EPISODE SIX - THE MAN: ALHAJI S.K.SALMAN “Edwin Babatunde Alexander”. Alhaji called, reviving me from the shock of his initial statement. “We want to build, develop and maintain a vibrant Client Base Development Department for all our businesses at SKS, we know that is what you do at El-paso and you do it very well. We also know you are the “Arrow head”, you know the models and strategies very well and I understand you are not well celebrated too.. Tell me, how much is your annual income?” He asked. “Two point six million sir” I lied “Well, that means you earn an average of two hundred and twenty thousand naira monthly? Not bad, any other benefits or grants?” He questioned, “No sir” I replied, I know this man knew I lied the first time and I won’t lie to him again, he is a very intelligent old man. “Babatunde,” Alhaji continued, ” I know your Boss does not pay you has and when due, my sources also tells me you are a very intelligent, hard working, and diligent lad, I have noticed you are humble, full of life and handsome too. What are you doing in El-Paso? Babatunde what? SKS wants to build a world class Client Base Development Department and you have the job has the overall head if you want it. To start with SKS will double your present annual income, get you a suitable apartment for your new status, an official car of your choice to go with it and you and your family also have an all expenses paid three week holiday yearly, I choose the destination.” He paused looked in to my eyes, then continued “To show our commitment that we want you as one of our own, our lawyers can meet to discuss and secure your job legally, so you can do your job with piece of mind, but Babatunde, I am a man of my words, you can do your findings about Salman Kashimawo Salman, you will not be disappointed and Allah is my witness I will treat you like my son” He explained patting me on the shoulder “Thank you sir, I appreciate your generous offer, but I’ll need time to think about it sir, I am sincerely excited, I can’t make any decision right now, I beg you to give me time to think it through, I will get back to you soon” I requested very gently. Alhaji continued; ” I know how you feel, Babatunde and sure, I will give you time to take your decision, Allah will guide your path” he gave me another pat on the back as he invited to show me his mansion. In the garden, Alhaji told me the story of his diligent beginning in Offa a beautiful town in southern Kwara State Nigeria, his missionary school education and how he got a scholarship to study in Kings college London. He returned home in 1974 to work for Kingsway Nigeria Ltd as a junior accountant, there he rose to the position of chief accountant before leaving to start SKS Consulting in 1986, An Accounting, Auditing and Capital Development and Advisory Firm. He told me the sad story of how he lost his beloved wife, Alhaja Meinunat Ibiwunmi Salman to cancer five years ago, the mother of his three kids, Funke Kafilat salman, Sulaiman Kashimawo Salman jnr and Omolabake kareemat Salman. Alhaji also took time to ask me about my past, my parents and my future plans, I answered diligently and sincerely, he shared fatherly advice with me at some point and I marveled at this man again. I love this Guy already. You guys nko? Funke caught up with us in the garden and walked me to my car, I almost asked her if this was a set up but I was too excited, nervous and tired to talk, I just wanted to get home lock my door and be alone in my room. I opened the passenger door of the SUV and the red eyes of my friend welcomed me, I apologised lightly, Funke noticed and whispered” eeyaa, I forget to send food to your driver, he must be tired and hungry”, loud enough for my guy to hear. She opened her purse, squeezed some notes in her hand and stretched it to my “Driver”. I winked and begged him to collect it, I almost laughed loud. I apologized to wole “my driver” and teased him to share his tip with me to lighten the atmosphere. ” How did it go? You nailed it abi” he Asked “Not yet jare, so how much is your tip?” I joked back The tip was five thousand naira, we laughed at Funkes gesture and Wole warned me not to have anything to do with her, else he will “do tafofo” for Anike. I promised to fulfill my end of the deal and I forced another “5k” in his top pocket as I dropped in front of my house. “Oko Anike baby...!” Wole teased “Oko Ruth”. I replied before he zoomed off. Now, I am alone on my bed, tired, hungry, blank, worried, restless, and excited at the same time. It is going to be a long night and a longer weekend… my people help me o…..
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:54:38 +0000
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