Dear Adebowale Muhammad Basheer Alabi

Today is your day, i have a reasons to celebrate you. Today is the day, my Inspirator, My biggest strength, My Motivator, and my missing piece of the puzzle was brought into this world. Today is your birthday.

Even though I don’t need a special occasion like this to realize that I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it, this is the day that I simply have to tell you how much you mean to me.

And that is exactly why I am writing this birthday letter to you – to wish you all the best and remind you that I love you, even though I don’t say it as often as I should.

Today is the day I think about all of our memories, all the milestones and obstacles we defeated together, and all the happy and sad moments we have gone through side by side. I remember our late-night phone calls, all of our shared parties, all of our serious talks, and all the fun we’ve had through the years. I remember the day I met you and the day my life changed for the better.

They say that everyone enters our lives for a reason. And since I met you, I’ve realized that this is nothing but the truth. Because fate had reason to send you to me when am in need of help.

From the day I met you, you’ve acted like my big brother and I had no choice but to let you in. You took care of me and you pushed me forward. Before I knew it, you became my biggest source of inspiration and the only person who believed in me, even in the situations when everyone else was ready to give up. The person who saw the good in me when I was at rock bottom and the one who had faith that I was destined for great things.

But at the same time, you were the only one who has always been honest with me and the only one who made sure I face the truth, no matter how harsh it is. The only one who pointed out my mistakes to me and the one who never hesitated to give me positive criticism.
Nevertheless, you never allowed anyone to point accusing fingers at me or to diminish me in any way. And that was when I realized that you thought of me as yours – when I realized how much you loved me. That was when it dawned on me how blessed I’ve always been for having you. On this occasion of yours, you deserve the best but this the little I can offer now, I know the future is bright and we shall get there soon.

I am Ibraheem Jamiu Omookose,
Special Assistant to Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor of the State of Osun, Nigeria.