FREE Moulding, Inspiring, Nurturing and Empowering Teenagers AUG - NOV 2010 MM AA GG AA ZZ II NN EE

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“My parents make me feel like trash…I hate them and wish I could run away from home” Page 6

Your life was designed to be a solution to your neighbour's problem. Page 41 JEAN JOHN “I had a 4.52…and a 4.51… To God's glory, I was the best student in my diploma class in Mass Communication department in UNILAG.”

Connect with other subscribers on Facebook. Search MINE Magazine Friends and join the group. DESIGN Aroyewun Jide : 08055825548 CONTRIBUTORS www.aroyewunbabajide.blogspot.com

Olawale Adenugba Titilope Oladepo Modadeoluwa Akinwande

Adenugba is a Geophysics graduate of the University of is a Pharmacist; a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo is a consultant and motivational speaker. A graduate of Lagos. He is presently one of the executives of the University, Ile-Ife. She is one of the co-ordinators in the Management Science from Ladoke Akintola University youth church "The Hub”, RCCG, Acme parish. He is a Teens Church of RCCG, Abundant Grace Parish. of Technology. He runs his consulting firm, based in certified Associate in Project Management. (CAPM). Lagos. E-mail: [email protected] Email: Tel: 08035751800 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Tel: 08023799290, 08068711546 Tel: 08087005300, 07028777752

Oluwatoyin Ogundana Osita Anisiobi Sinmisola Adigun

is the secretary to the V. P Academics, Dansol High is a teenager from Anambra state. He is currently is the proprietress and principal of Yeshua High School. School, Ikeja. She is the assistant HOD, Teens' awaiting admission into the university. He attends the She is a marriage counselor and a model to many. She is Fellowship, CAC, Fountain of Comfort. Triumphant Teens' Church (RCCG, Acme, Lagos). married and blessed with four children and grandchildren. E-mail: Email:[email protected] [email protected] Tel: 08022079678 E-mail: Tel: 08032227028 [email protected] Tel: 08023187306

Ifeoluwa Ogunkanmi Joseph Iregbu Queen Ejimbe is a 500 level law student of Obafemi Awolowo ) is the author of “Even in the Well...”. He lives and works is a student of the University of Calabar. She is the University, Ile-Ife. She is a member of the Department in London and is happily married to Temi. secretary of the Anglican Youth Fellowship, Calabar. of Adolescent Resource, OAU (a secondary schools' outreach team). E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Official Website: Tel: 08034326636 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.josephiregbu.com Tel: 08053450646 LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/josephir egbu

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Hey dear reader! It's time to celebrate God's faithfulness as He has brought us to the 14th and 15th editions of MINE Magazine (another two-in-one edition). Please let's say a prayer together. “Dear God, we thank You so much for bringing us this far. Thank You for the several testimonies we have as to how You have blessed us and changed our lives through Your magazine. Please accept our thanks in Jesus name, Amen. Now, we ask that You please continue with us and perfect in our lives all that You have started and will continue through this 2-in-1 edition. We ask only in the sweet name of Jesus, Amen.” Thank you for praying with me. I have a few things to say before you begin reading. Firstly, I want to sincerely thank all of you who have responded so far to our plea for support. Thanks for your donations; every naira, dollar and pound you've given so far as kept MINE in print and you can be sure prayers are being said for you; I'm sure you are already enjoying the blessings of God because of your generousity towards us. Again, thank you so much and God bless you. MINE Teenage Forum is on the move. We have had three sessions in Lagos so far (February 13th, April 10th and July 10th), we had a conference in Port Harcourt (June 25th-27th), we had another conference in Calabar (August 20th&21st) and now we're preparing for the Ibadan Forum (September 11th). This is where we will stop this year. We would let you know MINE TF Calender for 2011 in the Dec/Jan edition, by God’s grace. Please don't miss it when it gets close to you. Those who have attended have their experiences and testimonies to share. Please remember to subscribe for every edition. Even with our new re-subscription policy, those who subscribed for this edition you're reading now are well over 3,000. I'm pleased to inform you that as at our last check, MINE has reached at least thirty-one (31) states of Nigeria and the FCT (Abuja). We get several texts, calls, e-mails and visits to our office, revealing what God is doing through the magazine. Please send in your own testimonies too to [email protected] Finally, I want to implore you to please be a doer of these things and not just a reader. Make God happy and please put a smile on our faces too. We need to know that our efforts are not in vain. I won't delay you any longer. Please enjoy your read, read every single article, and you know what to do next, right? Yes! Pass it on to a friend. Don't forget to subscribe for the Dec/Jan 2011 edition. It promises to be WOW!!! You are loved! Adigun Oluwatimilehin (08023458880) TABLE OF CONTENTS QUIZ 6 GIRLS' CHAT WITH TITI MINE Quiz is back. Please send the answers to the following questions to 8 TEEN CELEBRITY [email protected] or COMIC 07034721385. The first three people TAKE RESPONSIBILITY to get the answers right would get 10 ZONE fantastic prizes. Note: For subscribers only! NOVELLA: La Conferencia + 11 MORE What was the name of the queen of WHEN TOMORROW NEVER COMES Egypt in the days of King Solomon? 33 When was the first time in the Bible that GROWING IN GRACE OR GROANING IN GRACE? God multiplied loaves of bread and 34 there were left over after the people ate? 35TRUE HONOUR AND GREATNESS When was the first edition of MINE Magazine published? 3 TRTRYY MEME ANDAND SEE!SEE! Timilehin Adigun

