SACRIFICE IS NOT A MISTAKE.

This is one thing that does scare me about leadership. But not anymore. I will tell you why.

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I went to Jos for my NYSC in 2015. Following the motto; Service to Humanity. I knew it's a program that will give me great opportunities to explore.

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While in camp, I studied every one who was leading a group or the other. Including the Muslim Corpers' affairs on camp. It doesn't look as challenging as it was for me when I was in school representing my Department.

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Fast forward to April/May 2016. I had been getting myself improved as regards my religion. I attend lectures and also go to classes. I admire the prophet and his principle and I wanted to put them more into practice. Most especially, the aspect of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE and FIGHTING for A GREAT CAUSE.

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Then it was time to appoint new excos to lead the affairs of the organization. I had been thinking...Hmmm! Again! This is my time to serve my Land and also serve my LORD.

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At a time, they called for a congress. And I was part of the interviewees. The questions I was asked made me had the feeling that I was going to be made the Ameer. But I also had another feeling that there might be someone who is due fit for this than me.

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Being a positive minded person, I started thinking of several capacities that I can work in. Cos, I knew I will be taking a seat.

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I summoned my courage and started thinking so wide. But still, remained flexible. Cos I knew it's another moment of SACRIFICE.

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On the D-day. After several names were being called. But yet to hear mine, I felt so anxious. I started thinking... Hmm... Will the Ameer, Gen-Sec, Education Officer, or Gen. Sec.

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Finally, It was like my heart was used to ring a loud noise-making bell. My body started to vibrate. My legs become so huge from within. And I heard... Mallam Abdulhafeez Saka is the General Secretariat. With a deep sigh, I controlled my anxiousness and walked majestically to the podium. I pretended as if it was a normal call. But I knew I was chosen for something bigger.

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Another thought came in immediately, Abdulhafeez, you weren't appointed to be the Ameer (President). But the Gen Sec. What does that mean to you?

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While I soliloquize, I answered myself. The Gen Sec is the Mitochondria of an Organization. You have the skills, you have the character, you have the zeal. They've just given you what's best for you at this time. And there is someone out there that fits that position you were hoping to get.

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After this, I became my normal self. And I finally heard the name of the President. A very humble man who was never expected to lead such an organization at that time. Sure! He was capable. But he never expected it.

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They called him. And he refused to come out because he was thinking they made a mistake calling his name. It took some of us about 10 minutes to really identify that man in the crowd.

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Merely seeing him, I became so humbled. And I began admiring already. Yes, this is someone I'm going to learn from. I said to myself.

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Don't let me drive you to far. 
After hearing him out. I got to realize how busy he. And how challenging it was for him to accept that responsibility. As time goes by, he left some personal things to leg in for the huge task ahead of him.

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I called myself again, Afeez, are you sure you can also cope with all you do, and still be very active in this position. How will you manage this? I called for God's guidance after I became more scared than ever. I had to go to the Director of the school I tutored in. That was a sub-PPA for me.

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I said, sir like you've been informed that I have just taken a responsibility bigger than me. Now, my time is limited, cos I might need to excuse the school for a period of time. He said that's not a problem. I can choose when to come. Which I accepted. At least, I get some pay from this. I will manage.

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But trust me, it came to a point that I will be in class, and still receive a call that my attention is needed at a far distance. Sometimes at Mangu Camp. Most especially, when the Muslim Corp members are having issues on camp. It seemed so challenging. And I finally had to take an excuse from the school that I will join them some other time.

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With this, a lot became affected. Most of it was boiled down to finances. And at that time, I had limited knowledge about money management. Any request for help, I put my head in. I can even go far to borrow money to help someone whom I've never met before. And I will later use my NYSC allowance to pay up. I can't stress this much. I ran into serious debt in the long run.

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Imagine! Person wey no get money wey dey do GIVE-AWAY. Yes! It happens. Cos the belief is always that God will refund me in multiple folds.

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And the most challenging part of it all is what I'm going to share with you in the next post.

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Till then, continue to stay healthy and stay sane.

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I'm still your friend in humanity,

Afeez Olalekan, Saka.
Thought Leader| Youth Leader|Teens' Coach| Change Maker | 21st Century Parenting Advocate|TeachSDGs Ambassador| 08183352377