Suicidal Fugitive

SUICIDAL FUGITIVE

     “What kind of trade is this?” Afam thought sadly. “Every day, same story.” He added while seated on the main chair situated in his shop.

Afam, a thirty-five year old young man who was of Anambra State origin just rounded off his apprenticeship on sales of building materials six months back; and since his boss settled him immediately after his seven-year old apprenticeship, things hadn’t been going smoothly as he anticipated to include low pace of sales as well as constant nightmares experienced by him. To worsen it all, a lot of responsibilities awaited him being the first born of his vulnerable parents who could boast of eight children including himself.

    “I pray God would deliver me from this bondage.” He continued.

“Afam, how far nah?”Ugo exclaimed amidst the lamentation the moment he walked into Afam’s shop.

Afam was obviously outside minded.

    “Afam…!” He repeated in a loud voice while still standing.

He was standing directly opposite Afam; their positions were demarcated by a wooden table.

    Afam quickly became conscious owing to the gravity of the last call. “Hey Ugo,” he exclaimed in a very lowtone. “How nah?”

Ugohurriedly sat on one of the single seats sited adjacent to his (Afam’s). “Guy, what is eating you up?” He enquired.

“My brother,” Afam said. “Just tiredness...”

“Tiredness?”Ugo chipped in. “Did you go to night vigil?”

     “No,” he responded. “I’ve been very busy since morning.”

It was about some minutes past two in the afternoon on Tuesday June 21, 2011.

Ugo was Afam’s closest friend and neighbour; they lived very close to each other at their place of residence in Onitsha the commercial city of Anambra state, and their shops were also located near each other. He was also a trader but he majored in motorcycle spare parts. Both of them were of the same age bracket, though Ugo appeared older.

     “Afam,” Ugo called tenderly. “When did you start hiding things from me?”

     “How?”

     “You and I know that you’re not happy going by your countenance.”

Afam became silent and calm.

     “If you don’t share your burdens with me,” said Ugo. “Who would you.”

Afam immediately took a very deep and noisy breath. “My brother,” he said. “You already know all my worries.”

Ugo became attentive.

     “What else do I need to tell you?” Afam added.

     “Is it about sales?”

“What else, my brother?” Replied the frustrated dude. “Since morning, only one customer has walked into this shop.”

     “Is that why you want to kill yourself?” scolded Ugo. “You can’t continue like this.”

     “So what would I do?” He asked inquisitively. Seemed confused and pale.

     “My dear,” Ugo proceeded. “I’ve been into this before you.” He said referring to trade.

Ugo was almost a year old in trading and he was doing well; he commenced six months before Afam joined the trend.

Afam became attentive and curious.

     “You see,” said Ugo. “I was like you when I started mine.”

Afam was silent.

      “I was almost frustrated just as you are.”

      “Bros,” Afam broke his silence. “You can’t compare yours with mine, though I was not there.”

     “Since you were not there,” Ugo chipped in. “How would you know how serious was mine?”

     “Because mine appears totally different and strange.”Afam responded. “How can one not experience even a patronage for a whole day?”

Ugo abruptly became silent and submissive. The last statement made by Afam stroke his lips, thus he threw in the towel.

     “Honestly, I think there’s something wrong somewhere.” Afam insinuated.

     “So, what’s your plan?”

     “I want to go and see my boss before the week runs out.” Afam disclosed. “He might have something useful to contribute.”

     His boss Chief Okekewas also a resident of the city, Onitsha and the headquarters of his trade was situated there; it was at the main branch (headquarters) that Afam did his apprenticeship.

Ugo nodded. “I think you are right.” he encouraged. “But you must not let this thing weigh you down.” He added.

“Thank you.” Afam appreciated.

 

              * * * * * *

     “Good morning, Sir.” Afam greeted lowering his head as soon as he stepped into his boss’s sitting room at about some minutes to eleven on Saturday 25^th of June, 2011.

    The entrance to the room was let open by Chief Okeke’s female house help having received an alert via the doorbell.

Afam had earlier informed his boss that he would be at his place on that very day during the morning hours and Chief Okeke consented to the proposal.

     Chief Okeke who was in his middle fifties (50s) was married with four female children; his last child was about ten years old. On that very day, he alongside his wife Lolo Ujunwa was watching television at the sitting room; she was aware of the scheduled visit.

