By Tony Okoroji
Tomorrow is my birthday. I have made no plans to invite Sir Shina Peters, my brother from another mother, one of the greatest live performers Nigeria has ever produced. SSP will not come and mount his equipment and shake up my neighborhood with his infectious afro juju.
During the week, I had the honour of speaking on the phone for a long time with my elder brother, the Professor, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, the undisputed king of Miliki sounds. We spoke about the welfare of musicians as we always do. I did not ask Obey to order his boys to set up somewhere this Sunday so that we can celebrate my birthday.
Last week, at the COSON AGM, I spent an entire day with Righteousman, the big Reggae star, who I am convinced is one of the most incredibly talented songwriters and live-wire performers anywhere in Nigeria, today. Also with me at COSON House were the likes of Alex O, Stella Monye, KSB, Steve Black, Oge Kimono, Koffi, Ashny and many more great musicians. I did not ask any of them to come and make merry with me tomorrow. That was deliberate.
I spent much of yesterday at home with KASI, one of Nigeria’s most effervescent of the new generation of songwriters and glamorous female performers. We spent the time with Deebee, Ijay, Peter and Abey, our TOPS Digital colleagues, working on the roll out of KASI’s new blockbuster song, “Shoutout!”. KASI, who has a multiple entry visa to my home, may show up tomorrow to eat some rice cooked by Mama Gbenga, my beloved house keeper. KASI can come dressed to kill, but not with any microphone, any loud speaker or a back-up band. There is no party. Tomorrow is not the day.
Tomorrow for me is a day for deep reflection and quiet thanksgiving. For those of us whose birthdays fall at this time of the year, we have the unique chance of reviewing both the biological year and the calendar year, all at once.
I will spend some of tomorrow praying for the many in our country who in this season of celebration, cannot celebrate because they are weighed down by the huge economic problems that have gripped our nation. I wish to plead with my friends who read Saturday Breakfast that this is one year when we should not give to those who already have, but help the people who have nothing to eat. It is in the same vein, that I beg any of my friends who may be planning a birthday present for me, to spend the money on someone less privileged than me.
As I reflect, I think of the last couple of years that I have had a battle with my health. I was admitted in hospital several times, and even went through surgery. However, this past year, I did not spend one minute on any hospital bed. Of course I had the usual repeated malaria attacks. My genotype is AA. I say to people that when mosquito is biting others, I get the malaria for them.
Please, join me in thanking the Almighty for my reasonably good health in 2024.
Like most Nigerians, I have faced the trauma of the crazy increase in fuel price, the unbelievable rapid depreciation of the Naira which has rendered much of one’s income worthless, the insecurity that has made almost all of us live on the edge. But, when I look at the mayhem across the world, I thank the good Lord that as bad as it is, our country has not fallen apart.
In my work, I do quite a bit of travelling. I have gone and come over and over again without any incident. There were several celebratory moments in my family this year: my daughter’s wedding in Maryland, my brother’s wedding in Lagos. my daughter’s new baby boy, madam’s recovery from surgery, etc. Last year, we lost Martha, my elder sister. This year, we’ve lost no member of the family. I cannot but thank the Almighty.
As I reflect, it is crazy how I have spent much of my life wrestling with man’s hatred. I have little material wealth but I have faith and happiness. I appreciate the grace that the Almighty has given me to work very hard, focus on every challenge and achieve results that please Him. I love the gifts He has given me and I have tried to use the gifts the best I can to His glory.
I have said before that I do not wish to be Dangote or Otedola or Ronaldo or Donald Trump. I am Tony Okoroji and I like it! I am a completely focused and proud Igbo man with fantastic friends from every state and every tribe in Nigeria and beyond. I consider tribalism to be the worst kind of illiteracy. I work hard, very hard and I do it almost always with a smile.
I know that the good Lord has given to each of His children, our peculiar gifts. I am totally convinced that the people who seem to do nothing else but talk about me can also do great things themselves if they will only focus on the gifts God has given them.
Not long ago, someone asked me how I have survived all the arrows aimed at me and all the horrendous harassment and torture I have been subjected to. I answered with my usual creed – I drive on a full tank of faith! When I say that I drive on a full tank of faith, I mean that I have full confidence that if what I am doing is to the glory of God and the good of his children, I cannot fail. As my tank is filled with faith, so are my tires filled with love and no obstacle or bump can stop me.
I have heard some people say that I am arrogant… No sir! What they consider arrogance is confidence. I am not so stupid that I do not understand that the wisdom and strength that I deploy do not belong to me but to the Almighty. How can I be arrogant when I know that the Almighty can take my life the very next minute if it pleases Him? I am not arrogant… I drive on a full tank of faith!
As you join me for breakfast this morning, let me say once more, that I am an unbelievably lucky guy. Every time I have been counted out, the Almighty has restored me. It has happened so many times, I have lost count. On social media, a guy once described me as a cat with nine lives. Believe me, this cat has lived more than nine lives!
I am humbled by the incredible energy the Almighty has given me. Whenever it appears like I am completely worn out, I look up to Him, and brand-new blood flows into my veins. For a guy who fails to go to church as often as he should, I have had the grace of God beyond measure.
I thank God for my brethren at COSON, the board, management and staff that the Almighty is using to do great things. May God continue to protect all of you.
Tomorrow, December 22, is my birthday!
Thank you, Father!
