2024: Boundaries in Kindness
This year has been a rollercoaster so far—ending on a heavy note with tragic plane crashes and the passing of Jimmy Carter, a genuinely Christ-like figure who inspired so many, especially us Baptists. He reminded me a lot of Gamaliel Onosode, someone I admired profoundly and was lucky enough to shake hands with many times at New Estate Baptist Church.
Just yesterday, I got the heartbreaking news of Mofehintoluwa Koye-Ladele’s passing. He was full of energy, ambition, and potential—someone you just couldn’t imagine leaving this world so soon. His words still echo in my mind: “If the struggle continues, when shall we overcome?” I wish I’d had more time to engage with him, to truly connect. He believed in the ideas I stood for, and I’m left mourning what could’ve been. Rest in peace, Mofehintoluwa.
But life is full of its own messy surprises. This year, I learned just how quickly things can spiral — from entitlement to jealousy, envy, hatred, and even violence. It’s tough when you try to lead with a good heart, believing there’s enough room in the sky for everyone to fly, only to face betrayal. My CAC District Superintendent once said betrayal is like shedding blood — it’s its own form of violence. And this year, I felt it deeply.
The lesson I’ve learned is this: being kind-hearted is great, but there has to be balance. When your kindness becomes a crutch or even a stumbling block for others, it’s okay to pull back. Like Adekunle Gold said in that viral tweet: “Took me a while, but I can confirm now that in this life, you need a sprinkle of wickedness to thrive. Kindness go turn you to mumu.” At the same time, I hold onto the words of Ama, a BudgIT staffer who recently moved on: “You’re a great man, don’t let the world change you.” And then there are moments that touch your soul — like when a staff member I had to let go still prayed for me. It’s those reminders that, despite the evil masked as friendship, the world remains livable because the good outweighs the bad.
This year has also been about juggling it all — work, family, and everything in between. I tracked my movements in 2024 and realized I spent 210 nights in the U.S. That’s 314 hours of flying — basically 13 straight days in the air! My wife would probably argue it felt like even more. But I’m trying my best: squeezing in my daughter’s piano recitals, family trips, moving houses for better schools, BudgIT meetings, and Ogbomoso commitments. Somehow, it all gets done. To God be the glory.
In Nigeria, my time has felt rushed but meaningful. I got to speak at The Platform, surprised my friend Niyi Agunloye multiple times (from his birthday party to showing up in his Saskatoon car park), and, on a personal note, tick off the Master’s degree box at George Washington University. Now, the family’s expecting a doctorate — I can’t let them down!
The world keeps spinning, though, doesn’t it? Donald J. Trump is back as President, Russia and the West are still at odds, Israel and the Arab world remain divided, and the U.S.–China shadow battle looms. AI is reshaping everything — from policy to business. It’s a wild time to be alive.
Reading Achebe’s A Man of the People on a single flight gave me new insight into Nigeria. It felt like it was written for 2024, not 1966. As Mr. Tunji Lardner often reminds me: “You can’t use technical solutions for cultural problems.” Nigeria is deeply religious, yet its values feel so cheap. We shout Hallelujah in the morning and inflate contracts by evening. Zero Olympic medals, skyrocketing inflation, biting poverty—it's a lot to take in. But as Yemi Adamolekun says, we can’t let the charlatans have the final say.
I am so glad that I can hit the final lap after an accident in Maryland woods on the eve of my birthday that nearly wrecked my 2022 Hyundai Elantra. I found mercy, in copious amount.
For 2025, I’m focused on perseverance, finding balance, and making the most of what’s available. It’s a big year — I’ll be turning 40! God willing, it’s time to celebrate His mercies and keep pushing forward.
See you at the top
Awards
All the Glory: God for keeping strong and steady, waving off evil
Friend of the Year: Gabriel Okeowo. Thank you for always being dependable, staying true to the mission, and being willing to pick up a call at odd hours. I know it might seem like a boss-subordinate relationship, but there’s genuine friendship in it, and I truly value that.
New Friend of the Year: Olubankole Wellington “Banky W” — he moved to Washington D.C axis and it has been great to be in touch with him
Book of the Year: A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe— I must fix my book reading culture. I really enjoyed Achebe this year. Why did I only read Things Fall Apart over the years?
Tweep of the Year: @oluwaseun_alaka
A very engaging personality that has lots of banter to give. From the rollercoaster life of Chelsea to Nigerian governance, politics and life, there’s a lot to share. Wishing you a great 2025.
Person of the Year: Aliko Dangote might seem like an unusual choice, but I had the privilege of touring his massive complex, and I couldn’t stop marveling at the sheer audacity it must have taken to build something of that scale. Considering the immense challenges he had to overcome, it’s incredible that he chose this path instead of quietly stashing his wealth in the Cayman Islands like so many others. He’s far from perfect, but my respect for him skyrocketed after that experience.
Happiest Moment of the Year: I graduated from George Washington University after completing my master’s program. Everyone says I don’t need a Master’s degree, but I genuinely wanted one but never had the time.
Saddest day of the Year: Losing Mofehintoluwa Koye-Ladele was a very low point, considering that I knew his family and how they still struggle with a recent loss. Grim
Song of the Year: Belong to You by Fave; I really like her voice and everything she did in Kante and Deep. When will I get a gospel song as song of the year?