    “Good morning, Ma.” He added instantly.

     “Good morning Afam.” The couple responded concurrently, smiling. “How’re you?” Chief Okeke added.

     “I’m fine, Sir.” Replied the guest.Stood still.

     “You’re welcome.” Lolo Ujunwa exclaimed. “Please make yourself comfortable.” She cheerfully urged.

      “Thank you, Ma.” Afam appreciated. Majestically walked to one of the single upholstery chairs in the parlour and sat on it.

He was seated adjacent to the couple who was making use of the only two-in-one upholstery chair in the room. The couple was dressed in pairs of Pyjamas of different patterns while Afam putted on dark-blue jeans, purple T-shirt spotted with a strip of white colour as well as a pair of black shoes.

Ujunwa stood up. “So what do we offer you?” She asked Afam.

     “Don’t bother yourself, Ma.”

    “How?” She said. “You don’t care for any drink?”

    “No Ma.” Afam responded waving his right hand.

     “Afam, what did you mean you don’t care for any drink?” Chief Okeke said. Frowned.

     “I’m Okay, Sir.”

     “What about food?” Ujunwa chipped in; stood still. “Or, have you taken your breakfast?”

    “Ma, I’m Okay.” Said Afam. “Thank you very much.”

      It was apparent that the young man wasn’t looking bright; he obviously seemed pale.

    “Na wa ooh!” Ujunwa exclaimed. Went back to her seat.

    “Afam,” Chief Okeke called. “You don’t look happy.”

      His wife nodded in agreement.

      “What is wrong with you?’ Chief Okeke added.

     “Sir, that is why I’m here.”

      The couple looked each other in surprise on hearing the last clause. “Madam, please excuse us.” Chief Okeke urged his wife.

     It appeared he was already aware of what was on Afam’s mind.

Ujunwa hurriedly stood up and walked to her matrimonial room.

Afam was calm.

      “Is it about your trade?” Chief Okeke guessed correctly.

Afam looked at him amazingly. “How did you know, Sir?”

Chief Okeke smiled. “Because I saw it coming.”

“Saw it coming…?” exclaimed Afam. “How, Sir?”

      “Never mind, my boy.”

There was absolute silence.

      “Sir,” Afam called. “My trade is really giving me troubles.”

      “Like I said earlier,” said Chief Okeke. “I saw it coming.”

      “I don’t understand, Sir.” Afam said. Profoundly confused.

Chief Okeke was silent for a couple of seconds. “Afam,” he called. “There is more you need to know about this trade.”

Chief Okeke who was densely rich was a cultist but Afam was not yet aware; and the tradition of the cult was that any apprentice who was settled by any of its members having concluded his apprenticeship would never be successful in his trade unless he joins the confraternity.

      Afam quickly left his seat for that of his boss; he sat very closely to him. “Sir, is there anything you are not telling me?” He anxiously enquired.

“Meet me tomorrow at Braxton Hotel,” Chief Okeke enjoined. “Room 116.”

Afam was shocked. He least expected the invitation.

     Braxton Hotel was one of the most exotic hotels in the city; Afam was yet to know how its interior parts looked like because he had never been privileged to be there.

“We need to talk.” Chief Okeke concluded.

 

   * * * * * *

      “Young man remove your shirt,” the Grand Master of the so called The Classic secret confraternity mandated Afam in a thick and frightening voice. “For you are in the presence of Ogbojiji.” He added.

      Thatwas at about some minutes past eight at night of Wednesday June 29, 2011 – three days or the fourth night after Chief Okeke met with Afam at the ‘Braxton Hotel’. During that meeting, Chief Okeke succeeded in cajoling him into joining the confraternity – ‘The Classic’ as it was called by its members. ‘Ogbojiji’ happened to be the name of the god or the Supreme Being worshipped by the members of the cult.

     There were about seventeen men including Chief Okeke in the enclosed hall. They were all on their feet creating two parallel lines among themselves and were facing each other as the tradition demanded; the two lines were about two metres apart. The arena was undoubtedly fearful that even the blind could testify to it.

Afam, a plum, chocolate and an average in height dude who wore corporate native attire hastily complied with the mandate.

