‎Late Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed once shared a deeply symbolic story before his passes

“When the Whistle Blows: A Parable on Purpose, Distraction, and Accountability_”

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‎By Azaglo Michael
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‎In one of his most thought-provoking reflections, the late Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed shared a deeply symbolic story that still echoes with profound relevance today. It's not just a parable — it's a mirror held up to life, reminding us of why we are here and what truly matters.
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‎A boy was urgently sent by his hungry father to buy food. With purpose and urgency, he set off on the errand. But on his way back, something seemingly harmless diverted him — a group of boys playing football.
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‎He slowed down.
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‎Then stopped.
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‎He watched. Then he was drawn in. Invited to play, he joined eagerly, placing the food he had purchased in the care of some strangers nearby.
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‎Once on the pitch, he gave it his all. He became the star of the game , dribbling opponents, scoring goals, changing the rhythm of the match. Cheers echoed as the crowd admired his performance.
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‎But as the sun began to set, the owner of the ball took it and went home. The crowd dispersed. The excitement faded. And the game , like life ,ended.
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‎Suddenly, the boy remembered: the food! the errand!
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‎He ran to the spot where he had left it. But it was too late. Goats and dogs had already devoured it. The plates were there, but they were empty, dirty, and useless.
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‎With shame and regret, he walked home in the dark, tears rolling down his cheeks. When people saw him, they asked why he was crying with empty plates. He replied:
‎“My father will beat me. I wasted the time and failed the assignment.”
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‎The Lesson?
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‎Life is the journey. The Father is the One who sent us , each of us , on a divine assignment. The football game represents the distractions of the world: fame, applause, fun, and self-gratification. These things may seem fulfilling in the moment, but they are fleeting.
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When the “game” is over, and the “ball” is taken, what will you be left with?
‎Will your plates , your purpose , be full or empty?
‎Will you have fulfilled your assignment, or will regret be your only companion?
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‎The late Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s story calls us all to focus, to remember our calling, and to never let distractions derail our destiny. Because in the end, the Father will ask for an account. And the clapping crowd? They won’t be there to defend us.
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‎Stay the course. Avoid distractions. Fulfill your assignment.
‎The clock is ticking. The field is not forever.