Hi there! Thank God for how He blessed us last edition through “No more fear”. I received several texts and calls from readers, saying how they were blessed by the article. We thank God for always sending His word to us in due season. We are about to hear something special, and guess what? I'm excited myself as I put my fingers to the keyboard 'cause I know this article is going to bless me too. God has a challenge for all of us. God is asking us to put Him to the test. There are a few times God actually dares His people to try Him. One of them is found in Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Before I continue, I would like to remind you, incase you have forgotten, that the God we are talking about here is the Almighty God; the God who can do absolutely anything. He is the God that can kill and make alive. He is absolutely limitless. And that God is challenging us to prove Him.

Now you ask, what exactly does God want me to do? God is asking us to LOVE Him with ALL our hearts, and see if He will not bless us till we are overwhelmed with the blessings. God is saying, “LOVE Me like you have never done before and watch me do amazing things in your life.” Have you been longing for one breakthrough or the other? Is your health failing? Does your admission seem impossible? Is your home on fire? Are you about to lose a loved-one to the claws of death? What are you burdened with? Whatever it is, God is asking you to LOVE Him, and watch what He will do for you! Please note, God isn't a fool that can be toyed with. He knows your heart. If He knows that you want to 'use' Him and then 'dump' Him, you can be sure He won't move on your behalf. God is looking for boys and girls; men and women who will purpose in their hearts to love Him as long as they live; with every breath they breathe. But I love God already, why are things this way in my life? Is that your question? If it is, please read the following lines very carefully. God demands several things from those that love Him; I'm only going to mention five in this article. God says to you, 'If you want to LOVE Me like I want to be loved, these are some of the things you HAVE to do:

1. PUT AWAY ALL YOUR IDOLS. Some of us actually don't know that we carry some idols with us everyday, and make God really mad. Idols vary for different people. Some of us have made our parents our idols; we love them more than we love God and can obey them even if it means disobeying God. God expects that you honor your parents (I would mention that later), but He doesn't want you placing them above Him. Some of us have made our phones our idols; we sleep with our phones in our hands, talk all night on the phone, wake up and the first thing we check is the phone, log on to facebook all day and we make God feel so insignificant. 4 TRTRYY MEME ANDAND SEE!SEE!