     Chief Okeke who stood directly oppositeAfam and was also dressed in corporate native attire alongside other members present, nodded in appreciation to Afam’s knee jerk reaction.

     “Come forward, my son.” the Grand Master as he was addressed urged Afam.         
    “It is time for you to be cleansed and duly initiated into the big family of Ogbojiji.”

     Afam immediately stepped toward the beast-like creature (the grand master)that was standing ahead of the group and was facing the entire members.

The initiation which was accompanied with series of incantations lasted for several minutes.

     “My son,” the Grand Master said. “Congratulations.” He excitedly applauded the moment Afam went back to his initial position.

     There was some seconds’ silence.

“By this time tomorrow,” he proceeded. “You shall bring your mother to Ogbojiji for ritual.” He demanded, pointing at a basin filled with water which was positioned at the centre of the gathering.

     The white coloured basin was displaying the image of Afam’s mum to his greatest shock; the master pointed at it with the symbol of authorityhe held in his right hand.

      Afam couldn’t believe his ears as well as his eyes; it was like a mere joke until the reality dawned upon him.

     Prior to this period; right from when his boss - Chief Okeke joined the cult about fifteen years back, he (Chief Okeke) had sacrificed his both parents and two siblings apart from the non-members of his family he offered as demanded by the cult; also, based on the cult’s norm, he likewise other members was not meant to have or boast of any male child.

     After several days, in spite of the series of importunities from Chief Okeke, Afam insisted not to comply with the weird and ungodly request; he remained resolute to the extent that he began to avoid his boss – Chief Okeke who was functioning as the cult’s delegate.

     Two weeks later having exhausted the grace given to him by the confraternity, the suicidal fugitive (Afam) was overtaken by madness.

 

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Smart Genius

SMART GENIUS

     “Mr Ken, why were you not on seat yesterday?” Adamu furiously queried one of his junior staff.

Mr Adamu Danjuwa was the Human Resources Manager (HRM) of Capricon manufacturing company.

     Between late eighties (1980s) and early nineties (1990s), Capricon manufacturing company was indeed a very notable one across the federation that everyone even an imbecile that existed within the stated period could testify to this fact. Even beyond the period in question, Capricon Nigeria Limited as it was fondly called based on what was inscribed on its major signpost in line with its incorporation, never relented in making the general public and the society at large feel its impact to the extent that it was rated and widely recognized as the best among its equals. To say the least, it never tolerated any excuses from its staff when it called for business right from when it was incorporated in 1985, June precisely.

     The company which was into cosmetics production, particularly soap, cream and perfume understood that the consumers comefirst before any other person or thing; this is why their products which were popularly known as Danza soap, Danza Cream, Danza perfume as well as Danza body spray remained cosmetics that any rational being wanted to behold.

      To say that Adamu was one of the brains behind the prospect of the company is an understatement; Adamu who was one of the pioneer members of the firm, was one of the best three personnel, if not the overall best the companycould reckon with owing to his outstanding and brilliant contributions toward its enviable growth.

      On his part, Ken who joined the firm a year back was a staff of the Marketing department. On that fateful day, he was being queried by Adamu due to truancy – he couldn’t make it to the office the previous day as a result of circumstances beyond his control and Mr Adamu Danjumawas really mad over the attitude. Ken was actually ill on that day, so he decided to take a rest without even making effort to notify the management.

“I was ill, Sir.” He responded apprehensively.

He was standing directly opposite to Adamu who was seated in his office.

 “Ill…..?”Adamu ranted.

      Mr Danjuma’s furious physiognomy was not really prompted by Mr  Ken’s absence but owing to the fact that the management was kept in the dark by the man in question; thus, he absorbed the nonchalant act as a letdown which was tantamount to dismissal based on the company’s rules.

“Yes Sir,” Ken continued. “I suddenly fell ill and there was no way I could reach the company.”

     Though there was nothing like GSM during the era but Ken was meant to send a message across through someone, probably a relative or friend; the fact was that he took everything for granted.

“You amuse me, Ken.”

     Ken quickly adjusted himself. Stood still.

“To start with,” Adamu rode on. “Were you not supposed to be treated by the company’s clinic?”

     “Sir, I didn’t even have the strength to…”

 “Will you stop amusing me.” Interrupted Adamu.

