Femi Owolabi: One "Good Human Of Nigeria" (GHN)
“Never judge a book by its cover.” This lesson became more prominent for me after meeting with Femi Owolabi about a year an a half ago.
My wife was to do a story on him for Facebook and I, the visual. We got to the venue of the meeting minutes before him.
‘I am sorry, should be with you soon,’ the voice from the other end re-assured.
Since we had never met before, it was quite difficult to put a face to the gentle voice. Minutes later, someone came into Mr Biggs with a bag strapped to his back. His fingernails? Too long for a gentleman. His look did not match my mental image of him.
'This can never be Femi,’ something within me told me. He moved towards us and before other thoughts would come up again to contest his identity, 'I am Femi Owolabi,’ he declared, stretching his hand for a handshake. I obliged then consistently looked into his eyes in utter disbelief as he spoke of his narrow escapes from death.
After the interview that lasted for over 1 hour, my impression of him changed.
Since that meeting, he has consistently championed causes that better human lives, particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria. People from the IDP camps will forever be grateful to him. His recent effort, like his past efforts, in bringing succour to Abu’s father is commendable. Abu’s eyes were plucked out by suspected ritualist and Femi has been at the fore front of ensuring that Abu’s life continues despite that--he raised funds to ensure that Abu returns to school.
Nigeria needs humans like him who will do things without thinking of personal gains. We need men like him to remind comity of nations that all hope is not lost in Nigerian youth.
He is one Good Human of Nigeria!
This is also for other Good Humans of Nigeria out there who work with Femi. And other GHNs who do good things despite Nigeria. Keep being the light, despite the darkness, only then can light overcome darkness.