I met a popular Nigerian gospel artist at a popular hotel in Lagos.

I walked up to her husband and her and appreciated her music and talent in person.

I then gave her a tidy sum of money.

She acted in a dismissive manner.

I ignored my feelings and went on with my life.

A few months later, my phone rings

I picked it up, and she was the one

She asked to meet with me urgently

I obliged her

We met at the same hotel’s restaurant

When I arrived, she stood up, curtsied, and did all the respect routine

She asked me for a huge favour

I asked her where she got my phone number

She mentioned that someone I know very well gave it to her

I asked her if she remembered one Saturday night, when she was with her husband, wearing matching outfits at the poolside restaurant of the same hotel

She said she remembered

I asked her if she remembered a young man who came to her and thanked her for her music that evening

She said, “The guy who brought me a little money in a big bag.”

(I had 200,000 naira cash on me that day, and it was in 100 and 200 naira denominations)

I think someone gave it to me, or I had that sum in my car somewhere.

I remembered dashing to the room as soon as I saw her to get the money so that I could appreciate her.

I told her the guy was me.

She was shocked.

To her that day, I was a nobody

When she needed help, I suddenly became somebody worthy of her respect.

We must learn to treat people with dignity, regardless of their station or status in life, especially when we know we are a public figure

-GSW-