I awoke at 1pm this afternoon after a long trip to Colombo. I had saved my birthday reminder on my phone and that of a birthday mate- Oluchi Okorie, so as soon as I put on the phone, the reminders beeped one after the other. Then a surprise, the third reminder was from my sister- Queen, who, I believe, knowing that I will not be around, had saved the message on my phone. It read ”happy birthday Dabesaki.” I was so happy, my day had just began. I have just been reading all the BD messages from many people, even unexpected people. Thank you all for making my day!
Come to think of it, I am 27 years old today! I am growing old so very fast, only a couple of years ago, I was a young activist working and promoting youth involvement in the multi-sectoral approach to address AIDS at National and international levels! Today, I am much older, alittle more experienced, and even more committed to the empowerment and education of young people. I have been working all day today and have not really had the chance to enjoy myself as I should, but I have managed to spend some 15 minutes by the Indian Ocean which is actually overlooking my hotel.
Will share more on my trip to Sri Lanka later.
I have been travelling alot lately. This is the fourth trip I will make outside Nigeria in the last one month, 3 to the UK and one to the United States. This trip is particularly spectacular, I have been invited by His Excellency to join him on a visit to the state of Misissippi, where he is making the keynote presentation at the inaugural Africa and the World Seminar. His presentation will focus on: Oil in the Global Economy: Nigerian and the United States’ Interests.
Travelling on British Airways, I took advantage of the 5-hour stop in London to quickly head to town to buy a few items I could not get before leaving home. On my way back, I slept off, given that the train will take at least 30 minutes to travel from Elephant and Castle Station to Heathrow. I was awoken by a young man from South Africa who had expressed concern that I could get pass my stop. I was extremely impressed by his concern and courtesy, given that people hardly care about others in such environments. However, the truth of my new friend’s courtesy unravelled when he started to explain that he had just arrived in London the day before and was stranded…you can almost say the rest. I am not certain how I managed to believe him, but I had to part with two pounds.
On arrival in Dallas, we missed our connecting flight to Jackson, so we had to wait for the next available flight which was in the next 3 hours. We finally arrived in Jackson at about 9pm. It was quite interesting to see the security and motorcade which was awaiting the first family. I always took it for granted that Nigerian leaders are hardly accorded such honours. I was very proud that I could be part of this moment. After checking in at the hotel, I have just quickly read my emails, so after posting this blog, I will go to bed. Will write more on this trip later.