Some of us have made our clothings, and related accessories rather speak encouraging words to them. Pray for those around you. Give a our idols. We are always on the lookout for the trendy clothes, wristwatches, warm smile to as many people as you can in a day. Just touch someone with perfumes, etc. We do all these and God just shakes His head at us, some kindness daily. That would make God very happy. wondering what has gotten hold of us. Then, you NEED to be GENEROUS. God LOVES a cheerful giver. And if we Some of us have made our academics our idol. Oh yes! God wants us to want to love God, we need to do what He loves; we need to give. Here is one prosper in our academics and career but doesn't want us to turn them into of the burdens of my heart. I desire to see teenagers who will be selfless, gods. I know of people who would miss church, stay away from their quiet and who will give cheerfully. Our leaders in Nigeria today are amassing time and just spend hours reading their books when it's time for exams. wealth to themselves. They most likely were just as greedy when they were Please let me ask you a question. If God should decide that you will not young. remember ANYTHING in the exam hall after your SEVERAL hours of reading and ignoring Him, what would you be able to do about it? Would you turn out like them or will you make God happy by learning to give, NOTHING. Please be diligent in your studies but ALWAYS put God first. right from now? You have several dresses and shoes that you hardly wear again; please look for people who need them and give these clothings out. 2. SPEND TIME WITH ME. You get a fairly large pocket money that you waste on recharge cards or This is a build-up on the previous point. When you have a crush on buying food from eateries. Why not look out for that boy or girl that treks to someone or you truly love someone, don't you just want to spend as much church, and doesn't have enough to pay his/her school fees and be a time with the person as possible? YES you do! God is asking for the exact blessing. God is looking for such people who would do that. Would you rise same thing from us. He wants us to separate a time that we will spend with up to the challenge? Him on a daily basis, in prayer and in the study of His word. And if I may add, God is looking for young people that will support His work, But the bible is boring! I don't think so. Maybe you are reading it with a so that He can bless the works of their hands. Would you be one? biased mindset already. When next you open the bible to read, ask God, through His Spirit to open your eyes to see the great treasures in His word 5. LIVE HOLY AND ABSATIN FROM SIN. and you would be surprised to see how much you can learn from the bible. This is my final point in this article. To love God, you need to live daily to Getting a devotional aid can be of help. There are several ones available. please Him and stop doing all those sinful things that have been normal for you hitherto. Stop lying, stop cheating in your exams, stop fighting, stop I don't know how to pray! If that's you, let me let you on into a secret. Prayer stealing, stop masturbating, stop watching porn, stop sleeping around. is simply talking to God, like you talk to a friend. It's not until you are on your knees before you can pray. As you walk on the road, ride in a bus or bike, just One of God's greatest pains right now is the way His sons and daughters let your heart communicate with God. Make Him your best friend. Thank have sex or even allow the opposite sex touch their bodies. Please STOP IT Him for what He has done for you in the day so far and commit all your TODAY! Your body is God's temple. Please honour it and let others honour it activities to Him. Tell Him about that unpleasant thing that happened to you; too. Keep yourself till your wedding night. I know you can make it. And even tell Him about that lovely thing that made you laugh. Commune with Him in if you've failed before, please repent and start afresh today. Please don't let your heart and before you know it, you'll become so close to Him. God down.

But does God hear me? Oh yes, He does! If He can see your sinful thoughts, When next that guy begins to whisper things in your ears; when next he tries how much more do you think He will be ready to hear your thoughts and to touch you, shout at the top of your voice – 'NO! I love my God and I will words directed at His ears. He loves you and longs for you to love Him back honor Him with my body'. No matter who he is; your fiancé, pastor, friend, enough to spend time with Him. brother, or even father, RUN AWAY from him.

3. HONOUR YOUR PARENTS. When next that girl wears that seductive dress to your house and tells you This is very important to God. He made it clear to us in Ephesians 6:1-3. she wants 'it', you chase her out of your house the same way you would Dear friend, God is challenging you today. He says, “If you love me, you chase a goat that wants to eat your posh rug. You can't afford to sell your would obey, honour and love your parents, no matter how bad they may be precious future over a few minutes of worthless pleasure. You are much treating you.” more than that.

I have spoken with many teenagers who suffer so much physical, and And if you feel you have gotten too deep; you think you are addicted to sex, verbal abuse from their parents. But I have come to know that God expects please ask God for help and you could get in touch with me. God loves you you to still love them; nothing less. So, if you have 'impossible' parents, and NEEDS you to love Him back totally, with your WHOLE body, soul and please pray daily that God should touch their hearts, and He will, no matter spirit…and for the record, I love you too and I believe in you. You can make it how long it takes. through, and infact, you WILL make it through in Jesus name, Amen.

While you wait for God to intervene, please honour them, obey them, and These are the five challenges God to putting out to us this edition. Would show them love. Don't wish them dead. Don't slam the door on them. Don't you rise up to the challenge to show God how much you love Him? And if curse them behind their backs. Don't talk back at them. Thank them for your you are reading this, and you don't even have a relationship with Jesus, school fees, help them with household chores. These little seeds of please pray the Love Prayer beneath. obedience will yield you a great harvest of joy in your home. God demands that you honour your parents. Friend, God had promised that if we can do all these and LOVE Him with ALL our hearts, He will amaze us with outstanding miracles and testimonies 4. LOVE OTHERS. in our lives. I would be a fool not to comply 'cause I have many challenges I You know quite well that this is the second commandment and it means a lot need Him to solve for me. Would you join me? Let's TRY HIM AND SEE to God. There are a couple of ways you can love others. Stop abusing them, WHAT HE WILL DO!

