Month: September 2023

Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

eccl 11:7

I have eyes for the finest things in life, particularly the materialistic ones: wealth, homes, cars, gadgets, and technology. With time, I became blessed with my desires. Yet, when it comes to matters of the heart and relationships, I seek companionship. I cherish the company of good friends with whom I can share thoughts and experiences. Additionally, I deeply love the things of the Lord, finding fulfillment in serving and assisting the elderly in sharing their stories, choices, and wisdom. Sometimes, I envision myself living in such elderly scenarios, which continually enriches my wisdom. However, now, they have all passed away.

What brings me the greatest joy is perceiving things from the best possible perspective, making them work seamlessly, and witnessing people find happiness, hope, and contentment.

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Early in my life, I recognized the truth of the saying, “You can have lots of things, but you cannot have everything,” echoing the biblical idea that human desires are insatiable.

I come from humble beginnings, born and raised in the ghetto, specifically Somolu, and growing up in Bariga. In the ghetto, the ability to effect change where needed is what thrives best. Remarkable entrepreneurs often emerge from the ghetto. In a broader sense, life itself can be seen as a mix of both the ghetto and luxury, revolving through generations. I am grateful that despite my father’s modest start, he achieved wealth in the end.

In the ghetto, there are distinct classes, a concept reflected in the works of authors like Robert Kiyosaki, Benjamin Ravid, Bennard Cooperman, Mitchell Duneier, Bryan Cheyette, Elias Khoury, and legendary musicians like Majek Fashek, Lucky Dube, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and a host of others. When someone from the ghetto “receives” an education, they flourish, and when they delve into music, they triumph.

Our desires shape our lives. I have always yearned for a private life with my family, seeking comfort and contentment in doing the work of the Lord. Why? I observed that growth for me involved both comfort and struggles, a common experience for everyone, even the wealthy, although the nature of their struggles may differ.

What pleases our eyes is closely tied to our desires. As King Sunny Ade once sang, “What do you desire… Sweet Banana?” Here, “Sweet Banana” serves as a metaphor for the desires and preferences in our romantic relationships.

What pleases our eyes, our desires, may not align with the will of the Lord.

The allure of possessing things we admire can be powerful. I once heard the testimony of someone who traveled the world without a visa, illustrating the extraordinary possibilities in life. However, what pleases our eyes can also lead us astray, as exemplified in the story of King David, who, despite having the best women and concubines, coveted another man’s wife, leading to a lifelong curse on his household.

Ireoluwa, known as #MohBad, pursued his own pleasure and fantasies. I delved into his lyrics to understand his beginnings, struggles with family, education, and chosen career. Like many youths seeking to establish their own lives, he desired fame but ultimately faced its challenges. He might have excelled in various fields but pursued what pleased him relentlessly. So sad, he is gone at 27.

What pleases us can be the best thing that happens to us. In my life, I have attained everything I ever desired, yet encountered setbacks along the way. Have I made the right or wrong choices? Regardless, I am living my life, surrounded by a loving family and dear friends, with a child to care for and my loyal pet, Lucee.

Life in the ghetto is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. To break free from the ghetto’s limitations, one must align with what pleases God rather than personal desires. We are not created by our own will but by the spirit within us, bestowed by the Almighty. Even the most accomplished individuals face challenges, much less those born in the ghetto.

What you desire may not be what ultimately pleases you, but what pleases you becomes your desire.

If you have followed this narrative from the beginning, you may find yourself in the discussion. Be cautious about what pleases you, as it can lead to unexpected pitfalls. This message also serves as a reminder to myself, especially in regard to investment decisions. No matter how strong we may be, we all have significant weaknesses, and our only refuge lies in the grace of God. We only see what we wanna see, we never see what is coming (#Virtuoso).

Consider what pleases others, as this may be the path to satisfying your own desires. This, above all, pleases God and fulfills your desires. If this message resonates with you, feel free to connect via email: davakinwilliams@gmail.com.

David Akin-Williams

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: The Alumni Set’s Remarkable Journey

As we are gathering to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Alumni Set, it is a moment of immense pride and nostalgia. Two decades of growth, achievement, and unity have passed since this remarkable group of individuals embarked on their journey into the world, carrying with them the values, friendships, and knowledge acquired during their time as students.

Reflecting on the Past

The journey of the Alumni Set began in the hallowed halls of our beloved alma mater. It was here that lifelong friendships were forged, lessons were learned, and dreams were nurtured. Those years were marked not only by academic excellence but also by the camaraderie that bound us together. We faced challenges, celebrated victories, and created memories that would last a lifetime.

A Legacy of Achievement

Over the past two decades, the members of the Alumni Set have ventured into diverse fields, making significant contributions to society. From business leaders and innovators to educators and public servants, each of us has carved a unique path, leaving an indelible mark on our respective domains. Our shared commitment to excellence and the values instilled in us during our time together have been instrumental in our success.

Strengthening Bonds

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Alumni Set is the enduring sense of connection among its members. Despite the passage of time and the geographical distances that separate us, our bonds have remained steadfast. Reunions, both virtual and in-person, have rekindled our friendships and allowed us to celebrate our collective achievements.

Looking Ahead

As we mark this momentous occasion, let us not only celebrate the past but also look to the future with hope and determination. The world is undergoing rapid change, and the challenges we face are more complex than ever. Yet, the spirit of the Alumni Set remains undaunted. Our collective strength lies not only in what we have accomplished but also in our potential to shape a better future.

A Call to Action

On this 20th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to our shared values of integrity, innovation, and compassion. Let us continue to support one another, mentor the next generation, and give back to our communities. Together, we can be a force for positive change, making a lasting impact on the world.

Expressing Gratitude

In conclusion, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the Alumni Set. Your dedication, resilience, and achievements are a source of inspiration to us all. Let us celebrate not only this milestone but also the enduring legacy we are building together.

Here’s to 20 years of excellence, and to many more decades of success and friendship. Happy Anniversary, Alumni Set!

The General Secretary (Acting)