     There was an unconditional silence for a few seconds.

“If our staff don’t use the clinic, then what was the essence of establishing it?

      Ken remained speechless and calm.

      “When you came into this company twelve months ago, February 1994 precisely if I’m not mistaken, I painstakingly read the company’s Act to you.”

      Ken became jitterier.

 “And in that very Act, you were categorically informed that this company doesn’t condone truancy or laxity.”

Ken who was dressed in corporate attire felt like discharging urine on his boxers.

     “And as I speak to you right now,” Adamu proceeded fiercely. “I want you to know that you have abused that Act.”

At this juncture, Ken needed not a prophet to disclose the fate that awaited him.

“The most confusing part is that,” He said. Paused. “You’re yet to realize that you belong to one of the most sensitive departments in this highly reputable firm.”

     There was maximum silence.

     “It will interest you to know that,” Adamu continued. “Since 1986 I joined this company till date, I have never for once missed my duty post.”

     Ken couldn’t believe his ears.

“The records are there,” Said Adamu. “You can check for yourself.”

“I’m very sorry, Sir.” Ken hastily dished out, lowering his head.

     “There you go wrong,” Adamu chipped in. “In this company, you don’t rob Peter to pay Paul.”

     “Sir, it won’t repeat itself.” He assured fearfully.

     “Mr Ken Okafor,” Adamu called ruthlessly in a high tone, hitting his right hand on his table.

     Ken became extremely attentive.

“Give me one reason you shouldn’t be fired.”

      At this point, Ken was actually seeing a totally different creature, which implied that the HRM had been speaking in a friendly manner all those while he was revisiting the company’s Act. The unexpected oral query wasn’t just confusing and devastating but threatening; it was no doubt a rhetorical test no matter how clever Ken was.

     There was an undiluted tranquility.

“You can leave.” He said, demonstrating with his left arm.

Ken who was dumbfounded, stood still. Appeared like an electrocuted gorilla.

“I said, leave my office.” Shouted Adamu who was also clad in corporate attire.

First thing in the morning the following two days (48 hours) being 15^th of February 1995 – barely one year after he received his employment letter, Ken got the sack having attended to the written query issued to him on the day he left Adamu’s office; he received the disengagement letter in his office from his Secretary. The Scenario yielded a very painful mood, but all he could do was to move on with his life; after all, life continues.

 

            * * * * * *

    “What’s the name?” Mr Steven verified as soon as one of the interviewees assumed his seat.

Steven was a member of the 5-man committee set up by the Management of Capricon  Nigeria Limited to conduct an oral interview for their prospective staff. The company’s Human Resources Manager, Mr Adamu Danjuma was one of the members of the committee and he happened to be the leader.

      That day being 2^nd of March 1995 marked the commencement of the assessment exercise.

     “My name is Olatunji Seun.” The interviewee replied.

Seun who walked in with a plastic file in his left hand happened to be the third applicant to be assessed by the team. The team was already with a copy of his Curriculum Vitae prior to his entrance, and they were perusing it right before him.

Something remarkable transpired on that very day; the moment Seun walked into the complex room, he observed that Mr Danjuma’s face was very familiar but on the contrary, the bearer of the familiar face never recognized that of the applicant.

Adamu happened to be Seun’s course mate in the University of Ibadan (U.I) nine years back but the fascinating part was that Adamu was a dropout; he quit his studentship during his first year (100 Level) which was 1986 due to financial challenges. He secured his job same year with a forged degree certificate but since his engagement with the company, he had never been found wanting in any way because of his natural brilliance.

      While the interview lasted, Seun continued to look at Adamu who was dressed in the company’s white T-shirt, a pair of black jeans and a pair of black plain shoes alongside his colleagues with a view that the man in question would reciprocate to the gesture but to no avail. It became obvious to him that Adamu didn’t recognize his face even a bit.

     After he had been successfully interviewed, he waited behind all through the day till the team was done for the day so he could have a one-on-one conversation with Adamu.

     Though Adamu couldn’t graduate with him alongside his set but he (Seun) never had any intuition that he came into the companyin disguise; rather, he was of the thought that he might had attended another university or polytechnic after he left U.I.

