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Weekend Lessons From My Coach: Fela DUROTOYE
Experience a day in the life of FD as he beats the odds to cover 5 states in 2days...

 

(The improbable and exciting Journey from Lagos to Portharcourt, Bauchi, Jigawa and back to Lagos in 2 days)

Our weekend started on a high note and ended on a much higher note.

We (Fela, Harris and I) started an impropable journey on this fateful Saturday morning. Our itinerary will take us to PortHarcourt where Fela will have a brief stint, speaking with the British Council. From there, we are to proceed to Abuja enroute to Bauchi state where Fela is a keynote speaker at a “Deliver the Future “ conference. Our final destination is Jigawa before finally heading home. That was the plan we hope to make happen in just 2 days (Saturday and Sunday).

Did I hear you say wow?

Lesson 1… you can attempt the impossible

Our driver from the British Council got to VGC almost 45mins late which meant that our 6.50am flight to Port Harcourt is in doubt. He drove like the new James Bond and manoeuvred; pretty much like an angel. I was in constant communication with FD and Harris as well as on the case of the Aero officials to figure out what to do; whether to buy the ticket or simply to wait for the next flight which is by 8pm and by implication, our impropable journey is very much in doubt.

Lesson 2… Set your eyes on the horizon

We made it! The flight set out by 7.30am and the probability of success is revived. We got to Port Harcourt in record time; only to discover that there was environmental sanitation, which means the British Council participants will not arrive till 10.30 to say the least. We just got confirmation that our 2.30pm flight to Abuja has been moved to 11.30am! Very hurriedly, Fela autographed his book, the 17 Secrets of High Flying Students and presented it to the British Council, P/H centre, took some photographs with the coordinator and introduced Steve Harris who would now facilitate the Leadership & Development Session for the British Council.

 

We headed for the airport to catch an 11.30 flight to Abuja. We made it and the protocol team from Bauchi (Bayo & the driver) were on hand to take the 6hour trip. Before we set out, Fela made it known to Bayo that he is wary of over - speeding which he communicated to the driver.

Lesson 3…Raise Leaders instead of Followers

 … Communicate your Values at first Sight

FD remarked that he was grateful that he had people like Harris who had developed capacity to take up his responsibilities without flinching.

And so, the trip began. We started on a high note and with some distance covered; the anxiety of overspeeding crept in an alarming rate. I spoke softly with the driver to take it easy, FD equaly did the same, but, it fell on deaf ears. When we could not bear it any longer, FD told the driver, “if your speedometer exceeds 120 mph, you have simply told me to get out of your cab”. Then, the unbelievable happened! The driver sped up to 140 mph and when FD complained,  shouted at FD, saying “Who do you think you are” and using derogatory words which I’m still trying to comprehend as I write. Of course you know that while FD might keep quiet, I won’t, and I didn’t. He then proceeded to drop us off in the middle of nowhere and drove off. Yes, he drove off! Our first hosts were flies swarming like bees around us and FD’s hands were busy throughout the 1hr 45mins spent on the roadside…

Lesson 4 … whatever it will cost don’t compromise your value

  … You cannot change what you are unwilling to confront.

However, God sent an “angel” who stood by; watching the unfolding event. The “angel” had a 20th century bike, looked like a 19th century farmer, but he was still an angel. I rode with him to the nearest town which was 45mins away from where we were dropped. The road seemed endless as I had to get a car in order to continue our journey. We eventually got a 19th century 505 station Wagon “car -cass” which stopped 5 times on our way to Bauchi (3 times to adjust its throttle, 2 times to change his plugs and to fill in water to his “radiator”. The car seat is out of this world, the noise like the sound of many waters and the smoke from the exhaust filled the “temple” but we did not exceed 120mph, he couldn’t anyway, even if he tried. We made it to the conference by 8.40pm and FD spoke for 45mins taking a cue from our experience to “Deliver the Future” once again emphasizing the 10 values of true Nigerians.

Lesson 5… your journey may be delayed, but you will reach your destination Just in Time.

 … Heaven always sends timely help on your way to fuflfilling your assignment.

By the time we were done, FD was exhausted and I was spent. Then the group that invited us then wanted to have 15 minutes with FD. I totally refused but later caved in to their request with the express agreement to spend 15minutes. He began slowly and then suddenly, his voice was amplified and he taught with incredible passion for an hour and I wondered what else could make this happen other than the Spirit of Might. Would you believe that the driver that dropped us in the middle of nowhere came with his wife to apologize! He was a member of the church we were heading to!!! Butinstead of taking responsibility for his action said “it was the devil”.

FD told him that he already forgave him before he left and that if what happened would lead to his deliverance from the spirit of anger and pride, his mission to Bauchi is accomplished. We went to bed around 1.30am.

Lesson 6… there is a spirit of might that is assigned to energizes you on your assignment. Forgiveness is seeing your offender as someone needing help rather than someone that needs to be punished.

 

We woke up early to set out to Jigawa. A 20th  century car took us on a 4hr journey. We saw breath-taking hills on our way. We saw a tree that has no leaves. FD asked Bayo (our protocol officer )about the use of the tree; he turned to our Hausa driver who told us that it was used for soup and that it also has leaves in certain season of the year. We got to the hotel, took a picture in front of a magnificently mountain, had light refreshment and set out to the conference venue. We mistakenly dropped FD’s phone pouch when we entered the city, but thankfully, found it with the Access Bank gatekeeper. Fela stepped up to speak and delivered a fresh insight summarized in 3 phrases… Find your Kingdom; Sit on your Throne and Put your Government in Power. We have a 2.30pm flight to catch in Kano, otherwise we will have to travel 6hrs to Abuja for a 7.55pm, we were in a race against time and FD must speak for only 45mins.

