BIRTHDAY: My Thanksgiving to Well-wishers

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If wishes were horses, I would’ve been the richest dude in Akwa Ibom yesterday because of the number of tributes that came in—in their hundreds.

But then the herd of those horses would have to be worth 95 or so million Naira to enable me to attain that exalted status since that is roughly what the State generates as internal revenue on a daily.

On a serious note, the love you showed me yesterday was massive and unprecedented—I haven’t felt so loved before. I mean, I had my feel of love yesterday.

I wish to express my sincere thanks for the goodwill messages from my family members, acquaintances, well-wishers and business associates across Nigeria and overseas. I painstakingly replied to each one of their messages. It was worth it, after all.

The content of the messages speaks volumes about the kind of friends I surround myself with or have a predilection for — great minds. From the emotional tone tributes by my close friends conveyed, to the very generous wishes from distant friends, I can boldly say that I am loved — which is why I return to say THANK YOU.

Many times, one’s birthday hardly comes and goes without bringing sober thoughts to mind—the meaning of life, purpose, achievements, failures, family and marriage as well as the unpredictable future which lies ahead. But in all these, I draw courage from those prayers and encouragement of yours and vow not to give up on the good cause or go below the standard I have set for myself. I will only amplify.

There’s a saying in my native dialect, Oron that goes thus: “Ngugu ewu okpi o”, which could be translated as “No imprecation or evil plot against a strong-willed and determined person can succeed”. I will succeed at whatever I set out to do by the grace of God Almighty. I am here to turn the tide. 

Thank you once again.

By the way, yesterday in Uyo the rain restricted a lot of movement and guys couldn’t toe the street. So put on your Gildan jacket and skanking shoes. Let the happy hour begins😀

Victor James Bassey

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