Diary of a Nigerian Youth Corp member: First gist with Papa in Umuwanwan

By Ashogbon Adenike Moronkeji

It was a Thursday afternoon after taking Garri and Edikayikan soup. I decided to prepare beans (brown Lagos beans; don't forget that you can see more or white beans in the East).

I got a call from the kitchen calling Corper, as I approached the place I was told that the old man next door wants to see me, I headed to the old man’s mud house to see him. In the house, it was cool and cosy, not forgetting that it just rained, everywhere outside the mud house was cold and wet but inside his house, reverse seems to be the case.

When I got to Papa’s room, I was warmly welcomed and he offered me a seat, then he started his conversation with 'igbo' language as usual. I didn't stop him because I felt it might sound rude. However, that was my opinion, then at a point, I sense that he wanted a response, and I was looking, staring at him like a 'donse'. I replied and said, Papa, bi ko nu, me no understand o (ashamed). Then, he said, I know you don't want you to learn by force (I smiled).

However, it may interest you to know that papa could speak English, even if not fluently at least averagely good English. He is a retired civil servant, in his late 80's, aged and looking feeble. At every point he spoke with me, Papa coughed. The funniest of all he discussed with me after the long epistle-like conversation, was “...My dear, after service, won't you stay in Abia?” Instantly I said ‘No’. Immediately I said that, I saw a sign of disappointment boldly engraved on his old pale face, when I noticed that, I quickly twisted my response and I said,' I would come around sha, once in a while'.

Though, he looked better, but he then broke the ice by saying, 'what if I get someone to marry you? I want you to marry one of my grandchildren,' I was stunned! I told him, 'baba I have someone I want to marry in Lagos, so that is not possible na’, with smiles, I answered him thinking it was a child's play.

Papa kept talking about it...don't forget my beans was still on fire, I kept responding with the same old answer, he seemed not ready to accept my response and told me to go think about it...what am I to go and think about? What I know can never happen...and this Papa likes me....but my answer can't change na...where will I put my (fiancé)...God's wealth (Olaoluwami)...nah! I will have to disappoint papa on this one o!