Nothing frustrates like the sound of Nokia 3310!

I’m talking about the Nokia 3310 of 2006 – the sound is solid and consistent.

A commendation to Nokia and its amazing devices, because every aspect of that phone was true! Nothing was dressed up to deceive users. What you bought, was what you got.

It reminds me of a folklore that I like so much – the story of the Naked Truth and the Lie, and it goes thus;

“It’s a beautiful day!” the Lie to the Truth.

The Truth looks at the skies and sighs because the day is calm and beautiful. The two unlikely friends walk for a few minutes and finally arrive beside a well. The Lie tells the Truth “The water is very nice; let’s take a bath together!”

The Truth is suspicious but tests the water and responds, “It’s actually very nice; let’s bathe.”

They undress and start bathing.

Suddenly, the Lie emerges from the water, puts on the Truth’s clothes and runs away.

Furiously, the Truth jumps out of the well and searched everywhere for the Lie – to get her clothes back. Everyone walking by sees the Naked Truth and reacts contemptuously.

“You shouldn’t be so shameless! Get out of sight!”.

The bewildered Truth returns to the well and disappears forever, hiding its shame.

And ever since then, the Lie has travelled around the world, dressed as the Truth, satisfying the needs of society because Everyone doesn’t want to see the naked Truth.

Some people wonder why we should pay attention to the truth and trust tension in our world today, when lies sell, and liars soar, while truth hides. Finding the right partners (business/relationships), employees, investors, etc., to bring on board our ventures has been a major issue in our part of the world.

There are many situations in our lives where opportunities are presented like crude oil or raw gold, unattractive, that we miss altogether, just because they aren’t well packaged.

We are always looking for a big bang, yet there is a process to progress.

So on that faithful rainy evening in May 2006, when my Nokia 3310 wouldn’t stop ringing as I descended near Oworonsoki in Lagos, Nigeria – I was tired and out, but, I had to pick up the call.

Then, I heard, “It’s me…   ,” and that night, and the following struggles changed my life.

Ladi Balogun and the Balogun family made a real impact on my life.

Life is full of lessons; we often learn the hard way. This story has four vital lessons;

Firstly: Appearances can be deceiving – Be careful to avoid snares that are dressed up as opportunities or favours.

Secondly: Trust is an invaluable commodity – Be careful when giving it, treasure it, and guard it jealously.

Thirdly: Wise decisions lead to fewer regrets – Be careful; there are consequences for every action. Fourthly: Though tough, honesty is still always the best policy – Never be afraid, to tell the truth. Treasure relationships, build trust; work diligently, embrace integrity, serve from your heart, be devoted to your stakeholders’ good, and watch for your reveal!

Much care!

AA