I AND DAVID
Abutu Richard@richardabutu760441
6 days ago
I AND DAVID
The movie: House of David reminds me about the Davids in my life. Some of the best people in my life are either named David or bear David as a surname. Coincidence?
My father’s name is David Abutu. Among many things, he is an inspiration and a mentor. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without his guidance and leadership. Always present, always willing to assist—regardless of the moment. I may never have become a poet if he hadn’t taught me the first poem I ever learned.
As a child, I clung to him. Don’t ask me why. I was always around whenever he dressed for work. Back then, he was a “radio man”—loyal to BBC News, morning and night. Each morning, while he was getting ready, I’d stand before him and ask for a one-naira coin. He often returned home with a handful of them, neatly stacked on his shelf. I wouldn’t let him be until he gave me one.
He’d say in Igala, “Tu mi no ku gbo la” (leave me alone to listen), and I’d respond, “U te no ke gbo lan, u we ke to mi no ku gbo la” (you leave me alone to listen too). He’d chuckle and hand me a coin or two, which I’d use to buy ice cream or banana bread. These days, even a hundred naira can’t get you either.
This isn’t a piece about Nigeria, so I’ll resist the urge to lament the state of our nation. God bless my father. I pray all his children become great in his lifetime.
Interestingly, my wife’s late father was also named David. Though I never met him before he passed, I have my wife as a testament to his brilliance.
Then there’s David Aku. We attended the same university, though we never really met there. I had already connected with his younger brother through a mutual friend. But during NYSC camp in Sokoto, amidst the chaos of registration, our paths finally crossed. We discovered shared connections, and from that point on, we grew into brothers.
There is also David Emmanuel, whom I met at the home of David Korosi Krane, whose drawing board I used in some of my works. These are all friends of David Aku. There’s so much I could say about them, but that’s for another day.
In 2021, I attended a program organized by the esteemed Rev. Craig Omorotionwan, a true minister of the gospel. During one of the meetings, I performed a spoken word piece. That was when I met David Oviaesu. This remarkable man gave me platform after platform. Because of him, I was featured on two radio stations in Abuja and ministered at CGMI (The Grace Place).
These were not ordinary opportunities. Once, I ministered at CGMI and Pastor Ayo Ajani preached right after. Sir David Oviaesu, may God bless you—you don’t know the weight of what you’ve done for me.
There's another David, a special David. David Bassi. His younger brother Praise Bassi is a special friend of mine. But David played a very important role in my life. He put in words for me to be employed at an organisation during a trying period of my life. He is truly good. These words do no justice to the man he is and the role he played in my life. Davira my guy, let multiple doors open for you. I pray GOD will raise men for you.
Years ago, I had a dream. In it, I met Bishop David Abioye. I wanted to stay with him, but he instead pointed to a large plot of land and said, “That’s yours.”
I pondered that dream for years, wondering if I’d ever truly meet him. Eventually, I was recruited into his outreach team and later became the Teams Coordinator. In my spirit, I knew my dream of inheritance—of a great space—was being fulfilled.
Now, I’m not saying all the best people in my life are named David. But many of them are either Davids or from Davids. So, I ask you: is the name special—or is it just a coincidence?
Let me know.
Richard Abutu | #HighOnWORD
