Growing up, my father had a unique way of showing love, often through thoughtful gestures. Anytime he returned from a trip, he would act like he hadn’t brought anything for us. Just when we’d resigned ourselves to the thought, he’d call us to his room and say, “Try this on.” The joy on our faces seemed to fuel his happiness. That man—he loved to surprise us.

Even when he didn’t return with gifts, if he said, “Come and escort me,” you could bet you wouldn’t come back empty-handed. He always found a way to make sure power entered your hand.

At home, we had routines. When he called from work, we’d all line up as my mum passed the phone around so we could each say hello. It was a tradition.

I got my first phone in Primary 5—a Starcomms. It wasn’t popular in Jos, so airtime wasn’t easy to find. My only contact was my dad. He would call, we’d talk, and afterwards, he’d recharge my phone. With just ₦100 credit, I could go months. Later, he brought me an MTN phone. Now I could call other people, but whenever I called him, he would still send me airtime after the conversation.

I’d protest, saying, “I’m just calling to greet you o.” He’d laugh and say, “I know,” but the recharge would come regardless. That was his way of saying, I’m with you, even from miles away.

My dad loved books. When he wasn’t home, he’d call and ask which class we were in, then buy books for that level—always with our full names written neatly inside. His handwriting was impeccable, and I "sharply" copied it. He especially loved buying me English textbooks. When he brought home newspapers, he’d always ask, “Do you want to read this after I’m done?” Small gestures, but they spoke volumes.

He wanted us to learn. To grow. To do better than he did. I remember my PRIME English textbook—it had his handwriting in it, a reminder of the care he put into shaping us.

Even now, I sometimes dial his number, wishing he’d pick up so we could talk like we used to. But oh well.

That man. He taught me that love often speaks loudest through actions. He showed us that even the smallest gestures could carry the deepest meaning.💗💯