Drama King Teejay's CORNER

I had approached my in-law some years back for financial support to process an abroad travel when I got admission into one of the East London university. It was a welcome idea until we got to the point where he asked how much am I having and how much am I looking at?



Unfortunately, at the time I barely had up to 100,000 in my account. So I told him I can provide 100,000. He laughed and asked me if the money I mentioned was my transportation to Lagos for the visa processing. I didn't know what to answer. He advised me to work harder and raise up to 70% of what is required and then look forward towards 30% assistance from people.

When you see and hear people ask ''What do you bring to the table'' it's simply because they want responsibility and commitment from you. People will always help out when they see good commitment from you.

I remember when I had some financial setback and had solicited for funds from someone to add up and renew a rent with a promise of paying back. Though I got it but wasn't spared by this person. He bluntly told me one year was enough to prepare and save up for a rent if actually I know what I was doing in life. I felt somewhat embarrassed but it was the honest truth. He asked what have I been doing all along till my rent expired or didn't I know I was going to renew? To him, it's the height of not being serious and responsible.

I picked up a lesson from that encounter which is-- Financial discipline. I became intentional. I made a declaration I'll never be pressured over rent issue anymore. Equally, I assured myself I will endeavour to sort every rent renewal on or before its expiration date. I have kept to that bond till this day.

My current rent is due for renewal at the end of next month (January 2026) I have secured a new apartment in a different and conducive location just last week. I haven't moved in yet but I'm at ease knowing I have got that aspect sorted out in good time.

When it comes to savings, you need more than financial discipline to be able to succeed. Remember this. There are three main reasons for savings.

1. Emergency
2. Investment.
3. Periodic payment(rent)

If you can't put in the work, you don't deserve the reward. Financial discipline matters a whole lot. There are issues that aren't life threatening that will come up and you'll tell yourself there's no money even when you have savings somewhere meant for a specific purpose.

That's discipline.

I was once approached sometime ago by a man whose wife went into labour for financial assistance. This man had nothing on him aside the 10,000 he told me someone gave him. I was like for nine months there wasn't any savings and preparations from you towards this pregnancy journey? What if someone didn't give you the 10,000? What it means is that he practically had nothing on him. What if the wife had birthed through CS that cost hundred of thousands.

In Nigeria, it seems people love last minute pressure, deadline, rush and struggle over a thing that had a good duration of time to plan for earlier and it's very bad. Most times pressure that comes with such moment can actually kill anyone suffering from high blood pressure.

As 2025 comes to an end, there should be a last time to certain things that rob us our peace and happiness in life.

Compliment of the season.