A Journey Back to Roots

There’s a proverb that says, “A river that forgets its source will soon run dry.” As I reflect on my journey back to my hometown, the Benin Kingdom, this wisdom takes on a new depth. For nearly a decade, I had been running—not away from my roots, per se, but toward a future so consuming that I stopped looking back. Perhaps it’s human nature to focus on what lies ahead, but in doing so, I unknowingly created a disconnect from the place that shaped me.

Returning to Benin, a city steeped in centuries of culture, resilience, and history, I felt a pull to reconnect. This was more than a trip; it was a rediscovery of self, a chance to explore the intersection of where I’ve been and where I’m going. Benin’s rich heritage, from the renowned bronzes to its royal traditions, stands as a testament to strength and creativity. Yet, for years, I’d distanced myself from it all, moving first to Akure—a city that became a new home—and then beyond.

Why do we run from where we came from? Was I running, or simply prioritizing the future? These questions lingered as I embarked on a journey that some might call reckless. A 700-kilometer road trip across Nigeria, beginning in Abuja, wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was an intentional act of stepping out of my comfort zone.

We left at 5:30 a.m., winding through roads that told their own stories. By 1:48 p.m., we arrived in Akure, my second home. It was a reunion of memories, friendships, and the chosen family I had built over six transformative years. These were the people who became my tribe—not through blood, but through shared experiences and unwavering support.

The next leg of the journey brought us to Benin, another 240 kilometers and three hours later. Stepping into my hometown, I was met with warmth, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. Friends, family, and familiar faces reminded me of the power of connection, of being part of something larger than myself.

And so, what began as a road trip turned into something much deeper: a reckoning with my roots and an understanding of the journey ahead. Thank “you”, yes “you” for making me go on this trip.

The Lesson in Risk

What compels a person to take a risky journey like this? To leave the familiar for something uncertain? For me, it was about more than the destination—it was about the process. There’s another saying that comes to mind: “Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor.”

This trip wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a metaphor for the larger voyage of life. Every road bump, every moment of uncertainty, mirrored the challenges I anticipate as I prepare for what’s next. Growth, after all, rarely comes without discomfort.

But isn’t that the essence of life? To take risks, to embrace the unknown, and to trust that even in the chaos, there’s meaning? As I stood in Benin, reconnecting with my past, I realized that this willingness to venture into the uncertain is also what shapes a leader.

The Journey and Leadership

Leadership, I’ve come to see, isn’t just about forging ahead—it’s about remembering the journey, the people, and the lessons that brought you to this point. How can I lead others if I forget my own roots? How can I inspire if I don’t take the time to reflect on what shaped me? And how can I be patient with others if I don’t first acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, working toward their own milestones?

In reconnecting with my tribe—both the family I was born into and the family I’ve chosen—I’ve been reminded of the importance of gratitude, humility, and the power of community. Leadership isn’t a solo act. It’s about creating space for others to thrive, acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions that make progress possible, and being patient enough to see them through their growth.

There’s a beautiful truth in patience: it allows us to trust the process, to believe in the progress of others, and to wait with faith, knowing that the seeds of today will bear fruit tomorrow. “Patience is bitter,” the saying goes, “but its fruit is sweet.” This year taught me that being patient with others, understanding that they might not be where they want to be yet, is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

And so, I ask myself: Am I the kind of leader who remembers? Who cherishes the journey and the people? Who isn’t afraid to take risks, but also knows when to pause and reflect? Who is patience with himself and others?

2024 also reminded me of the importance of trusting in God. Life’s uncertainties, its highs and lows, all weave together into a greater plan—one we may not fully understand in the moment. Trusting in God means believing that everything is working for our good, even when the road feels long and uncertain. Patience, in this sense, isn’t just waiting; it’s an act of faith.

As I look toward 2025, I carry this lesson with me. Life is a series of risks, reflections, and reconnections. The people, places, and experiences that make up our journey are all part of a greater story—one that’s constantly evolving.

So, here’s to the next chapter. To the risks worth taking, the roots worth remembering, and the tribe worth celebrating.

Cheers to 2025—a year of contribution, growth, gratitude, and leadership!