The Love Prayer

Dear God, I have heard about your love and I thank you for loving me in spite of my many sins and weaknesses. I believe, Jesus, that you're the son of God and that you died and rose again to save me. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I will live to please you as your Holy Spirit helps me. I receive you into my heart and I ask that you make me yours forever. Help me to be your friend and may we love and honor each other for all eternity. Thank you Father for accepting me. I have prayed in Jesus' name, Amen. If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please send an e-mail to us at [email protected] and we'll be quick to get back to you to stand by you in this new adventure of life.

5 GIRLS' CHAT WITH TITI My life is miserable. My parents make me feel like trash. My father says he wonders who my mother slept with to conceive me. My mother too says she Q: did not give birth to me. I have tried to love them but they are killing me with their words. I hate them and wish I could run away from home and never look back again. Please help me.

Hmmmm!!! Sweetheart, I feel your pain – the pain of not getting the love that having parents brings. What could be A: more painful than hearing such words from your dad and your is a behavior that needs to change in either me or them, mum, the one who bore you for nine months and celebrated I pray you enable that change to happen. As much as I your birth? Let me say that you have a right to feel this way want to hang on to my anger towards them because I and think of leaving home never to come back. feel it is justified, I want to do what you want. I release Please dear, let me tell you that though you came to the world all those feelings to You. Give me a new sense of love through your parents, you are an individual who God created for them.' with a purpose in mind and ultimately, you will give an account God's instructions to us about our relationship with our to the God who gave you the life. I'm sure you know that you parents still stand and remember, you are to honor have not come this far because you have gotten the best of them. It is hard but let the thought of the fact that God care from mummy and daddy but because God has been chose them to be your parents without asking for your taking care of you (through them). You are not a mistake dear opinion, keep you. and God knew what He was doing when He chose who your The summary is that your only option is God, the One parents would be. I want you to do something, see this whole who knew you before you were formed in your mother's thing through God's eyes. I don't know what exactly warrants womb, determined in whose womb you will grow, did such statements from your parents but I'm sure there must be not let you die before this phase of your life and who something that makes them say this so we will approach the made sure that you sought help before taking any matter from two sides. drastic step. He obviously has a plan, thoughts of good Since I don't have details of the reason for such statements and not of evil to give you a future and a hope. Please from your parents, it could be that you have a physical know that whatever you decide to do will significantly disability, a health challenge, a poor academic performance affect your fulfillment of destiny so every time you feel after many attempts or a combination of all this. Just in case like quitting especially when there is any form of abuse, the reason is more than a combination of all these possibilities, wait a little longer and trust God for wisdom as occasion there is nothing to worry about because God is able to do just demands. Please cry if you have to but NEVER curse anything you trust Him to do. Whether the challenge is your parents in your heart. It is okay to report them to something you can do something about or not, I need you to God and you can be sure He knows what to do. turn it all over to God since it is ONLY Him that can bring out a Let us pray: Our Father in heaven, we thank you so message out of any mess we find ourselves in. Jesus gave an much for this time in our lives. It's a time when all we invitation in Matthew 11:29, He said 'Come unto Me all ye that have is YOU and we are so glad that we can call on You labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest………' Jesus for anything and everything anytime. Lord, I pray for my is the answer to every question and solution to every problem, sister and friend, she needs You at this time to give her I'm sure that whatever the challenge is, it is not more than what wisdom and heart full of love for her parents so that she God can handle. If there is a challenge, please I will be can take the right step in the right direction. There is expecting you to share it with us (MINE Magazine) so we can nothing about this whole issue you do not know about trust God with you. so I commit her into your hands and ask that you will Now the 'hard' part is that you still have to find a place in your help her to do what will lead her to the beautiful end you heart to pray for your parents. In praying for them, please be have in mind for her. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. sincere with God in expressing your feelings and don't try to Sweetheart, I trust God that you will not miss it. Please pretend you are not hurt. Be as plain and sincere as – 'Lord, put the thought of leaving home aside for now and nothing in me wants to pray for my parents. I confess my decide to face this challenge instead of running away anger, hurt, unforgiveness, disappointment, resentment, and from it. If it gets really unbearable, please call on an feeling of hatred towards them. Give me a new, positive, joyful, adult that you can trust. You have come this far and I loving, forgiving attitude towards them. Where they have erred, know that you will make it through. reveal it to them and convict their hearts about it. Where there God bless you dear.