     He was preoccupied with the notion that if he familiarized himself with Adamu, it would be an aid towards his job hunt. Since he completed his National Youth Service programme in 1991, he had been managing with one of the small scale firms in the neighbourhood until he got an invitation on February 17, 1995 to come for an interview with Capricon Limited where he had earlier applied for a job.

“Good day Sir!”Seun greeted the moment Mr Adamu Danjuma eventually walked out of the complex room in the company of his co-interviewers.

It was about some minutes past five in the afternoon – by this time, all the job seekers had already left the arena. Seun had been seated at the entrance to the room amidst some of the company’s staff; he had explained to them that he wanted to meet with one of the interviewers whose face was familiar.

      Prior to his greeting, he hurriedly stood up and stepped toward Adamu as soon as they walked out from the room.

     “Good day young man.” Responded Adamu as his colleagues departed for their respective offices. “Were you not one of the applicants?”

     “Yes I am, Sir.” Replied Seun who was putting on corporate attire.

      Both of them were standing opposite to each other.

“So, how may I help you?” Adamu enquired. “MrOlatunji, right?” He recollected.

      He was able to remember Seun’s name because he performed marvelously when he was interviewed.

“Yes Sir, you’re right.”Said Seun. “OlatunjiSeun.” He added.

     “I’m all ears.” Adamu said, anxiously waited for the response to the first question – ‘how may I help you?’.

“Please Sir,” Seun rode on. “Don’t be offended, did you pass through UI?”

It was unarguably a shocking question to Adamu. He couldn’t believe his ears.

“UI…?” He asked under false pretences.

“Yes, University of Ibadan.”Said Seun.“Public Administration department to be precise.” He added, looking at his eyes submissively.

     “No.” He said. “Are you mistaking me for someone else?”

     “Yes,” Seun replied. “Your face looks very familiar.”

“I’m sorry,” Responded Adamu. “I’m not the one.” He said, quickly walked towards his office leaving Seun behind.

Seun couldn’t believe it; it was not unlike a dream to him though he never sensed any foul play. Consequently, he left the company’s premises within a couple of minutes disappointedly.

      As a result of the above scenario, Adamu being the leader of the assessment team ensured that Seun wasn’t employed by the company in order to avoid any future havoc. He thought it wise that bringing Seun into the company would be at the detriment of his person.

Adamu who was in his early forties and was happily married with three kids wouldn’t want any iota of saga to befall him especially at that point he had succeeded in proving his unalloyed competence and integrity to the company; hence he saw Seun as a serpent.

     After the incident, Seun employed every tactics towards ascertaining the full detail about Adamu. In consequence to the quest, Seun who hardly knew Adamu’s name succeeded in coming up with his full name, position in the company as well as when he was employed. At the long run, he understood that Adamu must had forged his certificate for him to had gotten to the position of HRM; and considering the time frame, there was no how he could have risen to that enviable height if he was not employed as a graduate or with a degree/HND certificate or any equivalent certificate.

Two months on, the company’s Management received the unthinkable report on Mr Adamu Danjuma via Seun who had patiently waited to receive his employment letter from the company in regard to his remarkable performance during the interview, all to no avail.

      Two weeks after the report was received and it was confirmed that Adamu came into the company with the aid of a criminal mechanism having conducted all the needed investigations, the company’s Board of Directors set up a 7-man panel to query Adamu.

“Mr Danjuma,” The leader of the panel called unfriendly after all the consequential introductions were made having read outthe sole agenda for the gathering. “Give us one reason you shouldn’t be fired.”

     They were seated in a round table in the company’s conference room.

It appeared such striking statement – ‘Give one reason you shouldn’t be fired’ was one of the standard and acceptable ways of querying any of the company’s staff found wanting. That was exactly the language same Adamu used for Ken prior to his (Ken’s) dismissal.

     Adamu who was taken unawares hastily stood up confidently as if he anticipated for the meeting as well as the question. “Greetings to you all” He said. “I shouldn’t be fired because…” The dark, plump and average in height young man who was clad in ash suit proceeded in a meek but confident manner.

All eyes were on him.

  “(1) I forged the certificate out of frustration and because I was financially handicapped, and not because I was a criminal. (2) I forged what I could defend…”

      He took a breath.

