Call To Duty # 22

"What?!"
"Sir, I warned you o!"
"You mean he went ahead with the Census?"
"Yes, he did and it was very, very successful" The Chairman responded. The Governor sat back into his chair and slowly leaned back thoughtfully.
"Ah-ah. What is he up to?"
"I really don't know. This is the first I would hear of such. A king conducting a Census"
"Em...whatever it might be, I know for sure that it would involve the people.The best he can do is to try to put up a levy on the people."
"Levy?"
"Yes! What else could it be?"
"Ah,ah,ah! Your excellency, I now understand! The king is trying to get back his pound of flesh"
"Pound of flesh, how, what do you mean? I don't understand."
"Do you remember that your excellency had just upgraded some Royal fathers?"
"Yes"
"Well, he didn't make the list!"
"So?"
"Ah-ah...he's probably doing all these just to discredit you sir. I think he should be stopped"
"Discredit me? I still don't know how he can do that with a Census...or could it be...no way! Look, you don't worry, he wouldn't dare. But, if it's true and he tries in any way, I shall have him removed!"
"Okay sir. My candid advise is that you should ensure you keep an eye on him because he can be very funny as he is so daring and bold"
"Don't you worry my friend...don't worry!"
"And the levy?"
"Levy? Oh! That wouldn't be my problem...it's left for his people to decide what to do. The State and National taxes are high enough, I doubt if anyone would want to be saddled with a kobo more!"
"Okay sir. we should allow him?"
"Yes. If they accept, I wish them good luck!"
"Okay sir"

__________________________________________________

"Yes, you are right my dear. The Town is a typical Nigerian rural area setup that is full of stranded and frustrated subsistence farmers! The best help they can get and in fact, their immediate need is a ready made market for their farm produce."
"Yes sir. This is why I am proposing the Road construction after the Purchase of the Fleet of cars for the Transport company."
"Road? Is that not too ambitious?"
"Yes, I agree with the Youth leader. In as much as we all want to get things done quickly and hitch free, we'll need to watch what we plan to do. Road construction is capital intensive. This is why you see everyone leave the task to the government. The Federal especially" The Professor said
"I know sir. But I'll like to assure you that we can do this the most effective way. All I need is your full cooperation sirs."
"You already have that, Corper. What exactly do you have in mind?" Balogun chipped in.
"Thank you sirs. What I have in mind sir, might sound funny but it's something that we can do and have our way with it. We'll need at least a hundred able bodied youths and a huge clay deposit." The Corper revealed. His audience looked at each other and busted into laughter.
"It can't be what I think it is, could it?" The Professor asked.
"Yes, it is sir."
"Fired bricks?"
"Yes sir!"
"Wow!" The Professor exclaimed.
"You are so daring. I like that!"
"Thank you sir."
"But, a hundred youths wouldn't be enough"
"It depends sir. The Dry season has just commenced. I think we can complete this before the Rains are back" The Corper explains.
"Hmmm...that's true. But can't we make provisions for more men?" The Youth leader inquires.
"Of course we can. I'm just being conservative that's all"
"In that case,I propose two hundred" The Professor said
"Let's make it three sir" The Youth suggested.
"Well done Olori odo. Now, we need to know how much it shall cost to employ the youths and for how long they shall work?" The Balogun contributed.
"That's no problem, sir, I'll handle that. I can get the three hundred youths who would accept half of the normal pay of a labourer in a day would work for as long as is necessary!"
"Hm! I trust you. You have them all at your beck and call"
"Yes o, Balogun! That's why I'm a the Youth leader"
"Yes.It's good to know that you are serving us well." The Professor said.
"So, when should I start recruiting?" The Youth leader asked.
"Immediately of course!" The Professor exclaimed.
"Yes na! Olori odo, you don't need to ask now!" Bolgun added
"I'm sorry. I just don't want it to look like I'm being naive"
"It's okay. Commence recruitment immediately...or Corper, what do you think?" Balogun asked
"That's right sir. We need to start work ASAP!"

__________________________________________

"Tehahahahahaha!" Komolafe laughed hysterically.
"And what's so funny?!" Jamiu asked angrily. Komolafe was still laughing.
"Komolafe now. Behave!" Akanni weighed in.
"I'm sorry, don't mind me...aah...I'm sorry...I'm no longer laughing" Komolafe said as he tries to get hold of himself.
"Let's forget it. Just forget it" Akanni said as he gestured with his hand.
"The Weekend is at the Corner. How do we do?"
"I think we have agreed to rest this weekend and make our hustlings strictly during week days?" Komolafe responded.
"Yes, but, you know, Jamiu and his new customer..." Akanni had started when Komolafe started laughing again.
"I'm sorry...it's so funny to me!" Komolafe apologized.
"Jamiu, don't mind him...you know him now"
"Eh...I do...but...it's most unfortunate"
"Ah-ah, Jamiu. I said I'm sorry. You know what? Don't you worry, I and Akanni shall help you out. Don't worry...ehn?"
"Hmmm...it's okay. Thank you both"
"You are welcome" They chorused.


To be continued on Wednesday!