6 WE CAN TALK ABOUT SCHOOL? Wale Adenugba Have you ever asked yourself, '' Why am a regular shirt and short, looking very some years back. While I was with him, I going to school'', or must I go to school rough and unpresentable, carrying a he asked me a couple of questions about before I become rich. I have also thought microphone. The Holy Spirit showed me my health and he prescribed some drugs of that some years back. At least we the picture of another man driving into for me. After concluding about my health, know so many people that dint go to the market, looking well dressed and he asked me if I was a born again school and are making so much money. I responsible. The Holy Spirit now asked Christian , I told him yes so he just have found out that a lot of teenagers me, “Amongst the two men, which one of encouraged me in the lord and I felt a lot don't know the true essence of going to them will they listen to''? I dint need a better and strengthened. Now this is a school. Some teenagers feel that going pastor to tell me the answer. Of course, doctor who is using him academic to school is just all about getting a degree the second man. Why? The best way of qualification to preach Christ. Everyone and getting a good job. Some feel it is just leading people and teaching people who goes in there will definitely listen to a way of satisfying parents. about something is exhibiting it yourself. him because they respect the fact that he is a doctor and whatever he tells them is There is an adage that says that when Jesus Christ had to do a lot of signs and most likely the truth. There is always a the purpose of a thing is not known, wonders before people could believe way you can glorify God through your abuse is inevitable. The reason why him. How would you be able to convince education. teenagers do not do well in schools is a man that God expects him to flourish because they have not understood the when you are also struggling with life? “I asked a young boy who is ascribing to reason why they are there. Let me share That will really take a long time. In this become an engineer in the next 4 years, my experience with you. I dint realize the present world, we need to gain the 'why do u want to become an engineer?' essence of going to school till I entered world's acceptance by the things we can He told me it's because he wants to help the university. Out of my curiosity, I do and have been able to accomplish big companies repair and maintain their thought to myself,' “Is this all there is to before they will listen to us about Christ. mechanical engines and also make good life''. I spend most of my time in school as money out of it. Hmmn. I also asked a a child and now I am in the university, am Then the Holy Spirit told me that going to young architect the same question. But still spending most of my time here. school will help me to accomplish all that he said it's because he wants to build a God has in plan for me. That really struck massive stadium for God where people At the end of it all, if Jesus comes, what me. I have never thought of it from that from all over the world can come together will I say I have done with the life He gave perspective. So that tells me that going to and worship God. Out of these two, me? Would it be my fault that I have not school is not just about getting a good job which one do you think God will be been able to accomplish much for Him or living a comfortable life, it's so that interested in? Off course the second. due to the fact that we spend most of our God's work will be fulfilled. Why? Because his desire is to glorify time in the school? So why do I have to Education is one means through which God. You should ask yourself the same go to school? Why not just drop out and we could gain acceptance in this present question, why do you want to be what begin to spend time doing the things that time. The first thing you hear is “Is he a you want to be? have eternal value. Or better still just graduate'' or ' “Oh he has his masters''. drop out of school and look for the All these things pave the way for you to My dear teenagers, school is very easiest way of making money since be easily accepted and respected. So it's important. Remember that not every others are making money without all about using school to preach Christ teenager has the privilege to go to going to school. and expanding His kingdom here on school. There are a lot of teenagers that earth. Mind you, God want to go to school but they don't have The Holy Spirit showed me is not concerned the opportunity to do so. You need to be a picture of a man who about how many grateful and make the best of it by getting goes to the market qualifications you the best grades. Avoid any kind of place to preach a c q u i r e b u t distraction in school. Focus on your the gospel. This c o n c e r n e d school work; make sure you do all your man walks into about how you assignments yourself. Learn more and the market use it for His study more so that you can be the best with kingdom. and use it for the Kingdom of God.

You may be wondering, how can I please God with my education? Very simple, I will a n s w e r t h i s question with a little experience. I went to see a doctor 7 TEEN LEBRITY CE JEAN JOHN

Can we meet you? My name is Jean John. I am sixteen. I am the only daughter; only child of a single mother. I am a Christian; a member of Glory Zone Teens of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of His Glory, Allen Avenue. I am from Akwa-Ibom state.

What is your native dialect and can you speak it? It's Ibibio. I understand well and I speak very little (smiles).

