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Renowned journalist, and Correspondent for the British Broadcast Cooperation (BBC), Umaru Fofanah, celebrated his mother’s return from Hajj with family and friends in a heartfelt gathering that also served as a moment of reflection on the nature of relationships.
During the gathering, Fofanah shared his thoughts on the importance of mutual support in friendships and family ties. “Ditch one-sided efforts. I show friends and relatives the same interest they show me. No more. No less,” he stated, emphasizing the need for reciprocity in relationships.
He elaborated on his perspective, noting, “If your time is precious to you and you won’t share it with me in good times and in bad, so is mine to me and so I’ll do.”
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Fofanah asserted that everyone has limited resources, and genuine connections should reflect that understanding. “None of us are rich or have infinite time – some just like to share the little they have with those they care for. Some others don’t,” he remarked.
Fofanah also reflected on his personal growth, admitting that he used to overthink relationships. “Now I accept them as they are and duly reciprocate. I’ve learned to expect less so as not to be disappointed,” he shared, illustrating a shift in his approach to friendships.
He defined a true friend as someone who stands by you during both joyful and challenging times. “A true friend, like a family member, is the one who stands by you in your presence and even more so in your absence – when you’re mourning or in any difficulty and when you’re celebrating,” he explained.
Addressing the realities of friendship, Fofanah cautioned against misplaced loyalty. “Whoever does otherwise is not a true friend or a genuine family member,” he stated, pointing out that those who may seem close can vanish in times of need. “If you die before they do, especially when your kids are young, those friends and relatives will disappear into thin air. Not because they cannot help, but because they won’t,” he emphasized.
In his closing remarks, Fofanah encouraged maintaining humanity while recognizing the limits of emotional investment. “Don’t lose your humanity, but don’t kill yourself either, for those who won’t be happy when you’re happy or sad when you’re sad,” he advised.
