LAGOS – ABUJA: One Major Lesson to learn!

As I write ths, I feel very tired. It’s been a busy day for me, especially coupled with the fact that I slept late last night and I had to be up early to catch up with my usually busy schedule.
I left Sagamu for Lagos around 10am and I did not arrive Lagos until 12noon. The traffic was very heavy and due to the bad road network, we were held for good 2 hours. What should have taken us 35 minutes ended up in a 2 hours journey. What can I say? Thank GOD, at least we arrived safely. On getting to Lagos, I headed straightway to Ikeja (computer village) to get a case for my SATA hard disc. I knew I was running out of time already because my flight was scheduled to take 1:55 and as at 01:00pm I was still in Computer Village.
After fixing the case, I increased my pace as I moved up to the MM2 (the local wing of the airport). On getting there, I saw a long queue and so I had to join them (I am a good Nigerian, isn’t it). After a few minutes, a woman standing in front of me noticed that I had just one luggage and she had three. So, she pleaded that she used my excess. I wasn’t used to this kind of arrangement. So, I thought about it and asked her if it was possible. She gave a positive reply, smiling. So, I accepted.
We both proceeded to the waiting hall after we were checked in. I thought that was all, not until I discovered that we will be seating next to each other in the aircraft.
On getting to the aircraft, I remembered that I had not called the driver that will pick me up at the airpot in Abuja to get set. As I thought about this, she asked for my destination in Abuja and it exacty the same direction she was heading for and her driver was already at the airport to pick her. So, she suggested to give me a ride (probably in exchange for the favour I offered her).
Our Beoing 743 (400 series) which was supposed to take at 1:55pm did not take off until some minutes before 3pm. On board, I took chicken pie and a can of malta guiness while she requested for a piece of cake and a can of Swepps. One notable thing is that we were both with a book to read as the aircraft journery to the F.C.T. – this is no very common on board!
Thank God we landed safely. We both proceeded to pick up our luggage and went straight into her car. I was just about to meet her. We started an interesting discussion about some National issues (which I am very concerned about). Really, it was a great discussion with her.
Here is the lesson: I never knew I was seating next to a Principal partner of Initiative for Community Environmental Education (ICEE), Prof. Bridget Sokan. Whenever it is in your capacity to offer help, NEVER EVER withhold irrespective of the condition or the beneficiary of the help. I never knew who she was. I just decided to do what I love doing and it paid off. At least, she is now in my network and I am in hers. I presented a copy of my book to her as I was about alighting. She gave her positive comments and promised to get back to me anytime soon.
Prof ((Mrs.) Bridget Sokan, It was a pleasure meeting you today and journeying with you from Lagos to Abuja.