How does it feel to be an only child of a single mother? Okay. Let's start from the only child part. Sincerely, it's boring, annoying and not very nice. I get to be home alone, and for my kind of reserved person, I'm home 24 hours a day. There's no fun; it's just boring. About the single mother part, I won't say I lack a father figure because my mum has tried a lot. She has put a lot into making me what I am. I love her so much and owe her a lot. There was a time I used to hate my father but with time, with God, and with help from friends, I have been able to let go.

Splendid. What's your involvement in church like? I'm kinda the Assistant Co-ordinator. I handle service, anchor programmes, and sometimes, I do teach.

What would you say your relationship with Jesus is like? Hmm. Let's put it like this. It has had its ups and downs. It was once very good, then I strayed but I got back. Before, I could stay on in sin but now, when I fall to sin, I quickly come back to God. I would say my relationship with Christ is a growing bud – it gets to bloom.

What are you up to presently? I just finished my diploma programme in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos. That means I would be home for a while before we start the new session. In this while, God willing and mum willing, I should be more active in my church as school gets me away from my home church.

Let's talk about your academics. What secondary school did you finish from and what was your final result like? I passed out from Queens College, Yaba. I had seven distinctions and a credit. I skipped the last subject, which was Yoruba because I wasn't going to cheat and I didn't want it to mar my result.

How did you perform in your Diploma? I had a 4.52 in my first semester and a 4.51 in the second semester. To God's glory, I was the best student in my diploma class in Mass Communication department in UNILAG.

8 N choir too. As a leader, I definitely needed to come out TEE of my shell. I needed to do a lot of talking. ITY As for my Christian group, I needed to be outspoken LEBR to pass across the message. That's how my CE JEAN JOHN confidence was built.

Would you say you have any special qualities? I think I'm very good at motivating people to do what they must and I'm really good at addressing audiences.

What are your hobbies? I read novels, sing, dance, act, and take a lot of leisure walks.

What do you think makes you different from other teenagers? Undeniably, the fact that God is present in my person; in my day-to-day activities. I have come to understand that I was born to do something different. I was born unique and that inspires me to do the things I do. How have you achieved excellence in your academics so far? What advice do you have for teenagers Before now, I would have told you that “it's the Lord's reading this? doing”, just for saying sake but now, I'm totally It's very easy to say 'With God, all things are possible' convinced that it's the Lord's doing! without meaning it but it's actually the truth. All I have Before I got to the hostel, I used to get home as late achieved so far has been with God's help. Please as 10pm and once home, I slept tired and hardly had don't neglect God to the background. Put Him first. If time to read. It's been God. I read the little I can and He's not for you, what will become of you? But when He does the rest for me. It has been a combination of God favours you, things happen. God, hardwork, determination and sacrifice. There are So, keep in tune with God and always dare to be some things I have had to give up. different.

Things like what? Thanks Jean. Was good having this Pleasures – going out with friends, gisting, going to interview with you. the movies and more. But it's been worth every bit of Same here. the sacrifice though. Is there something very unique about you or that you've achieved and you want to be interviewed on What else do you do apart from your this magazine or do you have a teenage friend who studies? you know is very special and should be interviewed? The first thing that comes to my mind is acting. I have If yes, please send the name(s), contacts, (e-mail and been into acting for as long as I can remember. I have phone number) and special qualities of the person to acted in two major productions and several plays. I'm us at [email protected] more into stage productions. The first big production I We'll get back to you and after listening to you, you did was Oliver Twist, an opera, directed by Mr. Dapo might just be chosen as our next Teen Celebrity Omideyi.

Do you see a future in this? Personally, yes! I hope to do more on the stage, and maybe go into film production later. It's not necessarily for the money but because I enjoy acting; switching roles – acting new characters.

How do you blend your being reserved with your flair for acting? It was in Queens College that my inner self came out. I started singing and acting in school. I had to combine many things. I was the deputy Head Girl, President of Disciplers' Group, and President of the 9 TAKE RESPONSIBILITY Sinmisola Adigun

Many people like blaming others for their mistakes in life. It's not surprising – it started from the very first man! When Adam ate the forbidden fruit and God asked him why he was disobedient, he quickly passed the blame to Eve, his wife. Eve also exonerated herself by saying that it was the serpent that made her disobey God. It's very easy to blame others for our wrong- doings.

