MY ROLE MODEL.

Over the years, I have come across several individuals who touched my life in spectacular ways. These individuals include many men and women whose intellectual composure, tenacity of purpose and emotional balance inspire me immeasurably. Nevertheless, my maternal uncle, Don Oti, stands out as my role model.

Don Oti is a civil engineer employed by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency(FERMA), Nigeria. He is the Deputy Director in charge of the agency in the entire country. He started off as a resident engineer and over the years, he rose to his current position. His meteoric rise was a result of a combination of hardwork and luck.

However, I do not regard him as a role model because he is wealthy. Rather, I admire him because he is a man who lives each day as if it would be his last on earth. His golden rule is"do unto the next man as you would would want other men to do unto you". As a young boy growing up under his tutelage many years ago, this rule which he used to sing into my ears did not make much meaning to me. The fact that he recited this rule shortly before spanking me each time I beat up any of my playmates did nothing to make the rule, or its implications for that matter, attractive to me.

As an adult, I have since discovered that my uncle's golden rule ought to be respected by anyone who wishes to live a rancor-free life. I have also discovered that it is the cardinal principle of existence.

Don Oti is far away from me now. But his views and ways of approaching issues and solving problems would always inspire me.