RITA DOMINIC, KEMI ADETIBA, JUDE ABAGA (M.I) AND THE THEORY OF GOODWILL.

“2022 is a strategic year. Don’t waste it.” This has been one of my songs since 2022 started. And it’s true.

If you have followed the energies of love on social media, you’d notice that this is the year that long waited-on bachelors and spinsters seem to be announcing their decisions to commit to a marital experience. It feels so heartwarming and beautiful.

Rita Dominic, the quintessential beauty and screen goddess, got married this week in a pseudo-private ceremony that was absolutely colourful. There seemed to be an unwritten agreement by virtually all and sundry: WE ARE HAPPY FOR HER.

I don’t think people are necessarily being happy because she got married. I feel that people are happy that ‘our stainless, scandal-less Rita; our own Rita’ got married. It is ABOUT THE PERSON; not the event.

Some months ago, the iconic owner of the KING OF BOYS idea, Kemi Adetiba shared a short video on IG. She was crying. It was a surprise proposal by her lover, Oscar, who brought the King of Boys herself, Sola Sobowale, to Ghana as a surprise package at the proposal. It was an emotional video and I am yet to read anywhere anyone who has any grouse about that. We can safely surmise that everybody loves Kemi Adetiba and is happy she’s getting hitched. Again, it is NOT about Kemi getting hitched. It is more about KEMI HERSELF.

Barely 6 weeks ago, Mr Incredible, the Short Black Boy from J-town, Jude Abaga “M.I” shared a ‘movie’ introducing us to his wife-to-be. Damn… the feeling on social media was so pure. It was like ‘oh M.I, this is so lovely.’

I can go on and on about more examples… but this is the main story behind my examples…

GOODWILL BREAKS PROTOCOLS, AMPLIFIES GRACE and ESTABLISHES MORE GOODWILL.

When you see a person who seems to effortlessly succeed, or is making smooth progress or is at peace focusing on growth or has ACCESS for him/herself, his/her family and loved ones, check the undertone… you would most likely find GOODWILL AT WORK.

As a businessman, I have enjoyed tremendous goodwill from ‘forever’. I typically remember an example or 2 as follows:

As a Corper, I was rejected at my PPA after 3 weeks of working there and I was stranded. It was my first time in Lagos. I knew nowhere. But immediately I reported back to NYSC office, more than 8 fellow corpers were rallying around several organizations to find me a place. A staff of NYSC had to ask me: ‘wherever your parents are, send them a “thank you” message. It is their goodwill that is fighting for you now.’

As a businessman, I enjoy goodwill from people whom I have never met. Just by meeting me, after a few seconds, they get drawn to me and want to help me. I have enjoyed UNRESTRAINED HELP virtually every day.

I am a believer in goodwill. Big time!!! How does goodwill happen?

1. Choose to love people because they are human beings. Not for any other reasons. Many people have been damaged by their upbringing. They are arrogant, snobbish, pained, traumatized, etc. But despite this, we can demonstrate that we love them enough to provide help and guidance whenever we can afford to do it. HELP BEGETS HELP. If you help, it comes back to you.
2. Be Genuine. As much as it lies with you, try to be as authentic as possible. When you flop, own up. When you make a mistake, own up. When you are appreciated, embrace it. Accept praise and learn from correction. Be real.
3. Mean well for others. Always try to be happy with those who are happy and mourn with those who mourn. Don’t always put the spotlight on yourself. Be generous with your light. Give it. Share it. Be excited for people and show concern for people too. When you genuinely feel for others, it comes back to you.

There is a lot I desire to share about goodwill because it has been my singular strategy for success so far. Goodwill has helped my relationships and leverages. It is why I have a very strong, growing tribe and ecosystem. Goodwill is king.

May God teach you deeper than I can. Amen.

m a k t u b!!!

The Octopus.