NOW THAT I AM 40

I started writing this piece days before today so that I may have as much opportunities as may be necessary to capture the very details, I hope would help project what is now important to me as I clock 40.

Before today, I have read many greetings to other people who clocked 40 and it keeps ringing in my head what it is like to be 40. Well, now I am and interestingly, the day is still 24 hours and sky, blue. Does this then explain again that age, as many say, is nothing but numbers? Did we just decide to put meanings to everything? Super 5, Big 10, Sweet 16, 4th floor and many more.

Let me backtrack, when I started writing this article, I thought to myself, what if this day never comes? What if I die? These kinds of questions may sound morbid but I have come to understand they are real and true to the very existence of man. We shall one day, be away like atoms of the air and life will continue like we never were. If we are fortunate, we may live in others as a result of the love we shared, the kindness we showed, the good things we did and so on. However this plays out, whether I see this day or not, what would be most important to me is that I have spent every single day of the conscious part of my life being deliberate about the actions I take and knowing that beyond the opinion of men, I will be standing one day before an impartial Judge and give accounts.

Alright, enough of sermon, today is my birthday and I am here, (taking a stab at the fact that I actually made it.), what is today about?

I give thanks again to the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The best Planner and the Disposer of the affairs of men. The most Beneficent and most Merciful. The Lord of the day of Recompense. Alhamdullilah.

I am grateful for too many reasons and I don’t take today any lightly for I know the importance of every passing day measuring by those who have left, by those who look up to me and those I look up to. Measuring by the landmarks reached, the successes and failures, the tears and laughter, the ups and downs, the good and bad news, the losses and the gains.

I will see today beyond the greetings and messages, the foods and drinks and whatever fun it comes with. I will be sober and mindful of what is left to accomplish, where adjustments needed to be made, the lessons left to be learnt, and above all, what time is left to spend before I take a bow and exit the stage.

I know that today, I have spent X – 40 years. X being the actual number I am destined to stay for.

I will critically reappraise my role as a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a member of the larger community and above all a servant who knows there will come a day to give account.

I will not be hard on myself knowing that I have my faults and that I am just human but I will be more determined to make sure what is left counts more than the past did.

I have learnt in life that I owe myself the duty of happiness and that life does not revolve around me alone; to love myself more but not be selfish. To be confident and trust my instinct but not arrogant. To be deliberate about my connections with people and seek value as I add same.

Now that I am 40, I will take chances and follow my dream a little harder after all, I have just this one life.

I will love, live and laugh.

The journey to where I am today has not been a jolly ride but the current destination gives me reasons to appreciate where I am coming from and what lies ahead makes me want to keep going.

Which of the favours of Allah would I deny? None. I have been that guy that took an interesting dive at starting afresh. Nothing guaranteed but I took with me my firm faith in Allah knowing that what would be mine would be. Wriggled my way out of Alausa, Ikeja to the amazing skyscrapers of Downtown Dallas and Houston. Making my presence felt across the biggest names in the American corporate space. I didn’t give myself any chance; I just believed and kept grinding the mill and today, I can say, it only could have been grace.

In a life where nothing is guaranteed, everything counts for me.

I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, please note that at this time, I am sending out love, positive vibes and appreciation your way for your contribution in whatever way or form to my life journey. I am extremely grateful.

I may not know where this journey would finally end but I have decided to keep going and taking each day at a time. I will tie my camel and let Allah take charge.

On a final note, it is time to get used to who and what I have become. I have not a single intention to conform or adjust to fit one man’s idea of what I should be. I have chosen to live and left you the one important option to talk a walk and fly a kite, this is going to be me.

A very big shoutout to ‘Laolu. You have been solid and consistent. You threw in a blank cheque when nothing seemed sure. You believed and trusted me without reasons; you just did. You have been a friend and ally and a super mum to our kids. Thank you.

If Allah wills, I hope to make it start counting more going forward.

It is my birthday, let me fix a plate!

Alhamdullilah.

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19 Comments

  1. Alhamdulilah… happy birthday sir❤️❤️

  2. Alumona Michael Alman

    April 20, 2021 — 11:22 pm

    Happy Birthday Hem Hem, you came back with writing skills at 40…its my prayer that your path will always be graced. You will yet attain greater height, as you celebrate your fortieth may my good God bless and keep you. Wullnp

  3. Enjoy. Lovely write up

  4. Congratulation my brother.God will continue to add more to your Age.Amen.happy 40th birthday to you Mr oladipupo Elegbede……….cheers

  5. Adebola Jacob-Awolo

    April 20, 2021 — 11:58 pm

    Lovely write up. Happy birthday bro! Keep winning bro.

  6. HappyBirthday mabroda. You’re destined for greatness. Welcome to the fortified space – KD

  7. Happy birthday Hem Hem. Cheers to many many more

  8. Bakare Qasim 'Tola

    April 21, 2021 — 4:11 am

    May Allah spare your life to live very long for humanity. You are a brother, a friend and a great source of support to whoever Allah has made to come your way.
    ‘Dipo, I wish u many more success ahead. I truly look forward to a day when your impact would be felt as a leader in the whole of Nigeria. That remains my wish and I wouldn’t hide it.
    There is no sermon than the ones u have done already.

  9. Salisu Sulaiman Abolaji

    April 21, 2021 — 4:14 am

    Diplo,

    My brother, my friend.

    Its interesting reading this piece and knowing full well the sincerity that comes with every word used in this write up.

    Nonetheless, with sober reflections comes the stark reality.

    “You made it bro”, and thats whats up.

    Congratulations my brother and welcome to the 4th floor.

    May this day amongst many usher in immense joy and many more successes.

    You are a wonderful person and may Allaah continue to guard, guide and protect you as you move up the ladder of success.

    Cheers to been FORTIFIED brother.

  10. You have done well for yourself brother. You took charge of your life and decided to head in a different direction. I appreciate God for what He has done with you so far. To be candid, I don’t know how to place you while we were in Ife as Chemengers but alas here we are.

  11. Shall watch out for you to pursue your believe and actualise your goals.
    Many happy returns. I pray Allaah heals your soul and protect you from the evils of life.

  12. Happy bday baba

  13. Happy birthday sweet Hemhem

  14. Olukayode Majekodunmi

    April 21, 2021 — 7:52 am

    Happy birthday my brother of the greatest Ife. Your life has been very impactful and I sincerely pray Allah to let us have you around for another 50 something more years in good health, great wealth, fear and worship of Allah and importantly, more impactful life.

  15. Nice piece MM. Wish you the very best as your heart desires. Cheers!

  16. Uncle Dips happy birthday sir long life and prosperity in Allah’s mercy. Aunty Laolu Agbeke thanks for taking care of my uncle. Love you guys❤

  17. Wow…This is indeed a motivation…Continue to soar higher…Greater height on your birthday bro…

  18. Great thoughts, happy birthday baba

  19. Yisau Afolashade Fadhilah

    April 21, 2021 — 6:03 pm

    Congratulations Bro, may Almighty Allah continue HIS RAHMAN on you bijahi Rosululahi AAMEEN.
    Thanking you again for everything .
    Agunbiade Afolashade.

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