By Otunba T J Abass
We are at the University of Warwick Coventry, in the beams of the spotlight which is cast on Princess Bayode Alimat Abass, my beautiful and dutiful daughter who has the world at her fingertips.
I remember with glee, how, about 6 months ago, she had asked a question which first got me bewildered before it swept a sense of pride through my spine and left my eyes teary.
Alimat had first asked if I knew Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa before she went ahead to educate me more about the towering personality who has not only become a household name in wealth but also leads in philanthropical gestures.
My daughter had driven the conversation like someone who knows her onions and she indeed does, having written her first book at the age of 15.
We concluded the conversation with my daughter crowning me her own Dangote.
She said, “Dad while I appreciate and applaud Aliko Dangote for his accomplishment, you are my Dangote, the Dangote of the family”
Thank you for putting me through one of the best Russell group schools in the UK. “Thank you Daddy Dangote”, she concluded
I was grateful to have raised a child who knows how to be grateful. Alimot is undeniably a chip off the old block.
Thus, the dawn of this day has birthed a new chapter in the life of my dearest princess, the warm glow of the sun symbolizing the end of her academic journey.
Today is not just another circle of 24 hours on the calendar, it is the balling into one, many years of hard work, dedication, and determination; we stand on the precipice of pride with eyes brimming with joy to see our beloved girl emerging like a butterfly from its cocoon and spreading her wings to embrace the world’s endless possibilities.
It is a celebration not only of her own academic milestone but also of our own journey as parents, our financial responsibilities, our emotional support, our laughter and tears, and our dashes of worry and anxiety about her safety.
Parenting, like a rollercoaster ride, is replete with ups and downs. Yet, at this moment, we realize that every challenge was worth it, every sacrifice a labour of love. It fills us with joy today to see the fruit of our labour.
But as the African adage goes, it takes a whole community to raise a child. So, amidst the cheers and applause, we cannot overlook the essential role of friends and family, those who have been part of this journey in one way or the other through wide and varied forms of support.
This unfettered support transcends time and space as you all have pended your activities and gathered from far and near to join us to put ice on this cake we have collectively baked for many years.
This tune of gratitude will be one note short without the due acknowledgment of the arrowhead of today’s celebration, the celebrant herself.
On this occasion, we owe you gratitude for bringing us grace and not disgrace.
This is a testament to your obedience, sense of morals, determination, and hard work.
You are not only deserving of accolades today, but you are also deserving of every good thing that life has to offer going forward because you have paid your dues.
So, the universe shall consistently cast its beautiful smile on you. Congratulations, darling princess!
The world is yours. Go into the world and capture the world.
Otunba T J Abass,
Your Dad, Your Own Dangote
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