Thirty-three years ago, fate brought us together as young journalists at The Sunday Magazine (TSM). Little did I imagine that our shared passion for storytelling, intellectual curiosity, and untrammelled thirst for excellence would forge an unbreakable bond between us.
But I confess that my brother, I call Dem inspired this bond and indeed nurtured it. And it’s simply because of his amazing persona .
Dem is a warm and friendly guy, with a perpetual smile that could light up gloomy room and put those around him at ease. His relaxed demeanor makes him easily approachable and easy to talk to. Still, Dem wouldn’t speak to you straight. He must coat his words with a tinge of humor. I used to wonder what kind of guy he was because we were young and he was in fact petit. Forget the rotund man you see today. In fact, forget even more , his tommy. Lol. That Dem was smart and sprightly. His intellectual , incisive and analytical power compelled my recognition. Yet his gentle sense of humor was in itself arresting. He knows just how to diffuse tense situations and bring people together. Demola is the unbreakable thread that still connects all our colleagues and friends, 33 years after our first rendezvous in an incredible paper.
Demola’s patience confounds.
His amiable nature is evident in the way he listens attentively to others, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. From our first day, he came across a good-natured and empathetic young man who was always willing to help in the course of our assignments.
As we navigated the ups and downs of our careers, as we left that confluence of passion and intellect , TSM, a magazine that defined our careers and remains an infinite inspiration, our friendship remained aglow, strengthened by our commitment to professional integrity, scholarship, and family values. Despite our differences in tribe and faith, our connection has only grown stronger, a testament to the power of shared values and mutual respect.
One of Dem’s most sterling and indeed admirable qualities is his kind heart and compassionate spirit. His intense empathy and an accentuated willingness to lend a helping hand to those on the brink can only be described in reverential tones. Because he could totally sacrifice his conveniences to assure the happiness of others. He is able to connect with people with starkly different characters and callings, from the intellective and cultivated to those at the ebb of the economic ladder. I stand in awe of his sunny personality in some of these moments. Dem and I share everything. But his patience ? His willingness to listen to nearly everyone and almost on any subject leaves me astounded. I can’t learn and still not in a hurry to emulate this part of him because it will be both a taxing and dizzying mission. Lol.
Above everything however, the greatest thing about Dem, something that truly inspires me and would inspire everyone , even the self-centered Gen Zees, is Demola’s passionate and uncommon love and devotion to MAAMI… his mother. May God bless her soul.
Demola spoke to his mum at least three times a day, even more. They’d speak on phone and next on video. And this was a mother in her 90s.
What exactly could they be talking about , I used to wonder. And Dem would speak with the same fervour laced with endless laughter. And he would sacrifice his last dime to meet Maami’s needs and more.
Indeed his devotion to his mum, I dare confess, sent me on a journey of rare retrospection. I started wondering if I showed my own mum enough love despite our closeness. Unbelievable !
Dem is simply incredible.
In today’s world where sibling love and shared memories are quickly overlooked, my brother, Otunba Ademola Adedoyin’s dedication to not only his mother but his elder brother and siblings is a shining example.
That Dem and I founded an avant-garde PR/Media Relations company, an SPV, 33 years ago, and still running it till today, succinctly put, tells our our story, our odyssey and indeed, our bond…an unbreakable bond.
My dearest friend and brother, as you celebrate another year of life, as we celebrate with you, I stand to salute you. I salute where we are coming from and where we are still going.
I hale you for being an exemplary friend, a consummate working mind who seamlessly blends professionalism with empathy while offering invaluable insights. Your kind heart, compassionate spirit, and devotion to your family are qualities that make you a treasure to behold.
May this special day mark the beginning of another year filled with joy and good health as you extend the frontiers of success. May your life continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who encounter you.
Happy birthday, my dear friend and brother !
Congratulations !
GOD BLESS YOU. AMEN !!!
Written by : Ademola Adedoyin
Ademola Adedoyin is a top Nigerian communication strategist, publicist, and reputation management expert.
