One Day Millionaire

Becoming a millionaire - Yesterday, an elderly man from Nigeria called me. During our conversation, I mentioned the giveaway I’m hosting on my blog. To my surprise, he told me he has never had one million naira in his life and that his wish is to hold one million naira in cash. I responded, saying, 'Oh sir, that’s a good desire; you just want to be a millionaire.' He agreed, and we ended our call. I started reflecting on our discussion and realized I should have asked him what he planned to do with the one million naira. He also pointed out that one million naira isn’t much in Nigeria today. I have friends who asked me for ten million naira when I first arrived in Europe, even though I didn’t have a single cent in my account. One of them owns a shop in Abuja where she claims to sell gold. She seems to have more money than I do, but the common belief in Africa is that anyone who has traveled abroad is wealthier, leading them to seek financial help from those abroad. The irony is that many Africans living in Europe are just as poor as those back home if they don’t work hard. The jobs available to Africans in Europe are often ones that many in Africa wouldn’t consider doing, even if they are in dire poverty. My dear brother Ademola taught me about the principles of giving, saying, 'Don’t wait until you’re a millionaire to start giving; give in your small ways.' He then asked if I understood why he said that, and I replied no. He explained that if you wait until you’re a millionaire to give, you might never give at all. It’s important to give from what you have. Now, after many years, I realize that giving is a grace because it takes grace to share with others when you have little. Don't hold any resentment towards those who don't give you money, as it's not a wrongdoing even if they have the means. I recall a boss of mine in Nigeria, the son of a former governor of Lagos state. His family is wealthy, with properties in Ikoyi, Lekki, and even abroad. He would often invite me for dinner, and afterward, he would give me money for my taxi ride from Lagos Island to the mainland. One evening, I was invited for dinner again, but I arrived very late due to the heavy traffic in Lagos. When I got there, my boss, Mr. O, was waiting outside their gate, about to get into his car. He approached me and said, "You are truly a Queen." He noted the time of my arrival and mentioned that they had already finished dinner and he was heading to the casino. He opened his briefcase to show me it was filled with dollars, explaining that he planned to use all that money to gamble that night. I told him I wanted to head home, and he gave me my taxi fare. I didn't feel upset that he didn't share any of the dollars with me; I understood he had his own plans for his money. Just being able to dine with the wealthy was an honor and a privilege. The last time I was with them, I enjoyed the finest red wine and delicious egusi soup with pounded yam. It truly takes grace to give. Everyone should strive to earn their own money.