FOUR YEARS IN THE SAVANNAH

CHAPTER 1: JOURNEY TO THE NORTH It was in the morning but the darkness was still gripping the earth when a knock landed on the door to my room. “Samueli, Wake up! It is today, let's go,” Àdùní announced. Instantly, sleep flew out of my eyes…. After completing my secondary school level education in 2018, one of my dreams was to proceed However, I couldn't, due to financial constraint, instead I was enrolled into an apprenticeship to learn barbing. Although I accepted the situation I found myself in, my dream still stood tall. After a year of learning, I couldn't wait any longer. I couldn't suppress the desire to proceed with my education. Some of my mates got admission into university. I was happy for them. I congratulated them. Yet I was wondering why my own opportunity never came. During this phase, it felt as though my time was wasting away. It felt as if I was lagging. But everything changed the day Àdùní called me to her room. Àdùní is my mother, My father’s elder sister She is everything that has ever happened to me. She took ample part in my story.. And I love her wholeheartedly. “Samueli, Samueli,” she called. “Ma,” I answered, as I dashed into her room. Our eyes met as I entered the room and she motioned me to sit. Silence… She sighed, “There is something I want us to discuss about your education” My heart started racing against my chest. I swallowed, gulping down the lump in my throat. “Ok ma.” She looked at me keenly and sighed again “I want you to go to your father's place in North” “Ha!” I exclaimed. She continued, “I have discussed with him and he promised to sponsor you. You will be going in two days time” I couldn't say a word. My eyes became red. I had stayed in Ogbomoso all my life. Ogbomoso is a bustling city located in Oyo state. “How will I cope with the northern environment? Without Àdùní? My friends?” Questions began to circulate in my mind. “Samueli,” she called softly. Her call jerked me to reality and I sighed. “I…I..I don't want you to go, but I'm not financially stable enough to sponsor your education,” she said, her voice trembling “And I want you to go to school. I want you to have the opportunity I never had” For the first time, I saw sadness in her eyes. She had made a lot of sacrifices. It was now my turn. That night, sleep left me. I lay awake. My eyes darted to every corner of the room. In two days, I will be leaving Ogbomoso. I had prayed for the opportunity for years. Finally It had come and I found myself wishing time could slow down. It all felt unreal. The next morning. The news of my departure spread immediately, Àdùní told my boss. "So you are leaving?” Apata asked when we met at the shop. I smiled. “It seems so.” “University boy, Don't forget us when you graduate o” Other apprentices laughed but I could perceive sadness beneath their jokes. Two days passed like magic. It was in the morning but the darkness was still gripping to the earth and when I heard a knock on my door. "Samueli, wake up! It is today. Let's go!” This was no longer a discussion. My departure was real. I sat up slowly and looked around my room. My small traveling bag stood in the corner, already packed. After saying my morning prayers, I carried the bag outside. Àdùní and Dad mi were waiting for me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she adjusted the collar of my shirt the way she had done since I was three years old. Tears rolled down from her eyes , which she cleaned with the edge of her wrapper "You will make me proud," she said. I nodded. My lips were too heavy for words. The vehicle that would take me to the motor park was already waiting outside. As I climbed in, I looked back one last time. Àdùní stood at the gate, waving. I waved back. The vehicle began to move. Slowly, the house disappeared from sight. And just like that, a chapter of my life closed while another began. TO BE CONTINUED…. @ÀDÙNÍ

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