For a while now, I’ve wanted to come here and talk about the men in my life, especially my male friendships. Many times, I’d start writing something and never hit “send.” If you ask me why, sometimes I genuinely don’t know. Other times, I hesitate because people often downplay platonic relationships, as though they can’t be real or shouldn’t exist.
But beyond all the bad PR men often get, I have been blessed, truly blessed, with some good, solid, steady, golden men. The men in my life bring me just as much joy as my female friendships. They’ve shown up for me, supported me, watched me grow, and helped me become better.
So today, on International Men’s Day, I just want to say a big thank you to every single man who has been good to me and has impacted my life in a positive way. I see you. I appreciate you. And I’m grateful for you.
A good man leaves the world better than he found it, inspiring men to pursue legacies of positive change.
Quick disclaimer; I might not be able to mention every single one of you but know that I am grateful to know you and have you in my life.❤
To the one who showed me the beauty of having a united family, both nuclear and extended, and taught me how to open my hands to people while still applying wisdom.
To the one who goes out of his way for his children, driving us wherever we need to be so we don’t have to take public transport when he’s available.
To the one who provides for my needs even when it stretches him, the one who cheers me on silently and loudly… I could go on and on, the list is endless. Even though we may argue once every ninety days(lol), you mean the world to me.
Thank you for being an amazing father, a loving husband, and a truly good man.
I love you, Dad.
Growing up, aside from my parents, my favourite person was my grandfather. He’s late now, but he shaped my life in ways that still echo today. It didn’t feel right to celebrate the men who’ve helped me grow without including him in this story.
Thank you, Grandpa. You remain a legend even after your passing, such a great man.
My elder brother is, without a doubt, one of the biggest influences on who I am today. His generosity annoys me sometimes, because he shows up for everyone, not just the people he loves but even strangers and forgets to put himself first on some days. But honestly, it’s quite sweet to see how kind he is.
You know those people who never gatekeep, who put you on and want everyone around them to grow? That’s my brother. And the world truly needs more people like him. I obviously can’t list every single thing that makes you such a good man, but thank you for being a blessing to me.
…share your problems with me more often, okay?😌
I love you.💕
To my friends:
Feranmi, the one I fondly call my dearest Sims.
You’re an amazing man. You are so intentional, so thoughtful, and so caring. It’s been eight solid years of knowing you, and not once has your kindness dimmed, not even by an atom. You’re genuinely one of the sweetest people I know.
Thank you for always matching my energy and showing up for me without hesitation. My favourite owanbe host, I’m rooting for you now and always!
Emmanuel, I know the world has taken so much from you, but here’s something these past years have taught me: a good person will always remain a good person, no matter what life throws at them. You check up on me even on days when you don’t have to, and that means more than you know. It takes a lot to maintain a friendship with someone you’ve known since age six or thereabout, yet you, my friend, my “adopted brother” as I call you, have remained consistently amazing. Your testimony will be loud, and I’ll be right here cheering you on every step of the way.
Debayo, scratch that, Dr. Adebayo, one of my precious UI gifts.
Thank you for always checking up on me. I know adulthood is currently taking a toll on our friendship, but I absolutely love that whenever we reconnect, we pick up right where we left off without missing a beat. Thank you for always rooting for me; it truly means a lot. I dey for you, always.
Tunde, my senator (in Esther’s voice), my homeboy!
I’ll never forget how you followed me to register for tutorials during the year that felt like a gap year in my life. Thank you for all those moments, for showing up for me so effortlessly, without stress or complaints. I love to see the amazing brand you’re building. I’ve always known you’re a top boy, so my dear friend, I’ll see you forever at the top doing great things. You used to be just a five-minute walk away, now you’re miles apart. I miss you, see you soon!
Peace, Barrister A. Honestly, I’ve been thinking of what to say. You know those friendships where you don’t exactly have to do too much? That’s us. I may not talk to you every day, but somehow, I always know you’re there, one of my most reliable friends. You show up for me, you care without being asked, and you consistently inspire me to chase every dream I dare to dream, indirectly and directly, simply by watching how you pursue yours. Even when the journey is rough, you still find a way to make your vision come alive. You’re probably the one friend who stresses me the most lol, but beyond that, thank you for being good to me. It means a lot. I’m forever rooting for you!
Ola, when I talk about men who have impacted my life, your name will always show up. Thank you for the extra push, the one that felt like sweet, gentle pressure and sometimes… the hard kind too. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: thank you for seeing the vision of me being a writer before I fully embraced it. It’s been a while, I hope life has been good to you.
Anjy, I genuinely enjoy our conversations, how we talk about life and everything in between. Thank you for constantly checking on my wellbeing. I’m extremely proud of you and how hard you work. I pray everything turns out beautifully for you. You really do deserve the very best.
Daniel, my gee. It’s crazy how we somehow created a safe space for each other. I love how you always root for me. Thank you for all the spicy, juicy gist, it makes the world feel lighter with a good laugh. You’re such a sweet and caring friend, always looking out for me, praying for me, reminding me that I’m doing well, and encouraging me often. I’m really rooting for you, Dan. And you already know I’m always here for you.
Nat, countries apart, yet still one of my good friends. Thank you for all these years. I’m proud of how far you’ve come. Always in your corner, even though you think I can be very annoying (lol!).
Kenny, my warrior. You inspire me so much. Your resilience and strength, even in the middle of chaos, are deeply encouraging. Thank you for always showing up for me. You know I’m always rooting for you.
And the list goes on; Godswill (Wilex), Adeoluwa, Rae Timzy, Fuhad, Matt, Adedayo, KD…
My egbons and cousins; Tooni, Matluck, Fola, Adewale…
…and so many more.
Each of you carries a piece of my journey, a part of my story, a reflection of love that has shaped me.
Thank you for every single kindness you’ve shown me and for being woven into my journey.
Today, I celebrate you, for believing in me, praying for me, pushing me forward, caring for me… the list is endless.
Keep being amazing. Keep being a force for good. Keep being strong. Keep making impact and big waves.🥂
…and just before I end this, I know life might be tough sometimes, and often you’re expected to “man up”, to hold everything together, to stay strong even when it feels like the world is pulling you in different directions. But please remember this: you’re human before anything else. You’re allowed to feel, to rest, to ask for help, and to slow down when life feels heavy. Strength isn’t in pretending; it’s in allowing yourself to breathe, to heal, and to keep going at your own pace.
Above all, when you need someone to count on or a little safe space, I’ll be here, to listen, to pray, and to offer the moral support you need.💕
Love you guys so much!✨🌹💕
PS: I tried to send this out before the day ended, but I couldn’t meet up…apologies.
Thank you Temiloluwa ❤️
This is so adorable, Thank you Tee 💜