“(3) As I speak to you now,” He continued. “I speak as a Master’s degree holder in Public Administration…”

     Everyone was marvelled on hearing the revelation; they felt like clapping for him.Each of them wondered what kind of man Adamu was.

Adamu had enrolled for a part-time degree programme in a nearby university the moment he secured an employment. And he proceeded for his Master’s degree programme as soon as he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc).

“And finally,” He rode on. “Because I have given Capricon Nigeria Limited far more than what it expected from my person.” He concluded succinctly, though tentatively.

      “You may have your seat.” The panel Chairman urged.

“Thank you Sir.” Adamu said. Sat down.

     After all said and done within an hour’s time, the meeting ended.

Subsequently, Adamu was filled with mixed feelings accompanied with premonitory anxiety, not knowing what would become his fate.

One week later, rather than laying him off from the company or demoting him, surprisingly the smart genius was promoted to the rank of the General Manager (GM) of Capricon Limited owing to his academic accomplishmentsas revealed by him coupled with his outstanding qualities.

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Greater Day Ahead

GREATER DAY AHEAD

     “When would this suffering end?” Uzo soliloquized. “Or, could it be for eternity?”

     Uzo whose father died four years back after a brief illness when he (Uzo) was barely thirteen (13), was lamenting alone right in his family’s bedroom. He was obviously an exemplarily brilliant chap who was about sitting for his Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) which included WAEC and NECO; apart from his academic excellence, he was an out-and-out child every parent wished to behold. What actually prompted the lamentation was owing to the fact that the poor boy was yet to register for the aforesaid exams because the needed money wasn’t available.

     Uzo who happened to be the first child among him and his four siblings, was residing in Lagos State with his family. His mother Ugonma who just obtained her National Certificate in Education (NCE) via in-service programme was a primary school teacher, and she was in Grade Level – 5; she actually entered the Civil Service few years back with her Senior School Certificate. Life wasn’t in any way easy with Ugonma; taking care of a family of six including herself was not unlike asking a palm wine tapper to ensure that he produces at least five kegs of palm wine from a particular palm tree on a daily basis. Indeed, the poignant state of the family was seriously telling on every member of it.

    “God,” Uzo called sorrowfully. “Please, come and rescue me from this unending bondage.” He said looking at the ceiling.

     “Why can’t I be like Musa?” He wondered. “Or, Segun?”

     Musa and Segun were his classmates whose parents were well-to-do; their respective drivers drove them to school daily. He kept on wondering if his own world was different from that of his aforementioned colleagues, but more pitiably, his candid questions were left unanswered.

     He began to sing frantically. He was an ardent singer since his childhood; in his church, he happened to be one of the gifted and respected choristers in spite of his age.

     The soliloquy continued until his mother who was busy in the kitchen entered the room to checked on him having sensed his absence, unknowingly to her that her precious son had almost committed suicide. Uzo’s face coupled with the pillow that was lying on his thighs was covered with fathomless tears. He was helplessly sitting on a bed.

   “Uzo…..!” His mum exclaimed as soon as she walked into the room.

     She hastily walked to the bed and sat very close to him, tenderly placed her left arm on his shoulders. “Uzo my son.” She soberly called.

     “Mum,” He managed to dish out.

     “Why are you doing this to yourself?”

     It was on Saturday morning at about some minutes past nine o’clock; and it was a very sunny moment. His siblings were busy catching their funs outside. The whole family was living in only one-room apartment.

      “At 17, you’re not meant to bother yourself so much about things of this world.” She said. Paused.

       He adjusted himself a bit.

      “Besides,” She rode on. “That you’re poor this year 1994 doesn’t imply you would be poor by next year.”

      “Who knows if I would be alive till next year?” He thought aloud.

      “Stop saying that.” Scolded Ugonma. “Where does your faith lie?”

      Uzo remained calm.

      “Is this what I have been teaching you?” She said. Frowned. “I keep telling you that God knows everything we are passing through.”

       He seemingly became sober.

       “And only Him knows the expiring date.”

       His calm posture that abruptly metamorphosed into a pensive countenance was really absorbing the opium. Ugonma’s pious nature had obviously helped in her children’s upbringing.

       “That you’re yet to register for your SSCE does not mean you won’t sit for the exams.” She faithfully assured.

