The sound of "Congratulations!" roared in the air as we joyfully rejoiced with Uncle Fide who newly bought a house. It was his housewarming celebration and every member of the family were present to celebrate with him. "Of course, life was not easy when I newly arrived from Benin City to Lagos. Even with its challenges and obstacles, I thank God today that I am able to overcome and come out victorious", he said as we all sat with open ears to listen to his story.
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After the police issue I had with the manager of Goodwill Beer Parlour in Benin, I made up my mind that I was going to come to Lagos to seek a better life. With the little money I had saved from the previous salaries I received as a bar attendant in the Beer Parlour, I journeyed to Lagos with my best friend, Aliyu, who had earlier conceived the idea of coming to Lagos. Although we had no family or friends to live with in Lagos, we still decided to embark on the journey.
On our arrival to Lagos, we lodged in a hotel around Iyana-Ipaja area for about two weeks. When we had no money to spend again, I said to my friend, Aliyu, "My guy, I no get money again oo. If we no commot from this hotel today ehn, dem go throw us commot for here with disgrace (My guy, I don't have money on me again. If we do not leave this hotel today, they'll send us away with disgrace)".
So, we decided to leave the hotel in the evening of that day. We do not know where exactly to go to, but we kept on walking. We trekked from Iyana-Ipaja to Ikeja because we had no money to board a bus. On getting to Ikeja, we located a Viju Milk Company and decided to seek employment there.
After showing the gateman our certificates as graduates of the department of theatre arts, he said to us "Dem no employ people ooo because na just this last week the factory machine spoil. Maybe una fit come back after six months. Everything go don settle by then (They are not employing people because last week, the factory machine developed fault. Maybe you should check again after six months. I believe everything will be settled by then)”. "Ah! Six months!" Aliyu exclaimed. "Na hunger go kill us before then (We'll die of hunger before then)." I said. We left there and continued our journey.
We walked and walked until we realised that we were already at Ikoyi in Lagos. As it was already late in the night, all we could think of was a place to lay our heads. We therefore decided to rest at the gate of a beautiful two storey building. As luck would shine its face on us, we saw a man coming towards where we sat.
"Who are you?" the man said with a firm and harsh voice as he approached us. "Ehm bros, ehm we are" I stammered. "Wow! Wow! Wow! Of course, I know your type. Both of you with your school bags, you want to rob us right?" "No ooo, please brother, we are not thieves ooo." Aliyu said with tears in his eyes. "Okay, you people are kidnappers right? I see. Infact, I'm calling the police right now", the man said.
At the mention of police, I quickly went on my knees begging and pleading with the man. "No sir ooo, we are not kidnappers. We are your brothers. No, we are your friend. Infact, we are your children. We are stranded and we need a place to stay for the night." I said with fear in my voice. "Yes sir. Help a brother please. Please sir, please sir." Aliyu said as he started to cry out loud.
The man took pity on us and led us inside the house. We found out that he is the chief security officer and gateman of the beautiful two storey building house. After narrating our story to him, he decided to help us get a job. We were full of joy because of the food and shelter he provided for us.
The man told us the next day that he has found a job for us. However, the job was a gateman job like his. "Shey una go do am?(Will you do it?) he asked. "Of course, we will", I replied. "You nko?(What about you?) he said turning to Aliyu. "I'll do it sir." Aliyu said. This job offer led to the separation of Aliyu and I. Aliyu was to remain in Ikoyi as a gateman in a rich man's house, while I was posted to work as a security man in a sales company on the mainland.
After three months, I received a call from Aliyu. He explained to me that he couldn't cope with his job as a result of the insults he received daily from the rich man's children. As a result of this, he travelled back to Benin to start a new life. Although I was pained, I continued with my job and was committed to it. As a result of my hardwork and friendly nature, I was later employed as a sales staff in the same company. I was given several promotions over the years I worked with this company and this led to where I am today and the properties I own.
"I came to Lagos as a nobody and with the hope of a better life. Even after seven years of struggling with the challenges I encountered, I am absolutely victorious because I am able to achieve all I have dreamt of. So far, Lagos has made me into a better me which I'll forever be grateful for." Uncle Fide ended his story as everyone cheered him with a loud applause.
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The spirit of perseverance.
I've been to Lagos just once it's really a tough land to find green pastures. Breaking through there is a work or grace and hard work
Hmm... This is very true.
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