Many teenagers have gone into premarital sex, drugs, cultism, and other deadly habits on the excuse of PEER PRESSURE. Their excuse is that their friends forced/lured/tempted them. The question I always ask is, 'If the same friend forces/lures/tempts you to put your hand inside fire, would you do it?'

The answer to this question has often been NO. I then wonder why we can say NO to peer pressure on some issues but feel compelled to say YES on other issues.

One excuse that comes to mind is that people know that fire burns. If this is so, there have been many warnings about the consequences of premarital sex that people should know how bad it is. We have slogans like 'ZIP UP', “ABSTINENCE IS THE BEST'..etc but we still have some people, including teenagers, turning deaf ears to these warnings. The result of this disobedience could be pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, Venereal diseases; Cancer…the list is endless.

Each tobacco advert carries the warning that succumbs to peer pressure actually has an tobacco is injurious to the health and smokers tend adventurous heart and just wanted to see where it to die young. Yet, there are those who keep will end. I STAND TO BE CORRECTED. smoking cigarettes till they graduate to smoking weed. The resultant effect is a bed at Yaba If anyone will not say YES to pressure to put his Psychiatric hospital or a place with CADAM finger into the fire, then he/she also has what it rehabilitation center (Christ Against Drug Abuse takes to say NO to sex, drugs or cult. Ministry). Next time when you want to blame someone else One reason why teenagers in particular go into this for your wrong doing, please look inwards and ask error is because they are adventurous. After yourself…did I have a choice? If your answer is watching a pornographic film, they want to yes, then take responsibility for your action and experiment what they observed. Phil4:8 says, don't blame someone else. “…whatsoever things are pure…think on these things.” How can you think of positive things if you You come under peer pressure because you want feed your mind with negative things? to please your friends. You want to belong. You want to be a 'big girl' or 'big boy'. At the end, when it Another lie of the devil that teens listen to is that lands you in trouble, some of the friends will pity they need to be experienced so that they can you but many others will abandon you. handle sexual relationship in marriage. Who teaches a day-old baby to suck his mother's IT'S NOT WORTH IT. breast? No one. It is innate! This is the same with One with God is a majority! Ask God to help you to sex. It is innate in man. There is no need for please Him more than you want to please men. As experiment. you please God, you will discover that His beauty and glory will cover you and those who were once There is another category of teenagers, especially condemning you will appreciate you for being girls, who are being sexually abused and are different and for standing out. keeping mute. They say they are afraid of what will happen to them if they should cry out. Please cry PLEASE, ALWAYS TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR out for help; don't die in silence! YOUR ACTIONS. MAY THE LORD ENABLE YOU.

