I have met a lot of people in my life and dealt with them at different levels. But I’m yet to come across anyone like this brother and friend of mine, Okunade Ojengbede, in terms of honesty and stark openness, especially in business dealings.
He lives and breathes honesty, and it is his signature character trait. I’ve never seen anyone whose honesty to partnership is this “top notch.” He leaves nothing to chance, and the need for self-preservation is uppermost in all he does. His discipline is exemplary.
He may not be swirling in billions, but what he has going is definitely not on the shelf anywhere in the world, even if you’re willing to pay billions in dollars. He is not in fallible but has set certain standards he’d never compromise.
In a society where survival is challenging and people are directly or indirectly encouraged even by the leadership to consider the worst of options, just to get by, Okunade is a game changer. He’d rather die than compromise his name and reputation. His words have always remained his bond.
Dear Brother, my relationship with you has taught me a lot more about life and friendship, and indeed, underscored the age-long prism that, “It is not how far, but how well.” I value what we share, respect the man you’re, and adore the principles that stand you out.
Therefore, as you celebrate your birthday, today, even though you have asked to be left alone from the usual pomp and celebration, to enable you meditate, I pray that the universe would never bring your way, temptations that could compromise your ideals.
May you continue to be the man we call “Mr. Honesty”, and live these ideals that have positively sculpted your worldviews, not to impress anyone or make situational capital of it, but because it is who you are.
Happy birthday, Baba mi, and many congratulations 🎊
