Exactly one year ago on the 27th Sept 2019, I got the call no one ever prepares for:

Obinna - Oga Yinka, what did you leave on in your house?

Me: Nothing

Obinna - It's like your house is on fire o...there is smoke coming out from the roof.

An Appreciation Thread!

I was about entering into a mgt meeting with the CEO of a tier1 bank. I stormed out of my office and drove home calling Obinna (the facility manager), the fire service and my wife intermittently. Everything pale into insignificance as I prepared myself for what I was about to see

On getting home, the first thing I saw were people going in and out of my house. Good Samaritans helping to put out the fire. A part of me felt violated at the gross invasion of my privacy but right then, I cldn't care less esp as they had put out the fire before i arrived.

As I surveyed the damage, I couldn't believe that the same house I left in pristine condition was now a disaster zone completely devoid of its homely beauty.

I went outside to catch my breath and at that moment a WhatsApp message came in from my friend & brother @babatoke11 .

I responded with 'My house just got burnt'. He called immediately and asked where I was. I said I was outside. He asked what I was doing, it was then I realised I was sitting on the floor. He said 'Yinka you probably don't know but you're in shock & you shd not be alone right now

He asked if there was somewhere I could go to just for that night. I said yes. I could go to @adebankseq place. The next call that came in was from @dejiirawo. We had planned to have our usual boys night out and he was calling to know when he will catch up with me in the office.

I told Deji what happened and he said he was coming. I told him not to bother, that it will be too later before he gets here. Deji called Banke and next thing I knew Banke called and said to me 'just drive down to the house, I have prepared the guest room for you'.

I did as commanded & she was waiting with open arms. The next day, Deji was there with new underwears for me. It was then I realised that the only clothes I had was the clothes I was wearing. I had lost my clothes to the fire. I was moved that such small gesture cld mean so much.

The next day Pastor Mark Mordi sent new set of underwear & t-shirts. Days later I got new sets of clothes from Pastor @KayodeOlutayoPK organised by @feibobabasola and leaders in District 3 & 4 of @DaystarNG. On Sunday, I was in Church to supervise a medical outreach for leaders.

Some of our leaders were concerned for my mental health. They wanted to know if I was okay. I assured them that I was. I was told Pastor @NikeAdeyemi announced it during service and asked for prayers for me. I was deeply moved by that. Small gestures makes big impact in crisis.

My close friends @BukkyShonibare, @dejiirawo @adebankseq and @Adeola0503 formed a wall of emotional protection around me. The constant calls to check on me and get updates on the restoration was reassuring. I sometimes wonder why I deserved it. Maybe they will tell me some day.

What started thereafter was 3mths of restoration. The cause of the fire was traced to the solar inverter system. One of the equipment had failed and it resulted in battery explosion. Unfortunately there was no one at home to raise alarm. The fire had time to spread & wreck havoc.

The damage was in the millions but psychologically, it was worse. I battled with depression. There were times I felt like giving up but I was encouraged by friends and family. I was never the type to ask for help, yet I was in the position where I needed train loads of it.

But in the midst of that situation, many friends came through. Many offered financial help. Some offered their services to help restore certain parts. The more I opened myself for help, the more it came and I am grateful for those who God used to achieve this.

Exactly 3 months later, I moved into a fully furnished and better looking apartment than the one that got burnt. All thanks to God and all those who stood my me in this trying time.. I learnt a lot from that experience that if you invest in people, people will invest in you.

I didn't have to call forth favours, favour came looking for me. For those who allowed themselves to be used by God, I say a profound thank you.

I want to appreciate Pastor @sam_adeyemi & @NikeAdeyemi. Yours was the first gift I got before I even knew the cost of restoration.

To my brother from another mother Tony Obafemi, I love and appreciate you. You and my sister Lanre Obafemi made me feel like I was at home every single time. To my sweet sister @adebankseq...heaven will reward you for my sake for providing a roof for me when I had none.

To @dejiirawo you are indeed a friend that sticks closer than a brother. I appreciate my family in @Daystar from Pastor Kayode to Sister Rhoda Ayinde to LOA, and the dean of ZC's Bro Bayo Onawale who organised other ZC's to support. Your love and support made a lot of impact.

To my leaders in Ogudu Zone, Bro Tunde Jayeola, Bro Segun Akintunde, Sis Tolu Jayeola and a host of others, I was profundly humbled by your overwhelming love. The love showed to me by @DaystarNG in general proved to me that I did not make a mistake when I choose to join in 2002.

How can I forget what @iyaboawokoya did. Supported by
@DrOlusesan she mobilised the online community to come to my support. I am forever grateful. To my pretty sister @kennygee_70, I say thanks. She helped with the remodeling. I really stressed her but she never complained once.

If ever you need a friend that will torment you with goodness, @Adeola0503 is one. I also appreciate the support of @AyoOyalowo, @jeffphilips1, @iameneji, @the_davidatta, @nkyru, @Ehix07, aunty @doyinmojisola, @habukia, @Mosopemi, @AdeBanqie and a host of others I can't remember.

Egbon @OlufemiAwoyemi you're more than appreciated as well as sparing my partner @zeal_a. @BukkyShonibare I don't even where to start. You were simply an angel all through. I can't end this without acknowledging the support of my family immediate & extended. You guys are da bomb.

It's in times of crisis that you know the value of family. My family made their support felt. As much as I tried to prevent them particularly my parents from visiting the site, they did anyway and when it was reopened, invaded my house to give it the feeling of home. I love u all

The fact remains that things happen to people even those you think are doing well. But it's not everyone that wears it on their face. Yes it was a sad event, but no lives was lost and for that we're thankful.

@wendypendy2000 and I say a big thank you to all.

Ese Pupo.