My Co-Worker, My Friend, My Family

I have always enjoyed the company of older people, as you would have guessed, I love to gist with my parents. While in University and even to date, I keep an older company of friends. This is because I find their perspective on life and certain issues very interesting and inspiring. I also find their conversations engaging. You may call me an ‘old soul’.

My Dad has lived an interesting life and is a refined storyteller, so I never get tired when he shares his experiences with me of when he was in the Navy. I loved to hear about covert military operations, the politicking that happens in the armed forces. Scratch that….there is no politics in the military.

When I resumed in Afriland, I met Mr Henry Omoike (Director, Business Development) who coincidentally retires this month as he turns 60 years. Well, look no further, Mr Henry who is over 2 decades older than me is my friend.

How did our friendship start? I hate to disappoint you but there was no ground-breaking moment, there was no specific day or time it just happened.

I joined Afriland Properties Plc as the Head of HR over two years ago, fortunately, I resumed at HH for the one-week induction programme which held physically at the time. After the induction, I resumed, reeling with excitement and anticipation of what the future held in store for me. If there is something I took away from the induction programme, it is that the Group gives you a car (career) and keys (opportunities), you decide which turn/speed to take. (You are in the driver’s seat of your career).

Back to my story. I was living and breathing the 3Es (scratch that. I still am) and wanted to hit the ground running. I needed someone with whom I could discuss my ideas/initiatives. My friend, Mr Henry filled this gap.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I gravitated towards him, discovering he had no airs about him, was easy to talk with and always willing to assist. Might I add that he is very refined, a dapper dresser and very insightful.

Naturally, when I had a new initiative, I would run it by him first for his feedback (which sometimes culminated in rewording my memos or postponing some issues to later). Other times, it meant me restraining myself from reacting hastily.

The truth is, Mr Henry, reminds me of my dad. Their tone of voice is similar, they are both refined, cultured and are simple men by nature, I would call them wise.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr Henry. Surely, I will miss our conversations and the enthusiasm/warmth with which he responded to my ‘’Good morning Sir’’ every morning.

Fun fact, we exchanged snacks like kids in school. He would pass by and say “Jennifer, anything to chew?” Meanwhile my stash of goodies comprised of only cracker biscuits or groundnut 😉. While I also raided his fridge every now and then.

Whew! I will surely miss working with my friend Mr Henry.

New friend wherever you are, you have big shoes to fill!