       This time, Uzo became stronger emotionally and psychologically.

       “Don’t worry,” Ugonma said. “God will surely provide the money, okay?”

       “Uzo nodded passionately.

       “So, wipe your tears.”

      Ugonma who was only putting on a single purplish wrapper, partially unfolded it and used it to assist him in wiping out the tears.

      Thereafter, she made effort to rise him up from the bed and he complied accordingly. “Come and help me in the kitchen.” She asked the moment he rose.

      “Okay mum.” He concurred without hesitation.

       One week later, as God would have it, his church raised the required fund on his behalf and his Pastor accompanied him to his school for the awaited registration. It was indeed a miracle just like his mother told him.

       Prior to the exam period, Uzo left no stone unturned towards ensuring that he made distinction in all his subjects. He was thoroughly determined to make his mum who he regarded as an angel proud. He was a notable science student in his school that in every interschool exhibition/competition involving the school, he must be the school’s representative or one of the representatives as the case may be.

      When the results were released in August 1994, he came out with flying colours just as he anticipated; more interestingly, he was not just the best candidate among his set/peers but was the overall best in the whole of Lagos State. As regards the amazing performance, he was granted a scholarship by the Lagos State government to study his dream course, Medicine and Surgery in any university across the federation.

       His mum, Ugonma couldn’t hold her joy; she felt like running from Lagos to Abia State – her home state. She alongside her entire family dedicated the rare victory to God. And, she challenged her other four children to follow suit; she made them realize that their elder brother had laid a tremendous foundation for them; hence they had no reason to fail.

       The following year being 1995, Uzo sat for the University Matriculation Examination (UME), now known as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and he enrolled for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Medicine and Surgery. Consequently, he made an excellent grade when the result came out later in the year, and he successfully secured admission in the university on merit toward the end of the year in question.

      Before he departed for the campus, he had an indoor one-on-one meeting that lasted for several minutes, if not hours with his wonderful mother.

      “Uzo my son,” Ugonma called. “I have always told you that God makes a way where there seems to be no way.”

      Uzo smiled heavily, visualizing the memory lane.

      They were seated on separate plastic chairs situated in their room. Ugonma who was plump, short and chocolate, was putting on a pink casual dress and barefooted. On his part, Uzo was clad in a pair of multiple-coloured knickers, green polo spotted with white colour and was also barefooted; he was slim, fair and average in height – he was a reminiscent of his late father. They were seated directly opposite to each other, but very closely.

      “Now you can see for yourself.” She proceeded. “Of course you have seen how miraculous our Lord is.”

      “Mum, you’re right.” He responded. “He’s indeed a miracle working God.”

      “I’m happy for you.”

      “Thank you mum.”

      “Now that you’re in the university.” She said. Calmly grabbed his two hands with hers respectively. “You must not forget where you’re coming from.”

      She continued relentlessly till both of them became saturated. It was a holistic counselling section.

      The following three days, Uzo left for the campus. While in the university, as an ardent and gifted singer as well as one who could play an organ perfectly, he never abandoned his artistic talent rather he became more devoted to the calling.

       As time progressed, as a first year medical student and a well brought up boy, Uzo was taking three major things very seriously, and they were – his prayers, studies and talent. He resisted everything that was liable to make him a failure.

       Amazingly, his singing talent took him round the state and beyond owing to uncountable public functions as well as competitions he was engaged in, that at a point, he was chosen to represent Nigeria in one international singing competition that involved students of various tertiary institutions in the world.

       In the aforesaid competition, Uzo emerged as the overall best. In addition to the astonishing prizes attached to the award which included hundred thousand US dollars, a duplex in Lagos State and a Range over Jeep, the organizer of the event – the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued him a scholarship to study his discipline (Medicine & Surgery) in any university of his choice across the globe up to any level. But Uzo chose to remain in UNILAG so that he would be close to his beloved family.

      On receiving the incredible news, his mother Ugonma passed out due to overwhelming euphoria but regained her fitness after forty-eight hours in a hospital bed. Little did the poor widow know that, there was a greater day that lied ahead when her son was granted a scholarship by the Lagos State government.

       From that moment onwards, their family life changed overnight; everything including food, clothes and adequate shelter became available. To say the least, the family never lacked again.

 

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