Another incredible moment in my life occurred yesterday evening when I had the honor of being among smart and illustrious learned people whose behavior, self-control, and sense of organization in both their professional and social lives I much appreciate.
That was exactly how I wanted to see my co-workers in the pen profession because of their passion for excellence and commitment to creativity left me inspired and grateful.
Watching them supporting one another, and approaching every task with enthusiasm reminded me that true teamwork goes beyond collaboration, it’s about mutual respect, shared vision, and the desire to grow together.
That evening I was in a law firm where Yusuf Abdussalam, who was my former colleague in the Triumph Publishing Company many years ago, also a barrister and the editor of an online platform Judicial Sketch works there.
I visited Abdussalam because of the persistent challenges I encountered while working on my website.
The situation became quite frustrating due to the unavailability of my software engineer and the absence of anyone nearby who could offer assistance.
My only remaining choice was to deal with it alone, which I did several times but was unable to do anything significant.
That prompted me to look elsewhere for help, and the first person who came to mind was Barrister Yusuf Abdussalam..
However, I was terrified that he wouldn’t be able to assist me because of his hectic schedule on his online platforms and the nature of his legal work before I summoned the confidence to call and tell him about my situation.
I was seated at my desk in the Kano State Library when I sent him a message on WhatsApp, requesting a few minutes of his time. In the message, I asked him to let me know the day, time, and place that would be convenient for us to meet.
A few seconds later, I received his reply through the same channel. He suggested that we meet that very day (yesterday) and provided the time and location. I immediately responded and confirmed without hesitation.
So, immediately after the Asr prayer, I started my bike and headed straight to his office at the location he had given me. When I called to inform him of my arrival, he promptly came out to welcome me.
Yusuf led me into his office and introduced me to his colleagues, who were all busy working on various tasks in preparation for a publication about the arrest of Sowore by the police.
I was shocked when a man sitting by the window across from the entrance, who was introduced to me as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Kano State Branch, yelled out my name right away.
Without hesitation, I greeted them warmly, then moved closer and sat on a chair positioned next to the one the chairman was sitting and working.
When Yusuf Abdussalam asked what the issue was, I explained the persistent difficulties I had been facing whenever I tried to post my stories using the WebPress software.
Without wasting any time, he asked me to move my seat closer to his and began demonstrating how to perform the specific task that had been troubling me. He carefully guided me through the process and showed me the proper way to resolve it.
I pulled my laptop from my backpack, turned it on, and connected it with the internet while he was around.
I attentively followed his instructions and put the methods he had just demonstrated before me. To my satisfaction, I was able to get it done correctly.
Barrister Yusuf Abdussalam continued by introducing me to further tasks that, despite my familiarity with them, I had never attempted before.
Unlike many others, Barrister Abdussalam is a different person as he never hoards or conceals knowledge and he is one that never hesitates to offer his expertise whenever or wherever someone asks him to do so, and he is always pleased to do so.
In addition to his intelligence, his humility and enthusiasm for group development are also evident in his readiness to mentor and instruct others.
That is why people around Abdussalam respect his ability to patiently and clearly explain topics so that anyone who needs his assistance leaves with a greater understanding as he is a great asset to any team or community because of his open-mindedness and willingness to share what he knows.
His sincere delight in watching others grow and achieve is what makes him unique, since his mindset encourages a culture of learning and cooperation among his peers and colleagues, he feels that knowledge should be shared rather than hoarded for the benefit of all.
After he led me through, we had a lengthy conversation with the other barristers in the office about many facets of human activity, especially those pertaining to our Hausa community.
Honestly, before then I thought the barristers would not want to do anything with me because I am not their like mind but I was proved wrong as they were open to me as if we knew ourselves for decades.
In fact my visit to Yusuf Abdussalam was a powerful reminder that success in any creative field thrives only in an environment where everyone uplifts and motivates one another.
That is how I want my colleagues to always be willing to lend a helping hand and share their knowledge without hesitation.
In every workplace, having people who are open-minded, supportive, and ready to guide others makes a huge difference.
When Barrister Yusuf Abdussalam patiently took the time to mentor and guide me, without anyone in the office expressing any objection, I was genuinely overwhelmed and deeply appreciative of his humility and kindness.
I really believe that productivity organically rises when co-workers treat one another with respect, support, and sincerity.
A workplace should be more than just a space for completing tasks but should be a community where everyone contributes to each other’s progress.
We would all accomplish more on an individual and group level if my fellow pen professionals could adopt that same mindset of comprehension, direction, and collaboration.
We then thanked everyone in the office and without wasting their time and left feeling grateful, inspired, and more resolved than ever to continue writing with passion and purpose.
