This afternoon I was going through the record of one of my keke riders in my office.
He would be free this month and keke will officially become his.

I remember what happened before I handed the keke over to him.

One of my riders referred him.
So I told him to get one more guarantor since my rider already counts as one. We always ask for two.

He came back and said his “cousin” who lives on the same street would stand for him.
I told him to bring the guy.

He brought him.
We vetted him, he signed the guarantor form, and left.
That same night, the so-called cousin called me.
He said he’s backing out, that he doesn’t want to be a guarantor again. That Infact the chukwudi is his neighbor not cousins

But that wasn’t even the part that shocked me.

He said and I quote
“Give him that keke at your own risk. That guy is dubious. He’s a thief. He said horrible things about you.”
I won’t lie, I didn’t sleep well that night.

The next morning, I called Chukwudi to the office.
I didn’t tell him what his neighbor said.

I just told him, “Your cousin doesn’t want to stand for you again.”

Omo this guy fell on the ground crying.
The cry touched me.

Right there, I made a decision:
I told him, “I’ll still give you this keke. But if you mess up, I’ll get you arrested and you’ll rot in jail.”
And that I will use every means to get him.

I don’t know, something in my spirit just said, “Help him.”
And because the person who referred him is one of my trusted riders, I took the risk.

Today, Chukwudi is one of my best riders.
Not once has he owed me. Not even a day.

While checking his file today, I asked myself
What if I had listened to his neighbor?

That same neighbor called him a thief.
Imagine if I had let that comment shape my decision.

This thing taught me something:
👉🏽 The person who will try to block your breakthrough isn’t always a stranger. Sometimes, it’s the person living next door.
👉🏽 And when you want to help someone, listen to your spirit not what people say

When I hand him the keke papers and keys this month, I’ll tell him everything.

I’ve kept this story for two years plus.

And honestly? I’m just happy I didn’t listen.
Happy that I’m part of his journey.
Happy that I followed my own mind.

Be careful who you listen to when it comes to people.
Not everyone that smiles at you wants you to rise.

Thanks @kelvin Onovo for this piece.

@highlight