Lesson 7… Solomon was the wisest because he asked questions and sought answers to everything in his environment. FD asks questions and is willing to learn and know.

 

My coach spoke for 55mins. We were 10mins behind schedule for the Kano flight. 10mins of lingering led to a 6 hour strenuous trip. God blessed our trip with a 21st car, we prayed for flight delay,thought about the inevitability of missing our flight, therefore missing the Spring bank training that takes place the next day at 9am in Lagos. We moved between faith and unbelief and watched as the driver was taken by the wings of heaven. We hoped against hope and finally we made it. You can’t believe it, the plane was about taking off, we were the last passengers at 8.05pm on Sunday, and we panted as we ran to make it. I saw my mentor worship God, we hugged, and we gave ourselves Hi Fives. We snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. We scored the winning goal with just 30 seconds to go. We made it.

We got home around 11.00pm and woke up at 4.00am to prepare for our Spring bank training where FD spoke for a 10hour stretch with only I and a half break, he didn’t even eat, and I had to get “gala” for him at Shoprite. We are on the path of destiny, but the story continues on Tuesday when Kings dined with Mr Passion as he spoke about Passion at the CHAMS retreat at Akodo Beach. Chief Joseph Sanusi (Fmr. Governor Central Bank); Dr Christopher Kolade (Fmr High Commissioner to the UK); Prof Akinde and Chief Osunkeye (Chairman of Nestle), Demola Aladekomo were all inspired and moved by his passionate delivery. My point is, I saw my coach as a bridge builder, who travelled thousands of kilometers to speak to young people who could not afford to give him anything, and I was with him when he dined with the movers and shakers.  He is the bridge between the young and the elderly, the haves” and the “yet to have”. Many people will see him with the kings, but not see him make the sacrifice of staying on the road in the middle of nowhere. So I say to you today, all who desire to be like FD, ask for his kind of heart before you seek for his fame.

That’s the secret. God Bless you.

Lesson 8: 10mins extra delay may lead to 6hour strenous trip…

…until you are wiiling to sacrifice for those who need you but cannot pay you; doors of wealth (what money can buy and what favour can deliver) untold may not be opened for you…

…the most effective flight schedule will extend on your behalf until you arrive, if you are in your Kingdom.

…God never panics because He sees the end from the beginning and you will not panic if you can see with the eyes of God

… God still answers!

ChristianLOVE

Comments
Add New
Folashade Yusuf  - Great piece   |2009-10-07 10:39:48
This is a wonderful write up, Christian. May God make a dedicated follower out
of you and may you not be found wanting when the baton is to be handed over.
Enjoy GOD

Uncle Fela (My coach to be),
Am not surprised anyways, about what
you are doing and i trust God to take you to full lenght of your ministry and
that you will finish strong like the men of old. I celebrate you sir.
AKINLAJA Michael  - Death   |2009-10-05 09:07:12
You fear death because you don't realise you are dying.

A second per time, so
it is not whether or not you will die; but is what you are living for orth dying
for.
dolapo joshua   |2009-10-04 18:41:24
Uncle fela,

for every problem that you solve, greatness is ascribe to you.Keep
it up

Dolapo joshua
Tomisin   |2009-09-30 18:48:06
Sir, God will continue to repay u for the good things u have done for this
generation. God bless u.
stella azode  - i can be like you FD   |2009-06-22 10:43:44
thank you for coming to harvest christain centre on our father's day, when i
heard you say eyes have not seen, nor ears heard what God has in mind for me, i
knew you were talking to me i know i can do much more than you have done fd, may
god help me, but i strongly admire that grace on you, and from all you said, it
only takes an encounter with the master to be great. you are indeed a very great
man and a "great father".
augustine efe isiorhovoja   |2009-06-17 12:42:35
u are a rare gem and made for this generation i pray GOD to add fresh oil to
your lamp
IKE ADIELE  - You blessed my life   |2009-05-27 19:03:58
Fd,
i met u live at the House On The Rock,Port Harcourt in late 2008,thanks to
Pastor Lanre and his team of Pastors for inviting you.You blew my head,and was a
blessing to me,I can never forget that encounter,i had to stay for 2
sevices,just to hear u speak.
That was my very 1st time of hearing your name
and seeing u in person.
I took my time to watch u closely,i saw the
passion,dedication and committment to an assignment.
Keep it up my brother,u
will go places.God bless u.
ogunkoya ayodele taiwo  - what an inspiring words!   |2009-04-30 12:47:39
God knows you are an angel! God sent to impact these generation
oladiamonds  - CHRISTIAN LOVE   |2009-04-27 17:27:04
(C Love)My brother from another mother,

How u dey?

It is always good
hearing and reading something about you.
Good and Great memories.
Expecting to
see you one of these days.
Emamoke Gbobodo  - You amaze me   |2009-04-17 10:43:08
FD, since seeing you speak for the first time at TREM head quarters and the
second time where you prophesied an open heaven and TAPPED into it dangerously,
you've not stopped being an amazement to me.
Now, this journey is amazing and
the lessons learnt are fundamental and well articulated. Well done Christian
Love.
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