Call to Duty # 21

"Hahahahahaha!"
"But, sir, this is not funny...I'm serious here sir!"
"My brother, relax, there's nothing real that would come out of the exercise. Census, na yam?" The governor said as he's about to start laughing again.
"Well, sir,I thought so initially, but from the way the King is taking the matter,I don't think it's going to end like that sir."
"Where will he get the resources from,talk of the man power, the analysis, the technical know how...expertise...you name it! He doesn't have what it takes. Trust me!" The Governor assures the Chairman.
"Well....sir....if you say so. But, sir...."
"There's no cause for alarm...the Census is the Joke of the Century!" The Governor said. The Chairman shrugged his shoulders in agreement.
"Let's change the subject, shall we?"
"Okay sir"

___________________________________________

A week after the Local Government Chairman (LG Chairman) reported the Cencus to the Governor, the Cencus commenced. It was unprecedented. The residents of Ijinle came out en mass to be counted. The sensitization program is probably the motivating factor. The people have been highly educate as per the importance of the exercise.They understand how it is important to the imminent development of the Town and they are very read to cooperate and play their part in community service which the Corper have spurred them to do.
By the Eve of the Sixth day, everyone has been counted.The Corper himself didn't expect that it would end so soon.But as it turned out, it did. This is due to the fact that there were triple of the targeted number of volunteers who were all happy to help with the program for free.Hence, the Corper was able to safe a couple of thousands of Naira.
The Analysis of the Data collected was done by a friend of the Professor from the University along with a team of final year students of Statistics.This, however took time. This is because the Professor insisted on the full analysis of the Data collected.
By the Time The Corper was interpreting the Data to the Royal Council, everyone was spell bound including the King who was obviously over joyed by the new power and knowledge over his people. Now, he knows exactly how to help his subjects and improve their living standard. So, when the Corper was through with his presentation. He stood to his feet to applaud the Corper and his Council members followed suit.
"Corper, weldone!" The King said as he stopped applauding and gestured others to stop too.
"Professor, thank you so much! I really appreciate this very kind gesture of yours. You shall be remembered for this invaluable sacrifice you have made for Ijinle town."
"The Pleasure is mine Kabiyesi. You see, I think the person we need to show appreciation to the most is the Corps member Adisa. He is the cause of this historic event. I mean, if not for him, none of us was going to do anything. Even if he pulls out right now....the Job would still be done. Yet, he shall still enjoy the status of the originator of this project that we have just begun. From the way the analysis has been done, it would be clear to him that we mean business and we know exactly what he wanted to do with the Data. Abi, Corper?" The professor asked turning to the Corper who nodded with a smile.
"You see? So, Kabiyesi, you don't worry everything would work out on the positive God's grace."
"Ashe!" Everyone responded.
"Corper, I hope you heard the Professor, he should be carried along especially when it comes to the technical parts of the project."
"Most definitely sir. In fact, I shall go home with him today. There are certain areas I like to consult him about already."
"Oh, that's beautiful! O' people of Ijinle, I congratulate you on the new dawn that has beset our town. May we all be prosperous from it o!" The King prayed.
"Asheee" The chiefs chorused.

___________________________________________

Akanni had just taken his bath and was head to the living room to take his breakfast on the Bright Sunday morning. He arrived town along with his friends from their first business trip the previous night. He hadn't the time to ask about the Cencus that night. All he did when he arrived was to take a shower, eat and pounce on his very beautiful loyal wife who served him dinner in a very sexy silky and transparent  short night gown. He had no choice but to indulge after which he slept off like a baby.
"Keji, how far, is the Corper and Professor through with the Cencus, what is the latest news?" He asked
"News? There's nothing special...the only thing we heard was that the counting is over. According to my source, they are sorting out the results"
"Sorting out? I don't understand."
"Neither do I. He used one kind English like that....ehen! Analysis!" Keji exclaimed.
"Have you checked out the meaning?" Akanni asked as he stood up to reach for his Dictionary.
"No, I didn't. I left for to sort out." Keji said smiling. Akanni looked at her smiling back.

To be continued on Saturday!

Call To Duty # 20

"Kabiyesi o!"
"Arise. Chairman, hope all is well? I'm surprised to see you."
"Yes, Kabiyesi, I know you'll be and sincerely, I've come to fight with you!"
"Fight, why, what have I done?"
"I can't believe that you are capable of embarking on such a big project like that without letting me know of it"
"Which project?"
"The Census, Kabiyesi! Do you think I will not know about it?" The Local Government Chairman lamented. The King laughed.
"The Census, is that why you are so angry? Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't know you'll have  the time for such petty issues. I mean I've sent several emissaries to your Secretariat, in fact, I had gone there personally severally and I'll be told you are unavailable. Each time, I left a message hinting as to how important the issue I have come to discuss with you is to me.I would wait, hoping to hear from you and I'll come around again....it's the same story recurring over and over again.This is why I decided to stop coming and find an alternative. To God be the Glory, Chairman, you heard of just the Census abi? Well, I can assure you, more are still to come!" The King responded. The Chairman was silent for a while.
"Ehn...Kabiyesi...I'm sorry...you see,I am always very busy. As a matter of fact, I just forced out sometime to come over..."
"To fight?!"
"Ah - ah, no ooo...haba! Fight ke? I was just joking.It's just that I was not happy...I felt shortchanged  when I heard that you're about to embark on the Census of the town without consulting with me first..."
"Must I consult with you?"
"Ehn..not really, Kabiyesi, but you know that we are closer to the government than you and ..."
"Leave that one,my friend! Was that not why I've been visiting your secretariat so often,did you attend to me?"
"Kabiyesi,I know I've offended you and I'm here to make amends...I..I'm sorry...so sorry!" The Chairman said remorseful bowing gently in his seat. The King was happy. He had won.

