12/09/2025
Dear Residents,
Let's come together in unity and shared responsibility. As members of this community, we recognize the importance of fulfilling our obligations to the association, like paying our dues. In return, the association is committed to serving and supporting us. The story below beautifully illustrates the value of humility, community, and mutual respect. Let's reflect on its message and strengthen our bonds as neighbors.
*ONLY THE DEATH CERTIFICATE REMAINS*
A retired Police Commissioner had just moved out of his government-allocated apartment into his personal duplex tucked in a quiet estate in Abuja. He was proud—of his career, his rank, and the siren that once cleared traffic for him.
Each evening, he took strolls in the estate’s mini park. But he neither greeted nor acknowledged anyone. He saw no need. In his mind, these “ordinary residents” were beneath his status — not worth his salute or smile.
One day, while he rested on a bench under the mango tree, an older man joined him. The man greeted him warmly and tried to chat. But the Commissioner, ever proud, dismissed the gesture. Instead, he spoke endlessly about himself — the commands he held, the officers who bowed to him, and how he only chose to live here because it was his property, not because he had to.
This went on for days. The older man always listened calmly and never interrupted.
Then one evening, the man turned to him and said gently:
*“Oga Commissioner sir, a generator is only respected when it is running. Once it’s off, whether it was a 1.3KVA or 220KVA, it’s just dead weight.”*
“I’ve lived in this estate for over five years,” the man added, “and not once have I told anyone that I served two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Commissioner blinked.
The man continued, pointing discreetly around:
“You see that man jogging? He’s Engineer Musa — retired NNPC Director. That lady walking her dog? She was a Permanent Secretary. And that quiet elderly man sipping zobo under the tree? He’s General Alade (Rtd.), former GOC. Nobody here clings to who they were. They just live.”
He paused and smiled.
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