At any point in time things happen for a reason. And destiny has a way of playing a role in our lives. Sometimes, where one finds himself may affect or decide his destiny and future. For all the years I lived in Nigeria, I was never privileged to see or meet any Nigerian president dead or alive except on television or newspaper. As fate would have it, here in Spain by virtue of my position of work at the busy Madrid International airport, I have been privileged to meet not just prominent Nigerian leaders and citizens, but other famous people and !who is who! in the world. And I have used my position to serve my country as I have always rescued and helped out many Nigerians both old and young that get stranded because of one thing or another at the airport.
June 24, 2014 was another great day for me at work. This was a day I met one of the most prominent Nigerian leader, former President Olusegun Obasanjo popularly called Uncle Shegee. This is a man I have heard, and read much about him. But I never knew I would ever meet him under the circumstances we met. While I was waiting for the sub-way tren that shuttles between terminal 4 and terminal 4s, which is the International wing of the airport where I work, I noticed the presence of three black men, two men and a lady. As it is in my character to always pay attention to Africans especially Nigerians I meet at this complex airport as I know that they don’t receive the best of treatment mainly because of language factors. As I approached them, I noticed a very familiar face which resembled the face of Uncle Shegee I used to see in television and newspapers.
He was dressed in a normal white agbada without anything spectacular. But still looking strong and active, walking without staggering. And the following conversation ensued between us;
Good evening Sir, please where are you traveling to?
OBJ, good evening, I am traveling to Malabo.
Sir, your face looks very familiar, are you the former President of my country Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo?
OBJ; No I am his twin brother, laughing…
Then, my observation is not too far from the mark, but I can’t remember him having a twin brother, it was never mentioned and this my first time to hear that.
OBJ; He was always at home, still laughing…
I maintained a steady gaze on his face and noticing my curiosity he opened up and replied;
I am Obasanjo, while offering a handshake.
Ooh! It’s my pleasure meeting you Sir.
OBJ; Do you work here?
Yes, I work here.
How is Nigeria Sir?
OBJ; Nigeria is fine. I hope you do contact home?
I contact home, but the news and information I receive about Nigeria is very disturbing.
OBJ; Things will get better, you people should always pray for the country.
Yes Sir, I believe that things will get better as nothing remains permanent in life.
While on the tren, I offered him a copy of the book, The Road We Traveled, A Memoir of Two Worlds, written by me. And he asked what the book is all about. I told him the book is about childhood in Nigeria and about the experiences living in abroad. He commended me and said he will read the book.
We talked about Nigeria and Nigerians in diaspora. I used the opportunity to let him know the hard conditions many Nigerians in Spain are going through as a result of the economic crisis, which has forced many to turn to Beggars.
To that he said he has always told Nigerians abroad that Nigeria is not that bad and that they should come back home if their situation abroad is not favorable. I accompanied him and his aides to locate their boarding gate and they thanked me.
But to my surprise, the OBJ I met is different from the picture of OBJ that has been created in my mind from what I have heard and read about him. Uncle Shegee seems to me a very simple, jovial, humorous, and down to earth person contrary to my imagination. I am happy I met him in person.
This is a man I would have needed a god father to meet, but God who is my God father made it possible for us to meet under the circumstances we met. Uncle Shegee remember to contact me as you promised, who knows if I am your legendry twin brother as my sister even said that we look alike in my danshiki attire..
