When Colleagues Become Family: A Friendship That Refuses to Leave

Meet Nabeels and Big Sam, they spoke about their friendship and experience with us this week.

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How did you two first meet, and what were your initial impressions of each other?

Nabeels: I think the first time we met, was at his brother's company. He is kind of cool and like everyone's favourite, my initial impression was probably oh, this guy look so clean. Yeah.

Ayobami: We used to work together in the same organization. The first time I met her, I observed how she interacted with our colleagues. My first impression of her was that she was a driven career woman. She is very intelligent.

How has your relationship evolved over time?

Ayobami: Our relationship has evolved from being colleagues at work to becoming more of a friendship over time. We've gotten to know each other better personally. Even though She no longer with the organization, we've stayed in touch, and our connection has grown beyond just work.

Nabeels: It wasn't like a day thing, it's been going to 5 years since we first met. Some way, he has crawled his way into my life and refused to leave, it's not like I'm going to allow him leave any way. The first time I called his name he said "Awww the way you call my name it enter my brain lol". Such an unserious individual but I love him like that.

What do you value most about your friendship?

Nabeels: I value how we have deep, honest conversations without fear of judgment from him. Even when life gets chaotic, I know I can count on him to be there, at a stage in my life, his presence is like the most constant thing, I can rant to him and vice versa.

Ayobami: What I value most about our friendship is the genuine connection we share. It's not just about work, we've built a bond that feels natural and real. I appreciate how we support each other, have meaningful conversations and share laughs along the way. No matter how much time passes, we always pick up right where we left off and that means a lot to me.

How do you support each other during challenging times?

Nabeels: I still think it's us being there for each other, I believe in the a problem shared is a problem half solved and it has always worked for us. If there is an issue, Ayo will listen to me and help me figure it out. I'll say he's the most smartest one between the two of us. I do things with fear, but he does it with calm, calculations and confidence.

Ayobami: We support each other by being there, no matter what. Offering advice or reminding each other of our strengths, we always find a way to lift each other up. Even in silence and that kind of support is priceless. Anytime we are going through something, we talk to each other and calm each other down. I love to call her Omolabake mi.

Have you ever faced a disagreement that tested your friendship? How did you resolve it?

Nabeels: Yeah, I think once over a misunderstanding and as time goes on we both had a deep thought and resolve the difference.

Ayobami: We try to understand each other's perspective, and even when emotions run high, we never let it get in the way of our bond. At the end of the day, the respect and love we have for each other always get to win.

What's the most memorable experience you've shared?

Ayobami: The day we talked about starting our own company is one moment I'll never forget. That conversation was inspiring because it wasn't just talk we were actually planning for the future. I believe we're still making progress and that's one of the best moments we've shared together.

Nabeels: I like this too, yes, it's KiddyVest, a PiggyVest but for kids, and you can invest with naira, dollar and in a stable coin, give them chore allowance and all, they'd have access to it when they clock 18 and can withdraw the money or reinvest it.

Nabeels: Oh, I think it was the day we both volunteered to help get good at the office, no he volunteered and since he can drive and I sat at the front sit with him and then we were inside traffic for almost 30 minutes to and fro, when we got back to the office they were all worried but I had a great time with him 😭🤣

Nabeels: Oh no, it was the swimming pool, where I thought I still remember how to swim but apparently old age is now a thing and I was so scared and worried, he was so encouraging and helped me out, the same night we experienced these knockouts on the sky went to the rooftop and all. I think that's my favourite.

If you could describe each other in three words, what would they be?

Ayobami: If I had to describe her in three words, I'd say strong, smart, and caring. She's someone who doesn't give up easily, she thinks fast and knows how to handle things and she genuinely looks out for the people around her.

Nabeels: I'll say trustworthy, caring and understanding. My world will be shattered and in shaky shaky stages, I know when I get to call Ayobami or sees him, we might not solve it but I'll be way better. He's so dependable.

If you could take a trip together anywhere, where would you go and why?

Nabeels: It'll be Hajj, he wants to follow me to Mecca and see me happy 😆. We do joke around getting rich, getting married and going to hajj. Now he has added getting tattoos to it. Oh my god, Lagos is turning him to a bad boy but well, I'm liking it, at least I get to live vicariously through him.

Ayobami: Yes, I will go to Mecca and see you happy. Saudi Arabia is on my bucket list of countries I would love to visit.

Ayobami: If we could take a trip together, I'd say Dubai. I feel like it's the perfect mix of fun, adventure and relaxation. We would enjoy the beautiful views, explore new places and just have a great time making memories. And I believe she would love to go with me too 😄

Where do you see your friendship in five or ten years?

Nabeels: Life is a bitch and so unpredictable, so it might take us in different directions, but insha Allah we'll always find our way back to each other, no matter how much time passes.

Ayobami: In five or ten years, no matter where life takes us, I believe we'll still be there for each other, celebrating wins, supporting through challenges, and making more great memories. Who knows? Maybe by then, we'll have built something big together, just like we talked about RN.

What is one thing that you wish for your friend or would like to say to each other and on a scale of 1/10 how do you rate each other?

Ayobami: I just want her to be happy and successful in everything she does because she truly deserves the best. I pray she keeps winning. If I had to rate her, it's a solid 10 no doubt. She's an amazing person and I appreciate her a lot. And yeah, I love HER so much ❤️

Ayobami: LOVE YOU NABEE 💐

Nabeels: Big Sam, Ayobami—you've been an incredible friend, someone I can always rely on, day or night. Your presence in my life has truly brought me happiness, and I'm beyond grateful for you. I admire your drive, and I know you're on your way to building something great, something that gives you the life you deserve, free from worry.

I wish you all the great things life has to offer, and I have no doubt you'll achieve them. As for my rating? 10/10. Perfection doesn't exist, but you're as close as it gets. I love you so much! ❤️

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