Market Update: Business class, economy…and a lesson in humility — by Nya-Etok Ezekiel – Full Analysis

Let me share something that happened yesterday.

After close to four decades of working in the private sector, by God’s grace, I’ve built a life that allows me some comfort.
One of those comforts is flying business class.

I’ve done that for years not just for luxury, but because it makes travel easier and more efficient.

When my children were younger and we traveled on vacation as a family, my wife and I would sit in business class, while the children sat in economy.
It was intentional. We wanted them to see the benefit of hard work not inherit comfort without understanding what it takes to earn it.
They would come visit us in business class, look around, and then return to their seats. Lesson quietly delivered.

But here’s something important: comfort must never become entitlement.

Today, I had to get from Lagos to Abuja urgently. When I got to the airport, the only seat available on my preferred airline (Ibom Air), was economy.
I didn’t hesitate, I took it, gratefully.

As it turned out, the gentleman sitting next to me was the Chairman of another thriving airline.

Yes, the CHAIRMAN.
Flying a different airline.
In economy.

That spoke volumes to me.

Here was a man who could easily have delayed his own flight to accommodate himself -at the expense of the time of his passengers.
He could have chartered a private jet. But instead, he chose punctuality over pride. Responsibility over ego.

When he arrives at his meeting, nobody will ask how he got there. They’ll just be glad he showed up.

It reminded me of something else.

Some time ago in Uyo, I needed to attend a burial ceremony of the Mother Inlaw of my guy Vincent Enyeama that was a stone throw down the road from his hotel (Vinpy Hotel in Uyo), where I lodged.
My driver had rushed to get some things done for me. So I stepped outside, flagged down a “Keke”, and went.
Some people recognized me and were surprised. But honestly? The joy on the faces of the people who shared that ride with me was worth it (not to mention that I gave them good ‘joy’!!!.

There’s a scripture where Paul the Apostle says he has learned how to abound and how to abase.

That’s maturity.

Real success is not in refusing to sit in economy.
It’s in being able to sit there without feeling reduced.

Luxury is fine.
Comfort is fine.
Private jets are fine, when necessary.

But let it be necessity, not ego.

Never let the seat you occupy become your identity.

Character, in my opinion, is the real first class.

Shalom!

–Ezekiel is an Architect and a business executive

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