HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABDUL!

The day he said we met is not the day I remember; it is not the day that registered in my head. The day I remember is when I walked into the office and stopped in my tracks. Seated at the far left corner was the handsome, dapper and suave looking man. He had this aloof aura about him that made me want to get to know him more. THAT was the day we became friends. His name? ABDULLAHI AHMED aka Mr. Chelsea aka Talba aka Mr. sexy voice.

Since that day, Abdul has been one of my best buds, my confidante, my inspiration, my friend, my brother, my prod, my anchor, my optimist and my realist (it might sound different but with Abdul, those two words are one and the same).

Abdul is one of the best radio/television presenter I know! He is GOOD at everything he does! Whether it is the news, programs, sports, entertainment or doing voice overs, he brings a flair to presentation that should be emulated! I remember when I used to be jealous of him. I wanted to be as good as he was with half the work he does; and boy does he work!

He would take up presentation materials and tell me to read them (as if he is my father) and though I may pout, I always read them. I remember all the days and nights where we would read and read and read and practice and practice and practice. Sometimes, he would seize my phone so I can concentrate on reading practice. I used to get mad then but today, I am appreciative of what he had done!

I have become a better presenter because my friend prodded me, told me I could, practiced with me and quite frankly, chided me. THAT IS WHAT FRIENDSHIP IS ABOUT!

Though I have been away from him these past few months, he has not once stopped inspiring me to be better, to reach for better, to see the bigger picture and to keep hope alive.

I absolutely love this man and I am uber proud of the man you are today, the man I know you are striving to be and in time, the man you will be remembered for.

On this day then, I wish you - ABDULLAHI AHMED TALBA - a wonderfully splendid birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR FRIEND!

I pray that GOD bestows you with wisdom, with knowledge, with understanding, with grace, with power and so much more. I pray GOD blesses you indeed, clothes you with his favor and paves the way for you to succeed beyond your greatest imaginations. 

And because you invest in people’s lives, I pray GOD sends people who will invest in your life manifold blessings and opportunities so that you fill in the shoes you were meant to fill.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEARIE!

PS: If I was in Yola, you know you will have to take me out for all this things I have written bah? That our fish and chips joint! LOL. Miss you much!