ONLY A HANDSHAKE?

COME CLOSER

So yesterday, I got home pretty late from a meeting with the Governor and was about to hit the sack when I started getting tagged on Instagram and Twitter. Unbeknownst to me, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, posted about me (blushes in minor head-swelling), and among the beautiful accolades, which of course made my day, were the sprinkles of comments that made me rack my brain for a while. The certainty of some of the comments on the page left me wondering if my "village people" have started manifesting in shadows and silhouettes because WHO TOLD YOU?

I read more comments, "Mouth left open in further confusion." This story or another one? Na so you dey do for here? Another comment—additional discombobulation. Please, allow me to sanitize my eyes with the beautiful comments for a second while I prepare my epistle on the exodus of 15th August, 2024.

FIRST OF ALL

It started with a call from the organizers of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, informing me that we would be on a courtesy visit to the Governor to formally introduce me as the titleholder for 2023. My TG/PS also sent the same message, so I knew it was a given, but you know—fingers crossed. Sincerely, this was not my first time meeting the Governor, but this would be the first time the meeting would center around me.

"Mind trails to when I stayed under the sun for 5 hours to wave a tiny flag to the sitting Governor in my JSS3, only to end up seeing just the back of his Agbada and a trickle of sweat drop from my disappointed left eye."

Anyway, we got to the venue on the designated date, and I saw my people—Mr. Tayo, Mr. Emeka, Mr. Seye ... and I almost lost focus of where we were. See my people, see fresh gist and loss of composure. If not for decorum, the security personnel at the entrance would have wheeled me out of there with my Agege-laced voice of excitement. Mrs. Shade Morgan, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, was also on ground, and she left me in awe as she always does—Women in Power—chef's kiss.

Some minutes later, my TG/PS, the amiable Mr. Bashir Adebowale, arrived. Then I saw my Daddy, Daddy—the one and only Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. The father of a million plus and still counting children—Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun. I caught up and chatted with everyone till my cheeks hurt, and I feigned a bathroom break. I used this break to adjust my wig that was bent on frustrating my steeze because what in the world is this backward movement attitude. Have you not done enough?

IT WAS TIME

You know the feeling you get when you watch Kiefer Sutherland's movies where he is on covert operations? The adrenaline that pumps when you become a character in the story. I felt it. I felt transported to my secondary school - Lagos State Model College, Badore. Earlier, I had met two of my school mates in the Governor's office and in that moment I wanted to whisper to my Secondary School's Principal, Alhaji Bashir Gbadamosi- YOUR STUDENTS TURNED OUT ALRIGHT. The processional was playing in my head that I almost forgot where I was. Thankfully, I stood up in time to herald the arrival of His Excellency! Maybe I should consider vying for this position in the near future. Wait, I do not joke with my sleep pattern—fly away intrusive thoughts.

The meeting commenced with my introduction by the Honourable Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education. I was blushing in 3D when I heard the Governor call my name. He said I should say something too. Haaa! How? Excuse me, Your Excellency, this was not put on the agenda. Sebi, I should have used the time I was using to gist to envisage and plan this speech to avoid stories that touched. Well, lesson learned, aura unaffected, I stood up and did what my mother sent me to 6-3-3-4 for. I was not sure if it was well-put until I got my applause and appreciation. To crown it all, the Governor asked for my teaching subject and conveyed his approval. Please, tell me to go and clear a supermarket in your name; I made you all proud abeg. Lest I forget, Mrs. Shade Morgan delivered her speech, and it was phenomenal. You see why we need to put women in power? The poise, the conviction, the authority. That is my President-General among the Nation, don't play!

It was time for the Governor's Speech, and he exuded what I have greatly admired about him. The vision, the charisma, his leadership. This is a Governor who understands that an investment in education pays the best interest. Correct me if I am wrong. How many governors prioritize not just students, but also teachers? How many give 13 cars/SUVs to teachers at every Merit Award Ceremony? How many states have their Tutor Generals/Permanent Secretaries drawn from the classroom? Should we talk about the infrastructural development—the construction and renovation of school buildings, teacher training and welfare, scholarships and grants, education reforms? See, with what I was told will be coming up in a month, let me just drink my water and drop this cup before I decide to enroll in JSS1 again to enjoy these benefits.

TO WHAT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR..

Did I only get a handshake? Ladies and gentlemen of our noble profession, the answer is NO. I got a 3 BEDROOM FULLY FURNISHED FLAT married to the handshake. You can call me a Landlady when you see me drive by in the SUV I was given by the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The reward of hard work they say - is more work. See you in class!

HONORARY MENTION

Special thanks to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat; the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro; the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; and my Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bashir Adebowale. You are indeed pillars of hope for our generation. What you did for me on this journey cannot be quantified. A big thank you to His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State. May your passion and drive continue to transform Lagos State. Thank you for all you do.

I will not end this without a gigantic shout-out to my own Momo, Barrister Titi Margaret Solarin. You know the role you played and may God surprise you with blessings. Momo Omuaka of God, my hands are up to the Most High, calling for your upliftment.

On this note, I drop my pen to rest my retina.

GALLERY

Yours sincerely,??

Adeola Adefemi