"It's okay. It's all over" he said proudly.

"Thank you very much sir,for your understanding and your fatherly pardon,may you reign forever!" The Chairman prayed. The King laughed.

"Ashe" he responded.

--------------------------------------------------

It has been 3 days since Lara and her friend spoke concerning husband and wife matter. Lara is still having sleepless nights over the matter. She's still not satisfied. So she had to bring it up again.

"Keji,are you not scared of a second wife?" Lara asked.

"Second wife,what second wife... Lara,what are you talking about?"

"Akanni...should Akanni marry a second wife,how are you going to take it?" Lara asked directly. Keji,paused a bit to think about it. 

"I'll take it in good faith"

"Ehn,in good what? We are talking of a second woman in the house! God forbid!" Lara said. Keji smiled.

"If Akanni takes up another wife,I'll gladly welcome her to the house...after all 'Ka rin ka po,yiye ni nyeni'" Keji replied.

* It means that it pays to have more people around*

"Hey...Keji, I pity you!"

"Ehn,what do you want me to do about it? When a man is rich and bouyant enough,he marries a second,third even a fourth wife. It's not a new thing now!"

"Ha! Keji,do you know what you are saying?"

"I know exactly what I'm saying. I need help with Akanni...he's so demanding"

"Demanding...what could he possibly be demanding that you can't afford to give?"

"Sex!" Keji responded almost instantly. There was a momentary silence. Then the duo bursted into laughter.

"Whenever we are alone like this,he'll do it over and over again. When I asked if he'll get weary of sex. He said my body won't let that happen"

"Hmmm?"

"He said I'm so sexy that he feels like doing it all the time"

"Swear!"

"I swear!"

"Hey! That's serious!"

"Walahi" Keji confirms. There was another moment of silence.

"Well...can't you talk this over with him?"

"With who,as how,that he should stop being romantic or he should stop admiring me? No now,I can't do that. I can only speak out when I'm not in the mood which is very rare...make I no lie you,Akanni handles his business very well...so well that you'll wish to continue even when your body obviously have had enough!" Keji explained.

"I love him for that!"

"Wow!"

"Yes o!"

"Do you know that you'll be missing all that if he gets married to another woman?"

"No,I won't. The last thing Akanni would do is deny you your rights. He gives what is due to me even when there's a misunderstanding between us. I once asked him about it. Do you know what he said?"

"No,you tell me"

"He said that he would be queried by God if he doesn't do it"

"Ehn?!"

"Yes o! As you can now see,there's no reason why I would discourage him from taking up another wife. There are many reasons why I'll rather encourage than discourage him."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"Enlighten me please!" Lara asked mockingly 

"Okay. My baby boy is now 3 years old and my eldest son is 12. If he gets married to another woman now,one,I shall be relieved of the sexual burden to a very high extent,two, I won't be cooking everyday anymore. I would gladly shed 4 days to the new wife which is fair enough. That's a lot of free time I can either spend resting or doing more business... I could go back to school and pick up a career of my choice....there are so many possibilities and positivities for me to turn it down. It's going to be a win-win situation all the way. Polygamy is not a curse...it all depends on how you see and take it. It can be a curse and it can be a source of blessings in abundance!" Keji explained. Her friend was watching in awe. Her friend,Keji is now a pro in marital matters and she didn't know.

"Wait a minute. Where did you learn all that stuff?" Lara inquired . Keji smiled.

"From my Grandma,an experienced wife in and from a polygamous family" Keji replied proudly.

"Hmm! No wonder!" Lara exclaimed. Keji laughed.

"So what you are saying is that you don't fear being abandoned by your husband or outperformed by the new wife?" Lara wanted to confirm.

"No. He won't abandon me because I'm  an attention seeker. If she outperforms me,I'll be very happy because I won't be missed badly when I'm away.I can concentrate on what I'll be doing and would only come around when I'm in need of that thing"

"Hey! Keji,I fear you o!"

"Why now?"

"You are so,so deep!" Lara said. Keji laughed.

"You blame me? No be my fault na,I have to be if I must enjoy life. Thanks to Grandma who has taken me up in her wings of experience!"

To be continued on Saturday!

Call To Duty #19

"Good Morning sir"
"Morning Sarah, how was your night?"
"Oh, splendid sir and yours sir"
"Okay, it's good to note. What can I do for you? As you can see, I'm kind of busy...very busy."
"Oh, sorry sir. I didn't mean to disturb...I'm here to apologize to you."
"Apologize...for what?" Kole demanded. Sarah was a little hesitant. Kole's facial expression was scary.
"It's okay...it's okay. What are you apologizing for?"
"Sir, I think it's obvious...we didn't mean to break your relationship with..."
"Apologies accepted"
"Sir?"
"You heard me. I forgive you, would you forgive me too?" Kole asked with a smile.
"Sir? You didn't offend us..."
"Oh, yes, I did and I'm truly sorry, please find it in your hearts to forgive me"
"Really?"
"Yes." Kole assures her. Sarah almost jumped for joy. She quickly called to Rhoda and Janet.
"You didn't tell me they came with you?"
"They did sir, we didn't know how you'll take the matter sir...that's why I came alone initially" Sarah explains. Kole laughed. Just about the same time, Rachael walked into the Staff room. The girls went jittery a little. Initially she frowned her face but on looking at Kole who gestured for her show restraint. This was what calmed her down. She walked past them and went straight to Kole and kissed him on his lips. The girls were shocked, Kole, too was surprised. Now, it was clear to the girls why Kole was so much at ease and was able to forgive them so quickly.

__________________________________________________

"Keji, a customer needs some of your containers. She promised to return them early tomorrow."
"Okay...but...tomorrow sha....mmmm....okay no problem, I'll see how I can manage without them today"
"I trust you, you can do anything for a customer"
"Yes o, they are our kings and queens, as a loyal servant, I can't afford not to please them." Keji smiled. Her friend winked laughing.
"Keji"
"Hmmm"
"I heard that your husband and his friends have gone to the city seeking greener pastures"
"That's true, I thought I told you about it"
"No, you didn't. But my concern is that joint ventures...."
"Don't you worry about that. Akanni had taken that to consideration.He had made sure that they are not trading in the same commodity for the same reason. When I asked him,he said that there are only two things that would bring them together, are transportation and acomodation. He said he would major only in vegetables and fruits in the nearest future while Jamiu would go for fish and Komolafe rice"
"Ehn? That's very good o!"
"Yes o"
"But why the city, why not right here in our town?" Lara inquired.
"Haba! Why are you talking like this, you mean to tell me that you don't know that farm products are hot cakes when they get to the city,how much do you expect him to make from vegetables in this town of ours where there so many that have a little garden of their own where they  they have planted their own vegetables? In the city, no one has that time, even when they do,the Land is too expensive for them to make profit quick enough from planting vegetables. This is not to mention that most people in the city see farming as a venture illiterates." Keji explains 

" Hmmm...that's true. But,what about his vulcanizing business? It will suffer fa!"

"Let it suffer,my friend, let it suffer! No be you be this,how much does make from it? So many times,my husband comes home empty handed. I have to come out of the pocket if we must not go to bed with empty stomachs." Keji retorted.

"Hmmm...I see"

"My friend,look at me now,just take a good look at me,am I not looking different now?"

"Yes,you are."

"That's because I now enjoy my husband and he enjoys me too. As we speak today,he's a man of means. We eat well now and have the time to sit down and discuss issues...sometimes it is in bed after a couple of rounds...you know?" Keji added winking at her friend.

"Hey! My friend! I trust you!!" Lara commented as she slams her a friend a hi five.

"So,my friend let it suffer while we enjoy" Keji concluded.

"Ehn...but,how long does he stay in the city. It's quite obvious that he's not home,is he?" Lara queried

"No,he isn't. Initially he goes and come back the same day. However,that's going to change now. He'll be in the city for 3 days in a week." Keji replied.

"Is that not too much?"

"Too much? I don't think so o. We have seven days in a week. My man goes to work for 3 full days and he'll be home for the remaining 4 days. To me,it's not too much"

"You don't understand ...this one that he has money now...eh-hen...don't you thinking..."

"That what, infidelity?"

"Yes,of course!" Lara answered firmly. Keji laughed.

"Who cares about that, oh, you think you can stop a man from womanizing? That's impossible..."

"It is possible...very possible" Lara interrupted

"I know it is when you are desperate to do so. But,let me ask you, how many women does well in managing things after turning their husbands into dummies?"

"I didn't say anything about turning one's husbands into dummies..."

"My sister,let me tell you the truth. Life is far more enjoyed when things take their natural causes. It's only natural that a man has full control of his home and his life. The moment a woman takes charge, there's a problem..."

"What problem,what are you talking about,why must it be the man all the time,what makes you think a woman too cannot do well as the head of the family...or even better? It's in Africa slaving for men...always taking orders!"

"Yes! That's the natural cause..."

"No,it's not,we are only made to think so. I mean look at the Oyinbo people,look at their land,they are the best people in the world...they are what they are today because they allow women to aspire and do as they wish just like men!" Lara argues. Her friend took a pause,looked at her for a while.

"How many of those women are happily married?" Keji asked.

"Ehn?"

"I asked how many of those women that are standing up to men are married?" Repeated the question. Her friend took a pause.

"What does it matter?"

"It matters a lot. If you get pregnant out of wedlock, you are a whore and your child a bastard"

"Who cares? We are in the civilized world...the Jet age. There are so many single mums today..."

"Who are all out preying on other women's husbands. They can't stay under a man, but,they have sex partners. Sex partners who have wives and children at home to cater for."

"No,I disagree with you. Most times,it's the men that come for them?"

"And why can't they say no?"

"Of course,they do,but...it's the men that keeps on pressing"

"They should report them to the Police!"

"Ehn?!"

"Yes now! When a person keeps on harrassing you,what do u do? You report him of course!" Keji affirmed. Lara was silent.

"Truth be told. Men need women and women need men. It's useless to deny this. The only legal way to have a man is to get married to one and if you must keep the relationship, you must acceptand respect the man as the head. If you have a complaint,present it humbly to him. If he bullies you and you don't want it to repeat itself,don't stand up to him,rather,play the weaker sex thing...stand up in the middle of the night and cry by his side. That's how he would listen and make amends. When you stand up to him,he get offended that you question his authority. So,he wouldn't listen. His main aim would be to subdue you by all means. Now,if all these does not go well with you then remain single and do not disturb or accept the husbands of those women that putting up with all the trials of marital life!" Keji concluded. Lara was still silent. She was looking at her friend all the while.

"Ehn-hen. Watch what you do to your husband so that no evil may befall you son or sons. He is someone's son...if you overwhelm him financially just because you don't want him to marry another wife,remember that your son would get married too!" Keji added as she stood up to get more palm oil.

To be continued on Wednesday!

Call To Duty #18

"Kaabiyesi o!"
"Rise"
"Thank you, your highness"
"Corper, you amuse me"
"How sir?" Adisa asked looking very concerned.
"Relax...it's okay. I'm just surprised as to your level of intelligence and the kind of confidence with which you comport yourself"The King explained. Adise heaved a sigh of relief.
"You see....I honestly don't know how to put it. You are like a God sent agent of progress.I don't know...have you had this plan in place before you were reportd to me or what...I mean...I just don't understand. This plan of yours is working out like magic!" The King continued. The Chiefs and Adisa laughed.
"Sir....to be honest, I've been nursing this idea right from school. I've always took pride in what I have and feel very embarrassed with the way we, Nigerians struggle tooth and nail seeking the so called greener pastures abroad. 'Coz, to me, Nigeria is far more blessed than those places. On thinking about the missing link, I realized that they, Westerners, take pride in what they have and do all they can to upgrade it all the time so that they may never have to depend on others, rather, the World should depend on them. Ever since I realized this, I've been developing models of development that's people oriented. Whenever I enter a new town, the first that comes to my mind is to propose the very best developmental model for the town. This was why I was talking so passionately about the town when I was caught. I've had this plan ready barely a week I entered Ijinle town. I asked about the town from teachers in the Community school who spoke freely about the town and it's current challenges.So, I was quick in getting a model in place" The Corper explained. Everyone present were thrilled to the bones.They couldn't believe what they've just heard.
"Wow!" The King broke the silence as he started clapping for the Corper. Everyone else joined him.
"Honestly, I never thought your type still exist. A Nigerian youth taking pride in his country's development...that's amazing!" The King commended.
"Well, people, there goes a lesson for everyone. If only we would appreciate our God given gifts enough to look inwards for the solutions we seek from people are not one of us and therefore, care less about us." The King continued. Everyone on seat nodded in agreement.
"according to the Youth leader, the Fundraiser system has been fruitful and the donations are already coming in. as we speak, I'm happy to inform you that we have enough to commence the Census!" The King announced and everyone applauded it.
"Corper"
"Sir, on behalf of the People of Ijinle town, I say 'Thank you'. Thank you for being so generous, thank you for being so compassionate, thank you for showing us the way....we honestly can't thank enough. Thank you, you so,so much...we really appreciate it!" The King concluded. The Corper was so glad that the King was done. He had been looking at the faces of his subjects who wre looking at the way and manner the King was showing gratitude to him. Some would gaze at him momentarily as if they need assurance that he hasn't bewitched their King. They probably haven't seen him do that before. The King seem to have noticed too.
"My people, you don't understand, I know...I only wish you know how valuable and inspiring the Corper's plan has been to me. I only got more inspired and elated just about now that he had revealed how he had been doing this everywhere he goes. What this simply means is that the Corper has a very good big heart...are alike in so many ways. Finally, I've found my type. all these time, I thought I was the only in the world that thinks the way I do. But,now, I'm glad to see that I'm not mad or abnormal. I'm just as normal as anyone else! Corper, thank you for coming to our rescue" The Kind said as he hugs the Corper who is so pleasantly shocked

________________________________________

Akanni, Komolafe and Jamiu, asusual have converged in the evening at Akanni's vulcanizer's spot under the tree.
"Akanni, how was the journey?"
"We thank God, it was quite enlightening and blissful"
"Enlightening you say?' Komolafe asked.
"Yes, I mean how do I qualify and experience that makes me things in some very different ways to the way I've been looking at them all my life?" Akanni asked.
"What happened, is it a bad idea to start a business afterall.....abeg, yearn us tory...all these suspense, I no dey gbadun them Wallahi!" Jamiu protested.
"No o! It is never a bad idea to start one's business in fact, from this journey, I learnt that it was the delay that was wrong!" Akanni informed his friends.
"Guys, honestly, we have been dulling ourselves lying idly here in Ijinle. Go to the state Capital go see how money dey fly around like flies!"
"Ehn" Jamiu commented
"Yes o!"
"Hey, hey! Abegi leave all that and let's talk better. We know that before now, is that not why we have decided that you embark on the journey in the first place?' Komolafe interrupted.
"I'm sorry I was just thrilled by what I discovered. My friends, this journey has really, really opened my eyes and mind. Instead of just going to the market to inquire about the prices, I went a little bit further by asking for the hot spots in town. My friends come see how many I got...there are dozens of such places. I decided to confirm the stories by visiting those places. You won't believe it,vegetables were selling for thrice the price I sell them!"
"Really, how about fish?" Jamiu inquired.
"That one, na jackpot! Rice too na die!" Akanni confirmed to his friends who jumped in excitement hailing him.
"Okay, okay, guys, when are we setting out?" Komolafe asked his very excited friends.
"Which kain question be that, who no want money? Next week of course!" Jamiu said.
"Yes, yes, next week...do we all agree?' Akanni asked.
"Yes" was the chorus from Komolafe and Akanni.

_____________________________________

Ever since the break up, Kole had not been himself. He has been living in the Shadow of himself. He was no longer active in school, even in the Corper's lodge, he just lock himself up after school. This has made the break up a popular gossip topic in town. Kole doesn't care, he has enough troubles of his own to bother about what people are saying.
He sits at his desk in school very early on Friday morning staring at the empty space in front of him. For while now, he's the first to get to school and he does nothing but just stare into space. Rachael was the first person to show up this particular morning.
"Good morning" she greeted but there was no response
"Morning" she greeted again still no answer. Rachael was surprised, she tapped him on the leg.
"Kole!" She shouted, Kole jolted back to life
"Hmmm, hmmm?!"
"Are you alright?" Rachael inquired. Kole wiped his face with his hands.
"Yes, yes I...I...am fine, thank you!" Kole responded and sat up on his seat. Rachael, felt sorry for him and looked around to see if there is anything she can do to help.
"I can see that you haven't marked the test scripts"
"Yea, yea.....I'm just about to get started with it"
"Why don't you let help with that"
"No,no, no it's okay I..."
"I insist....just make the marking scheme and let me help with it....please!"
"Alright"
"Thank you" Rachael smiled. Kole could only manage a flashing smile along with a sigh.


To be continued on Monday!

Call To Duty #17

Barely 4 weeks after the meeting in the Palace, the King had summoned the Youth leader to ask about the situation of things. He had given the order for the implementation of the Corper's fundraiser strategy which was so appealing that even he, himself had put in money.
The Corper had suggested a couple of town hall meetings in which the Corper had done a good job at arousing the public's interest in community development service and had given several examples of communities that run based on this system of development. The Corper had done this with the aid and contribution of the Professor who was more than ready to make a difference. They had just concluded the exercise only in the immediate past weekend. The King wants to know how the donations are going especially the one from indigenes in the diaspora.
"Kabiyesi o!"
"Aremu, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Kabiyesi, I saw the Messenger. He said you asked that I come immediately, hope all is well, Kabiyesi?" The Youth leader asked.
"Tor! You know about the latest happenings and I want to believe that you already know why I seek your presence at this time of the day"
"Kabiyesi...is it about the Fundraiser?"
"Yes, of course! How is it coming up, can we meet up?" The King asked looking a little worried. The Youth leader laughed.
"Kabiyesi, please don't be alarmed, everything is working out as expected...as a matter of fact, Kabiyesi, it's moving much faster than we expected. If you can re-call, Kabiyesi, the Corper had proposed that we raise our target so that we won't fall anywhere short?"
"Yes, I do?"
"Well, Kabiyesi, I'm very happy to tell you that we already have over Nine million Naira in our account and if the feedback from the Fundraiser system of the Corper is anything to go by, we shall be hitting, at least...fifty million"
"Fifty million!" The King exclaimed but quickly covered his mouth just after saying it loud.
"Fifty million Naira?" he whispered. Aremu laughed in amusement
"Yes, Kabiyesi, fifty million Naira"
"Wow! That's a lot of money!"
"Yes sir" Aremu responded. The King gestured that he moves closer.
"This must be a secret between us...me, the Corper and you!" the King whispered
"Yes sir"
"Not even the Balogun should hear of this, understand?"
"Yes sir"
"I want you to go fetch me the Corper, work should begin immediately!"
"Yes sir"
"Go, go go!"
"Yes sir...Kaaabiyesi o!"
"Rise and leave at once!"
"Yes sir!"
'Finally! It is happening...thank you God for sending me the Corper as a guiding angel...ha! Thank you Lord!' the King thought to himself as he leans back in his throne.


___________________________________________

"Hey! Akanni mi nikan sho-sho!" Keji had run to welcome her husband home. Akanni was pleasantly surprised. 'So she misses me! That's cool...very cool' He thought as he drops his luggage to welcome his darling wife in his arms. Keji gave him a warm hug that made his 'joystick' jump in his trousers. She kissed him passionately.
"Oh, Akanni, I missed you!"
"I missed you too, how is everything, how are you?" He asked
"Tor, I thank God, I'm fine. Did you miss me?"
"Of course I did, as a matter of fact, the past few days had been torturing...ask my friends, I was home sick!" He replied. Keji loved this response, it was what she hoped to hear.
"Oooooh, really?" she asked as she runs her right hand through Akanni's hair
"Yes..." Akanni affirms as he tries to conceal the ever increasing bulge in his trousers. Keji noticed soon enough. she laughed.
"You never change" She commented with a knowing smile. Akanni made her a face suggesting he's embarrassed.
"Come, let me take this" She said as she reached for his luggage.
"Thank you, babe" Keji looked back at him, smiled as she entered.

___________________________________________

"Good afternoon sir"
"Ah, Rhoda, how are you?"
"Fine sir, and you sir?"
"Oh, thank God. Wait a minute, sit down, I'll like to have a word with you"
"Okay sir, hope no problem sir?'
"mmm...not much. Rhoda, what is this that I hear about you?"
"What sir?"
"You and Corper Kole" Adisa inquired. Although a little worried, Rhoda flashed a smile
"Oh, that sir, so I heard too sir"
"Mmm, so you heard?"
"Yes sir...it...it...never happened" Rhoda stammered. Adisa giggled.
"Rhoda...hmmm...well, let me just let you in on some very important things you might not know"
"Okay sir" Rhoda responded as she sat up to listen.
"You see, Rhoda, to say the fact, you are a beautiful girl" Adisa started. Rhoda smiled pleasantly.
"Thank you sir"
"It's okay.But, you know, just like the flower, a women is....she sprouts open up her petals and glows to the admiration of the world."
"Yes sir" Rhoda agrees still smiling
"But, the unfortunate thing about the flower is that, just about the time it's noticed and cherished...as in, at its peak of fame, it withers away giving room for a fruit to develop in it stead." Adisa continued. Rhoda's smile faded.
"In the same way, a woman gradually looses her beauty as she ages. With time, she marries, bear children and settles down to the responsibility of motherhood and a good loyal wife" Adisa illustrates. By this time Rhoda was becoming uncomfortable.
"If you have messed up your life with extra marital sex, you might just not get to a chance of a settle home. This is because there are very good chances that you either get infected or get impregnated. When either of these happens to you,a blissful married life becomes elusive. That's the way it is" Adisa explains.He raises the head of Rhoda which was down cast in shame.
"Rhoda, you are like my kid sister, considering your staggering beauty, everyone shall come crawling on their kneels to have a feel of you...even if it's just a few minutes of touching, kissing and romancing....girl, you are not just beautiful but sexy!" Adisa said. Rhoda stole a gaze at him and looked away smile shyly.
"This is the more reason you'll have to be very careful with the way you comport yourself.You need to watch what you wear, how you walk...you may want to downplay your beauty and focus on your academics for now."
"down play my beauty...how?" Rhoda asked. Adisa sighed.
"You down play on your beauty when you change your slim fitted uniform for a moderate and less revealing one, you down play on your beauty when you pay les attention to admirers and more to your studies,you downplay on your beauty when you spend your nights reading instead of hanging out with friends...the list goes on and on"
"Hmmm...." she sighed.
"Rhoda, only responsible men...men that are ready to settle down would come for you when you downplay on your beauty...they are the only ones that can see through all the bulky clothing you might be wearing...please think about what I have said, put it in practice so that people may start to respect you. People respect only those who respect themselves. Wearing it skimpy is a disrespect that you inflict on yourself and people would follow suit in disrespecting you. I rest my case for now" Adisa concluded. Rhoda was speechless for a moment.
"Tha..thank you sir...I promise to change sir. I...I...thank you sir" She stammered
"It's okay Rhoda, I understand and I know that you've been acting ignorantly. But, thank God you now know better,my prayer is that God should see you through the transition you plan to make"
"Amen sir....I want to take leave sir"
"It's okay, you can go"
"Okay sir, bye sir"
"Bye"  Just as Rhoda took her leave, Shade showed up.
"What's up,how far?"
"not too far jare, how has been your day?"
"Fine o. we thank God...what were you doing with Rhoda?"
"Ah....just a heart to heart discussion. That's all"
"Hmmm, are you sure?"
"Ah-ah, what do you take me for sef?" Adisa queried. Shade gave  him a mockery look. Adisa understood and laughed.
"Listen...look here,I'm not Kole...everyone can not be a Kole"
"Tor, if you say so!"
"I know so!" adisa boasted
"Hmmm....can we go?"
"Yes...just give me a sec..."

To be continued on Saturday!

Call To Duty # 16

"Balogun"
"Yes"
"The Corper seem to like you, can you tell me the secret?" Iyalode inquired. Balogun cleared his throat as they walked through the Market.
"Well, if you must know, I don't know what makes the boy like me. It's also a surprise to me." Balogun responded
"Really, who is fooling who?'
"I honestly don't know. All I know is that I was initially opposed to him for the Blasphemy he committed. Instead of punishing him, The King decided to reward him by hearing him out. We both know that it wasn't a bad idea to have listened to him after all. I have liked him ever since myself. But why he liked me, I don't know." The Balogun asserted.
"Okay o! Ehn, but, Balogun, are you sure we are not taking this too far?"
"What?"
"The Corper's plans. To me, it still sound like a child's play! Things are hard enough for us to stir the waters. There we were talking about seeking the good will of the Governor, are you sure this won't take us several steps backwards in achieving that?" Iyalode complained
"Iyalode, I understand your fears. But when you take a good look at the King, he seems to be well pleased with the Corper's plans. As a matter of fact, I think the King wishes that he was the one that thought of these plans himself. I mean, he seem to understand the plans much better than the Corper himself!"
"Ehn?"
"Yes o! Just yesterday, after the Corper took his leave, The Prof was discussing with the King and I happened to be there, the prof was optimistic that the plans will work and as a matter of fact, deal a severe blow on the popularity of the Governor in our land. The King agreed and said that Ijinle town would soon become a must visit town for all!"
"Hmmm....ehn, but the Governor...."
"Iyalode, forget the Governor! who needs the Governor if Ijinle town is able to develop and sustain itself? Ever since our patronage of the Governor, what have we got to show from the relationship? We are the ones that have been giving and sustaining this little romance between us and the Governor. How much of development has he been able to bring to us? Honestly, I think the Corper is some sort of answer to our prayers as a neglected people of the state and the country together, let's give him a chance!" The Balogun Urges Iyalode.
"Eh, do we have a choice? The King is all over him, we'll have to follow suit...is it not for just 5 years?"
"Yes, that's is the most appealing part of the deal to me, if it doesn't work after 5 years,we'll simply close it up and try out something else."
"Toh! May God spare our lives" Iyalode concluded as they set to part ways.
"Amin" The Balogun responded as he walks away
"My regards to your little girl"
"Okay"

_____________________________________

"Akanni, have you heard"
"What?"
"The Corper with the big mouth....Corper Adisa is planning to make a head count of everyone in Ijinle. Is that possible?' Jamiu inquired
"Of course it is, it'll only take time"
"I was with the Geography teacher, Mr Ademola. He thinks it was a very good idea and that it would help the King make very good decisions in the future"
"Is that all the Corper has been blowing hot about?"
"No, I don't think so, from what the Youth leader said the last time we met, it's just one of several activities that would be executed in a 5 year plan to develop Ijinle town"
"Develop Ijinle town?" Akanni asked with eyes wide open
"Yes o! The Corper believes that Ijinle Town can develop without any government's intervention should the residents cooperate. The king has agreed with him and struck a 5 year deal with him" Jamiu explains
"Wow! That means good times are ahead....ehn, but would the Governor allow any other town develop more than the capital city?' Akanni asked
"That's something the Corper and the King are about to find out. As far as they are concerned, no one can stop Ijinle's development"
"Hm! I like that! I'm with them on this one!"
"Everyone seem to be...Akanni, for the first time, the whole town are agreeing on an issue...that haven't happened in a very long while now, you know?"
"Yes, it's a good sign and omen"
"Yea!"
"Abegi, leave that matter. Where is Komolafe?"
"Komolafe is fine, he should be with us in a moment" Jamiu had barely finished responding when Komolafe appeared in a distance.
"Talk of the Devil" Jamiu said
"You are the Son of your father!" Akanni hails.
"Of course na, I no be bastard!'
"You are welcome. I want us to conclude on the matter at hand. How much do we have and when are we going?"
"Yea, I've been making my own inquiries too, but, it seems that for a starter like me, it's safer to start trading in rice than in beans. One, it's readily available, I don't have to travel too far and two, it does not deteriorate as beans does ."
"Yes, you are very correct. I just gave an example, I didn't insist it has to be beans"
"Okay"
"So, how much do you have?'
"Fifty"
"That's cool, I too have Fifty...perhaps we should put ten - ten together for our friend here"
"Ten...it's okay...it's cool."
"Thank you my friends" Jamiu began
"When I thought about it, I thought it would be nice if I traded in a much more lighter commodity like fish"
"Fish! That's cool, never thought of it!" Komolafe observed.
"That makes it a perfect union...3 friends, one is into rice, another in vegetables and the third would be trading in fish! A perfect combo don't you think?" Akanni said jokingly. They all laughed.

______________________________________________

"Hey, hey, hey! If it's a joke, please, stop it! Haba! I say I no dey do again, na by force?!"
"Girl, I know you are angry, it's natural to be. but, what I'm saying here is that...."
"I should forgive him, welcome him back into my life as if nothing happened abi? Over my dead body!" Rachael screamed. Shade looked at her pitifully, only if she realizes what she was doing to herself.
"Okay o!No problem, perhaps, I should start talking to Rhoda..." Shade said eyeing Rachael.
"About what?" Shade didn't respond, she started walking away slowly and majestically. Rachael got worked up immediately.
"Shade, I said about what?"
"What now!"
"What would you be telling Rhoda?"
"How does that concern you?"
"It concerns me!"
"How?!" Shade had shouted at her. For the first time, Rachael was short of words. She was caught unawares by the question.
"I'm...I'm her teacher"
"So am I" Shade responded sharply. Rachael paused again. For the first time in her life, she has to struggle with answers! This was strange, very strange. She backed down, dropped into her mattress like a piece of log and broke into tears.
"I loved him so much...I gave him my all! I've never been this humiliated in my entire life!" She said in the midst of tears. Shade, too was struggling with her own tears too. She moved close to her and took her into her alms calming her down.
"It's okay...it's such an unfair world. It gave so much to the men and so little to the women who have to risk their lives to ensure continuity of life for mankind!" By this time, a tear had forced its way out of her eyes and had rolled freely down her cheek. Rachael cried out her heart, Shade followed suit. They sat there in each other's embrace and simply let go.

To be continued on Wednesday!