talking about and you know what to
do.
Sir,
Rotimi began to speak standing up, you've made this kind of offer in time past
several times and I've made it very clear I'm not that kind of a person. I'm
honest and I have integrity, I wouldn't take a bribe and would not compromise.
I'm sorry sir, I'll do my best but I'm not interested in your offer, I'd rather
lose this job than compromise on my principles and integrity. Good day sir.
Prince
Adedapo looked at him, smiled got up and left his office.
One
week after, Rotimi, his parents and a few relatives approached a very big and
beautiful palace somewhere in the western part of Nigeria for the initial
introduction before the engagement and wedding ceremony.
They
were all, tensed, afraid and confused as they approached the palace.
Immediately they entered the palace premises, they were met by an intimidating
number of very high profile traditional rulers; haughty in looks and snobbish
in attitude.
‘Come
in “Kabiyesi” has been expecting you,' one of the women said without any
initial greetings. They all walked towards the king's visitors chamber to meet
with him, Rotimi's father's elder brother led, followed by Rotimi's parents
then him.
They
entered the visitor's court and all prostrated and knelt down to courtesy the
king.
“Kabiyesi”
didn't respond, he was indifferent, the “oloris”
did respond and some palace chiefs though, this attitude really made Rotimi and
his family feel little and unhappy.
Just
then from the inner chamber of the King, a tall and huge man came out; looked
at the visitors, paused suddenly and looked again, ‘Rotimi', he bellowed! ‘It
is you? You impregnated my niece', it was Prince Adedapo, the spare parts
supplier for his company, ‘prince, good afternoon sir!' Rotimi greeted
stammering. ‘Rotimi, you impregnated my niece, “Kabiyesi” is my elder brother'
Prince Adedapo announced to him.
Suddenly
Prince Adedapo began to laugh, he turned to “Kabiyesi” and said, ‘ your
highness, we are lucky, I know Rotimi more than anyone else here, he is a very
responsible gentleman, honest, decent with integrity, he's the kind of man Nike
should marry, I assure you your highness, this is a blessing! His royal
highness for the first time looked at Rotimi, and called his name, ‘ sir?'
Rotimi responded, prostrating flat on the floor, ‘My brother says you're a good
boy, I trust his judgment, welcome home, you can all have your seats',
“kabiyesi” concluded and began to smile, at that point Nike came out of the
inner chamber followed by her own mother and she ran towards Rotimi, everyone
busted out laughing.
Ladies
and gentlemen, Money will finish, fame and popularity would wane; only
excellence in character would endure and open uncommon doors for you. Becoming
successful and a great achiever require being principled and committed to doing
the right thing even when it's tough.
Every
compromise in life has been greeted with frustration and regret at the of the
day. Are you trust worthy, do you steal from your employers, do you cheat at
your company, do you compromise standards, do you have integrity?
Resolve
in your mind not to bow to any negative pressure you face in life today. Stand
for honesty and integrity at work and at play and you'll experience a
miraculous uplift though life. Character is powerful!
Enjoy
your day.
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