From Delay to Destiny: How a Long Day Turned into a Rare Encounter

Yesterday started off as one of those days I just wanted to go smoothly. I was scheduled to meet the chairman of one of the firms I consult for, so I left home very early, hoping to meet him on time and still attend to other engagements. But when I arrived, he hadn’t shown up, which was unusual for him. I kept waiting, and with every hour that passed, I felt my energy and patience slowly draining.

By 1 p.m., I had been there since 7 a.m. My phone was buzzing with calls from other arrangements I had made earlier, and I had to start cancelling and moving things around. It was exhausting. Then at 3 p.m., the chairman finally saw me and, without much time to talk, told me plainly; "You’re flying to Lagos this evening. Go and prepare."

Thankfully, I had a few clothes stored at Deosea Apartments, where I manage, just for moments like this. I quickly made my way there, freshened up, changed, and called my wife to inform her about the unplanned trip. My flight details came in while I was already en route to the airport.

At the airport, I checked in and sat to wait again, this time for boarding. Hours passed. It was well past the flight time. I looked around and noticed a man sitting nearby. I walked up and asked if he was on the same flight. We compared flight numbers and realized we were both booked on the same airline, same time.

He stepped away to get something, and I offered to watch his luggage. Not long after he left, boarding was announced. I waited for him to return, and when he did, we joined the line together. That small act of consideration led to something unexpected.

We ended up seated on the same row, and that simple conversation turned into one of the most interesting flights I’ve had. His energy was warm, his words full of insight, and as we talked, I discovered I was speaking to none other than His Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Tasie Njemonwu Daniel of the International College for Diplomatic Affairs.

As we spoke, I did something I always encourage others to do; I marketed myself. I told him about my work, my passions, and my willingness to learn, even as an intern. I shared my heart for purpose-driven storytelling, and I told him about Catch Them Young Bible Club—a Bible club and NGO I’ve been running by God’s grace for the past 11 years.

I also showed him the blog I recently launched, reflectionswithprinceleunado.online, where I pour out my thoughts, lessons, and life experiences. I even shared the website for Catch Them Young, because both platforms reflect what I stand for.

Before we landed, he gave me his number. That night, I went back to my hotel room and sent him an edited video of the trip, a small way of saying, Sir, I meant everything I said. I offered to help document his travels and meetings, if granted the opportunity.

And that’s how what began as a frustrating, inconvenient day transformed into a day of destiny. A day I met a man I never thought I’d meet. A day that reminded me that sometimes, the turning point isn't loud or scheduled; it sneaks in quietly, just when you're about to give up.

Never waste an opportunity to present yourself; be confident, be intentional, and always show up ready. You never know who’s sitting next to you or who’s watching your integrity in the small things.

This is the story of how I met Ambassador Dr. Tasie Njemonwu Daniel.
It was truly an honour, sir.

And guess what, I’ll be sending the link to this story to him. Because this isn’t just a thank-you note; it’s also my way of saying, Sir, I write too, both for people and for purpose. If ever there’s a chance to serve you or your organisation through words, storytelling, or documentation, I’m already one step in.