Poverty is Expensive

I changed my  residence at Owerri recently, but I had reasons to go visit my former neighbors,

 with excitement I busted into the gate and I yelled “OYENEKU” meaning: who is that? 

A funny way we announce our self to fellow ‘Yarders’. And if someone recognizes your voice

 they’ll say your name. Say “Faith”. I really enjoyed my stay there…men it was fun! That was 

just one of those funny thing we do back there.

But this fateful evening the yard was dead silent… I shouted OYENEKU a couple of time and since nobody answered…I went blank, thinking what could be wrong because I can notice life…I went closer and knocked on Mama Marvelous’ door, a little daughter opened the door for me and told me her mother is not around…that they went to….to….to…(started crying). I immediately suspected what went wrong! Where is Ada? I asked her “ADA is DEAD”! She replied. I couldn’t help the ache in my stomach.

Ada is a young, intelligent, and beautiful mid secondary school girl, who was running on Imo State. She was very only, hardworking and respectful…I sincerely saw greatness somewhere ahead of her, I encouraged here to join the choir in her local church because her sonorous voice was my alarm clock most days, as she graciously strokes palm front sweeping our open court every morning!

All that came like a flash and the thought that I wouldn’t see her again made tears drop but I had to hold it back because, the little girl need some comfort first.

But as I laid my hand on her shoulders he asked a question, that I couldn’t answer immediately “Uncle, why do bad things happen to poor people?” Maybe you could answer that question on the spot if you were in my shoe but I couldn’t!

I just did my bit to console her and made off! The question kept banging my ribs though. I was so shocked when I later learnt all that could have probably saved ADA’s live was about #25000!

Rest ‘N Peace ADANNE CHOICE OKORO