SHARING THINGS I SAY AND DO TO MY SON

My son who’s a graduate architect has just been selected to participate in a creativity/skills talent event in Abuja. He didn’t tell me about his quest, until he had successfully been listed by the organizers, subject to fulfilling certain criteria like online registration, submission of portfolio, screenings and so on. 

Finally, they sent him a formal letter of invitation. Having gotten thus far, he then decided to notify me. By the way, he’s a corper in Nassarawa state at the moment serving his fatherland.

Here’s our Whatsapp conversation:

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Assalam.

Congratulations for making such an impact to warrant a formal invite.

From the letter, I think they might provide you with accommodation, feeding, intra-city transportation, registration tags and documentations, including possibly branding.

Keep your eyes open and do beware of any misgivings.

Be careful. Beware and be wary. Trust no one, but Allaah SWT. 

Shine your eyes well-well and always reach out to me, if you need some advice before taking a decision.

I know you'll be alright in sha Allaah.

Don't take things for granted and learn from the experience you'll gain there. This could be the beginning of several other happenings like this.

Son: Insha Allah

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Be careful about signing any agreements until you read and fully comprehend the content.

If in doubt about any word or phrase, google first… :)

Son: I asked if they'd provide all of that and the email responded with 'You are to provide/handle the logistics'. So I don’t think they would provide that.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Ok then. You're on your own. 

Survive the situation by yourself. 

Reach out to me only if you are dying. Else, keep afloat as much as you can. Can you do that? 😆

Son: Insha Allah

Son: 😊

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: *Shared with him a video about Dr. Tererai Trent, a woman from Zimbabwe who aspired to achieve her dreams, despite all obstacles to become one of the most educational icons, not just in her country, but throughout the world.*

Son: Thank you Abba. It's inspiring.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Here's another one. Watch this with rapt attention. Watch it again and again pls. 

(Herewith attached) ***This one is about that inspirational speaker Simon Sinek, an author of 3 best selling books, who’s TEDx Talk is one of the most watched in the world.

Start thinking about developing and equipping yourself to give inspirational, motivational talks like this.

For I see it in you, as a gifted speaker, orally and as a poet.

And also as a writer, though you haven't started out on that yet. But it's sitting down in you waiting to be revealed.

Remember, though an Architect just like me, you're not all about designs, graphics and architecture. You're also about so many other things.

Just be careful, so you don't spread yourself thin over your numerous talents.

Concentrate on your strong point or two, and the others, gifts, indulge and enjoy them as side kicks.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Aw it’s Jumma’at fa. So, forget not to observe its Sunnah etiquettes. 

Meanwhile Jumma’at moofeedah :D 

~ Tijjani M. M.