The thing I'd like to talk about is a suit that I borrowed from my friend Tunde for a job interview about three years ago. I'm from Lagos, and at that time I'd just finished my degree in accounting and was applying for graduate jobs at big firms.
Tunde and I have been friends since secondary school. He's a bit taller than me, but we're a similar build, and he'd bought a really smart navy suit for his cousin's wedding the year before. I'd only ever worn traditional clothes or casual things, so I didn't own anything suitable for a formal interview at a bank.
I needed it because I'd been invited for a final round of interviews and I had about four days' notice. I simply didn't have the money for a decent suit, and a cheap one from the market wouldn't have looked right. So I phoned Tunde, a bit embarrassed, and asked if I could borrow his. He brought it round the same evening, along with a tie and a pair of shoes, and even helped me practise interview questions.
How did I feel about it? Honestly, a mixture of things. At first I felt slightly awkward, because I don't like asking people for favours. I was also terrified of spilling something on it. I didn't eat anything all day of the interview. But mainly I felt grateful, and wearing it gave me a lot of confidence. I got the job, and with my first salary I bought my own suit and took Tunde out for a big dinner. Now whenever he needs something, I'm the first person to help.