LIVING FOR OTHERS

- A TRIBUTE TO ADEOLU AKINYEMI @ 30

Yesterday, my mentor, friend, brother, teacher – Deolu Akinyemi, CEO Generis Solutions, Lagos Nigeria, turned 30. I’m writing this as a mark of honor in celebrating a great man who has lived his life for the benefit of others and in the midst of all that, has become an icon of the true measure of success which a lot of people strive to attain. You think he is young because he is just 30, but believe me, his achievements tower far above his age.

I have known him for 7 years now and I have heard about and witnessed the life of this great man. When he was an undergraduate-that was when I met him-he virtually spent all his time teaching tutorials to his classmates and junior colleagues. By the time he was in his finals (Part 5), he had to teach the 4 levels behind him almost all their courses. Recently, someone who met him earlier than I did said he had actually been in the habit of organizing tutorials for his classmates since Primary 6.

Since he started his working career as a HR practitioner, gathering experience with Procter & Gamble, WA and later Virgin Nigeria, and now his own brain child-Generis Solutions, he has always been into efforts that would impact the next person positively. His various seminars and trainings, which I have had the privilege of attending and sometimes being part of the organizing team, have always been value-adding for all who participate, with startling testimonies after. He is the country representative for Clubfreedom (an international investment club) in Nigeria and he has been doing a lot to get as many people in the club, invariably making us millionaires in a legitimate way.

To celebrate his birthday yesterday, he wrote a cheque of 1 Million Naira for Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos – what a way to celebrate your birthday. Also, he’s giving discounts on his services for this month.

I could write on and on about his selflessness but that’s not the point. The point is encouraging you reading this piece to begin to look at ways of living your life, not just for yourself but for others too.

Everyone who has made positive impact in our world is a person who lived not for himself alone but for others too. You do not have to wait till you become a multi-millionaire before you can impact others. `Deolu did not wait.

You have a smile to brighten the day of your colleague at work, a touch of comfort to that child who is hurting, a listening ear to that young fellow who needs a friend to talk to, a meal to share with that hungry fellow next door, some time to teach what you know to that person who does not know what you know, a word of prayer for that person in trouble, a lift to that neighbour who is almost late for work, a word of encouragement to that person who is going through a rough time… and so much more that you can give.

The most important gifts are not the most expensive ones but those that reach down to the recesses of the heart of the receiver to lift him/her up to a higher level. You have something someone else will appreciate, give it. You have a helping hand, offer it. You have a little money, spare part of it. You can actually live your life to better the lot of someone else. You might just be the Angel that fellow has been praying for. Be the answer to someone else’s prayer and watch God speedily answer your own prayers. What you make happen for others, more than that will God make happen for you because the harvest is always greater than the seed.

Live a meaningful and purposeful life; do not live for your self alone, live for others too.
To Pastor Dee – as many of us who knew him in school fondly call him – HAPPY BIRTHDAY. May your life continue to bring hope, joy, light, comfort and many good things to others, and as you do that, may you continue to increase in influence and fulfillment.