2023: The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Recently, I asked myself an honest question about this past year. “If I had to take a review of this year, what would I score myself?” 69%, I thought. Later it turned to 61%. Finally, I considered something around the 50-55% category. Taking a look at my catalogue of to- do lists, I wouldn’t have said I did the most, but God remains gracious in His mercies.?

Two weeks ago, I was invited to facilitate a session, and the host asked me a question I believe she carefully thought out. “What would myself in 2020 say about myself now in 2023?” And that got me thinking. In my very ambitious state, I didn’t realize how far I have come. I had to go back, open all the scrolls, and all I could mutter were words of gratitude. Who would have imagined a turnaround promised by being the youngest Nigerian Diana Awardee, and the accompanying newspaper features? I really had to pinch myself again and again. Only 3 years later, I have outlived all the dreams that kept me awake on my bed during the solemn nights of ‘20.?

This year came with ups. And downs. June 2023 was a defining moment to marvel at how the height of my passion has transformed to winning The Diana Award. And this helix of awesomeness doubled, tripled, and spiralled in many forms till December. It was a good year of bountiful rewards; God did programme this year to be of rewards. Again and again, I have seen enough to know that the cause of one’s life is a big unknown, firmly in our Creator’s hands and it takes some effort to dig out these things. And boy, did I.

I am the Master’s work in progress and I don’t mind the hacksaws that take out my rough edges. Though I am pained at my weakness, I know I have to take my strength beyond the borders of the possible. I didn’t write as I would have loved.? I didn’t ‘read’ as much as I always did. But, it is time to look ahead to bright ideas, community, discipline, stewardship in greater measures, responsibility and more introspection. Alongside Medicine & Surgery, I keep committing myself to that tough goal of leveraging the campus demographic in Nigeria to incubate groundbreaking innovations that can contribute viably to the economic prosperity of Nigeria and Africa at large.?

I want to thank God for giving me life and another chance at every breath of my life. I want to thank my family. I want to thank all my friends, and most especially, my headquarters. By numbers, I reinvent myself in cycles of 4-and-7-years, a trend I observed since 2016. Became purpose-driven in 2016, hit the gushers in 2020, and 2023 became that inflection point. Who says it has to be every four-and-three years to observe a trend? However, we know that 2024 will influence the plot of data and start a new trend. I assume nothing but remain hopeful of joy.?

I promise to start with lightning and smash the finish line with a thunderbolt. Forward by His Grace. Here comes The Auspicious Years.?

2023 Awards

Influence: God.?

Friend of the Year: Very hard to choose. Honestly.?

New Friend of the Year: Goodness Okusanya (He is more than a friend, and there is so much to say).?

Book of the Year: David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.?

Tweep of the Year: Destiny Ogedegbe .?

Person of the Year: Prince Ikpabi (What a balance of depth, stuff, range and distinctions!)

Happiest Moment of the Year: That moment in C33 when Oluseun Onigbinde announced my team, Team Lithium, as the winners of the 2023 Naija Policy Hackathon organized by Policy Shapers . What a moment!

Song of the Year: You Cover Me by Abbey Ojomu. (Not my most listened to song, but it gave and gives a different feeling that I cannot explain).?

Bible Verse of the Year: Romans 8:14 -15(MSG Translation)

14 God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"