As I arrived Gbenga’s Neasden apartment last Saturday from Gatwick, I remembered that summer Saturday morning in June 2001, when I 1st arrived that same apartment from same Gatwick. Gbenga hosted me, a total stranger for 6 weeks, enabling me to save serious British Pounds which otherwise would have gone to a B&B. A mutual friend and colleague introduced us and that was it!
As a matter of fact, my wife even joined me along the line and together we enjoyed our first trip ever to the UK on the back of a 6-week training sponsored by my then employer Cadbury Nigeria plc.It’s been 24 years of great friendship and great memories involving our families and friends as well.
Our relatives have gone on to become great friends and his friends have become my friends. His home in the UK has remained home to me and mine and my home in Nigeria home to him and his.
Muna and Tito were literally born into the hands of Gbenga’s younger brother’s wife in San Antonio, Texas!Even when I’m compelled to stay in the hotel, I always made a point of visiting him and getting a treat from his ever-ready kitchen.
No one cooks better than Gbenga!It was great to spend some days with you, my dear brother! Always full of happy moments and good laughter-and good alcohol (now I must detox)! 😜🙈Cheers to almost a quarter century of mutually respectful friendship! 🍷🍷🍷
By Emeka Oparah