By
Dear Ubuntu,
As you turn eight, I write to you from a place of profound transition. Life has taken us on separate paths temporarily, as I pursue my education in the UK, leaving you, your brother, and your mother in Nigeria. The distance, though challenging, has given me time to reflect on the lessons I want to share with you.
Life’s lessons, Son, come in bits and pieces. We often cling to old beliefs, only to realize later that new understanding requires us to let go of what no longer serves us. Just as I have spent the last eight years learning, refocusing, and redirecting in my career and personal life, so too will you face periods of transformation as you grow older.
During my time at the National Assembly, I learned that leadership is not a straight path. It requires flexibility, humility, and the ability to see situations from multiple perspectives. The world is not simply divided into “us versus them”; there are always underlying reasons for actions and hidden consequences for decisions. Remember this, Son, as you navigate your own challenges in life, there are often multiple ways to approach a problem, and not every solution will be clear-cut.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that life, much like governance, is not just about pursuing a singular goal with rigid determination. Instead, it’s about understanding the dynamics of human interaction, building relationships, and being open to new possibilities. As you grow, you’ll learn that true strength lies in the ability to adapt and to work through challenges with patience and empathy.
Dear Moyoade, persuasion is a vital skill, but it doesn’t come naturally to most. It requires a deep understanding of others, the ability to connect with them on a human level, and the wisdom to know when to set aside your ego for the greater good. Never underestimate the power of persuasion, but also recognize that it’s about leading others without overpowering them.
As you navigate the ups and downs of life, remember that the bird that soars must have strong wings. Like the uroboros, the serpent that swallows its own tail, life is an endless cycle of needs and desires. Be content with what you have, even when others may see it as a lack of ambition. Run your race at your own pace, for in the end, it is not the speed but the endurance that matters.
Over the past year, I’ve faced my own challenges in adjusting to a new environment, re-evaluating the bonds that tie us together as a family, and learning some tough lessons about life. These experiences have taught me that while the excitement of new beginnings is exhilarating, true success lies in the substance, not just the appearance.
Son, be cautious of those who bring you down, whether they are friends or family. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, who challenge you to be better without causing you harm. As Virginia Woolf said, “If you do not tell the truth about yourself, you cannot tell it about other people.” Live your truth, and let that guide you in all your relationships.
Finally, remember to live a life of contentment. As Samuel Taylor Coleridge said, “Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends.” Strive for both in all you do, and create your own “Elysian Fields”—a place of perfect happiness and peace, regardless of where life takes you.
As Charles Dickens wisely advised, “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” Carry these words with you as you continue to grow, and know that no matter where I am, I am always with you in spirit, guiding you through every step of your journey.
Happy 8th birthday, my Son. You are cherished beyond words.
With all my love,
Your Father,
Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni
