I set out by five in the morning and the Chief hunter took me to the park, he paid my transport fare to Lagos to stay with his sister, who happens to be Isaac's aunt.
I closed my eyes thanking God for my twin brother, Isaac, and his uncle. I will miss him so much. I could see his eyes full of tears in the motor pack. We hugged each other for the first time. It was a painful parting.
We set out by 6 am and got to Lagos by 8 am far away from my Aide community to begin a new life.
Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and the second most populous in Africa. Lagos is a major African financial Center and the economic hub of Lagos state and Nigeria at large. It is described as the cultural, financial, and entertainment capital of Africa and has a significant influence on commerce, entertainment, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, and fashion.
Lagos is also among the top ten of the world's fastest-growing cities and urban areas. Lagos is also called, Eko. Nicknames: Eko acute, Lasigidi.
Motto: Eko oo ni baje o!
These are my findings before I got to Lagos. You can imagine a young girl from the village setting to a densely populated area. Lagos is also called, 'a no man's land."
I was taken to one of the poorest areas, Ajegunle. I stayed with Isaac's aunt who sells bread and eggs on the streets, including sachet water. The woman is a widow and has no children, so I became a daughter to her. Soon I settled down in assisting her to hawk on the streets of Lagos.
"Welcome to. Lagos my daughter. This is Lagos and you must be very smart. Follow what I do and you will soon like this place." She encouraged.
We wake up as early as 4 am, to prepare to retail. By 5 am, you will see the place bubbling with life. People set out to work like sand on the seashore. Assorted vehicles honking and people peddling everywhere. Everyone seems to be in a hurry as if someone or something is pursuing them.
I soon adjusted to life in Lagos, but my heart desires to go to school. Whenever I see University students, I get moved and pray that God would make a way. My new mom loves me because I was hardworking and smart.
She later told me that my parents were worried when it happened and that the Chief locked up my dad but our village King got him released after one month. Isaac gained admission into the University of Ibadan reading Medicine.
"Wow, mommy I'm happy for my twin brother. He is such a wonderful friend. "
"Yes, my dear, God has helped the village boy to go to the city to study Medicine."
"Hmm, I pray that Heaven will smile on me one day."
"Well, there is nothing impossible, you know. God can do anything."
"Okay, my dear, go and sell more. Maybe I can be able to send you to the Federal College of Education here in Lagos. You become a primary school tutor."
I sighed deeply., that's not my line. I have a passion to treat sick people, I love to put on a white jacket and have a stethoscope in my hand. This is my dream and I believe it will come to uphold.
My dream of becoming a medical doctor can not be downplayed.
And then one spectacular day, you may call it an ordinary day, but for me that Monday morning was a visitation. As I was busy hawking my bread, I saw a man, walking towards me, he wore a t-shirt and trousers with a camera. He is a Nigerian man no doubt but he stood before me and took my photographs without my permission. I accosted him immediately.
"Hey, bros, why you dey take my photo like that? Me, I know sabi you o." I spoke in pidgin, though not too good at it. (Why are you snapping at me without my consent? I don't know you)
"I'm sorry, young lady, I mean no harm. I'm a freelance journalist and do take photographs of people. You look like a model. Look at your height, you are tall, fair in complexion, with natural long dark, kinky hair. Your stature is great with lovely curves. And your gait is wonderful. Heads turn as you auction. I have studied with you for almost a week. You don't go to school and you need to."
"What do you want to do with my photos? " I demanded.
"I will post on the internet and then write about you. Anything can happen. Pray for yourself." He explained.
He further interviewed me to his satisfaction. He kept on coming to take my photographs until one day I grew furious and stopped him. Since that day, he stopped coming.
Then I saw a familiar face, smiling and walking in my direction.