I am of the opinion that any teenager who 10 N O V E L L A La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR be girls among them; girls have these problems too.” ------DAY 6 “I was dazed beyond measure when I saw him It was a beautiful morning indeed. For the first walk towards his seat”, Shade was telling Tunbosun. “My time in days, George woke up with praise on his lips. His eyes had been closed but when I opened them after the heart was free of the shame and guilt that had filled it prayer, I saw him.” since the first glance he had on the porn magazine. He “I was surprised too. I knew there was something could worship his God again, and that brought so much wrong with him” joy to him. “Really?” If anyone had told him prior to the meeting that “Yes. He had not been himself lately but I couldn't he was going to walk out, confessing and repenting of his place what it was. We had talked on several occasions, sins, he would have said it was impossible but that was on personal basis and also because of our group project exactly what he had done. The grace of God in that and I couldn't just shake off the feeling that there was atmosphere had been too strong and overwhelming for something eating him up. I couldn't have possibly him to have refused. The moment Faith mentioned his imagined that it was sexual addiction.” She paused. “But case, he was awed at God's great mercy, and he knew he I'm so glad God came through for him yesterday.” would be a fool to wait another day; it was his day of “Same here.” deliverance and he wasn't going to let it pass him by. “It just reminds me of the fact that only God George remembered what happened after the knows what is in the heart of everyone. It never shows on meeting, and he smiled. When he returned to his seat the face what people are thinking, desiring, doing or after the altar call for repentance, apart from the relief of carrying-” being free from his sins, the other feeling that plagued “Carrying?” Shade asked. “I don't get” him was fear; fear of rejection – fear of criticism. He “Diseases” Tunbosun said, making a face. wondered how his friends, who had definitely respected Shade giggled. “Now I get. But why did your mind him and looked up to him, would see him. He dreaded the go there?” look he would see on their faces. “I don't know…guess I just remembered my He had wanted to sneak out of the hall father. Anybody looking at him wouldn't know he has immediately after the meeting but before he could even cancer-” She paused. “had cancer” she finally said and move, he saw folks walk towards him. Without words, noticed that Shade frowned. they took turns hugging him and at that moment, all the “I'm so sorry” fear was gone. He was practically astounded that they “Don't be. If I had mentioned it yesterday and you would empathize with him and not condemn him at all. He were sorry for me, it would have been okay but not now.” couldn't have been more grateful. Even more surprisingly “What happened between then and now?” to him were the tears he saw in their eyes when they Tunbosun smiled as she said it. “God healed hugged him; they felt his pain. He was indeed blessed to him” be surrounded by such great friends. Shade was wide-eyed. “Serious?” George had apologized to Fatima for keeping his “Hm-mmm” struggles from her and he thanked Faith for allowing God “Did you call home?” Shade asked. use her for him. He had received hugs from Tara and Tunbosun shook her head. Tunbosun but he hadn't spoken with them. He was sure “So, how do you know?” they had forgiven him but he wondered if their friendship “God said it through Faith last night.” would be the same as before. If their friendship became “Oh!” Shade exclaimed. “It was your father?” strained, he decided he wouldn't blame them. They were “I believe so. I can't wait to call him and ask him to human; it was bound to happen. go for another check-up. I'm so sure God has healed 'Father, I thank You for bringing me back home. him.” I've missed You so much', George said to God as he yet “I believe so too. Congratulations!” worshipped on his knees by his bed side. And as he did, “You could say that again.” Tunbosun said. he received an inspiration at that moment; he had an “Guess we should go to the bathroom now.” assignment to do while at the conference. “Yeah” Shade said, and rose to leave when He was to reach out to boys who had the same Tunbosun held her back. She looked at her friend. problem of addiction to pornography and masturbation. “Watsup?” As he shared his story, he was sure many of them would “How are you feeling now?” Tunbosun asked. open up. As he was about to rise to his feet, he heard God Shade understood what her friend was asking make an addition which made his knees weak. “There'll about. Since her episode with Stanley, Tunbosun had 11 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

asked her every now and then how she She looked round and saw most “Let me run. We'll see at the was doing. “I'm much better now, thank girls in her room were ready to leave for briefing. Bye' you.” the lecture hall. As she stood from her “Bye”, Tara said, then called out. “I'm glad to hear that. Have you bed, she saw someone walk towards her. “Faith!” Faith stopped and turned to face seen the Stanley boy lately?” It was Faith. What a pleasant start to the her. “Thanks again” “No, I haven't.” day. Faith smiled. “Anything for you “What will you do when you see “Good morning Tara”, Faith said dear. Hurry up!” him?” as she got to her. Shade thought for a moment. “I “Morning”, she replied, trying to ------would walk up to him and tell him I have suppress a yawn. His shoes were shining black forgiven him.” She saw her response Faith giggled. “Just waking up?” and his uniform well pressed as usual. brought a frown to Tunbosun's face. “I'm “Something like that. Don't mind Uche was waiting for the whistle. He was actually considering inviting him for the me.” She stretched. “What brings you to feeling things he had never felt in his life. meeting tonight.” my room this morning?” Christiana was responsible for this and he “I'm not so sure about that but it's “Aren't you happy to see me?” was okay with it. Though he had been your life sha” Tunbosun said. “What about Faith asked, faking a frown. skeptical about what she wanted them to Utibe?” she asked, not wanting to talk “Oh sure, I am!” Tara smiled. “It's do the night before, he had been about the Stanley boy again. not everyday a prophetess walks into disappointed when that facilitator saw “Utibe seems to be finding God your room first thing in the morning.” them and sent them back to the hall. gradually and I think Okpara is warming Faith waved her off. “Be serious up too.” for once Tara.” She paused and then sat Through the night, he had thought of little “Seems so.” Tunbosun affirmed. on her bed, patting the bed. Tara got the else than Christiana. He had stared at her “Saw them at the meeting yesterday. message and sat. so much the previous day that her facial Have you spoken with Utibe lately?” “You want to tell me something?” features were engraved on his heart. If he “No, I haven't” Shade said, and Faith nodded. were an artist, he would draw her face then added. “The last time we spoke was “Can I quickly have my bath? flawlessly. She had flaunted her body all after the briefing yesterday. I miss talking You are ready for the briefing; I am not.” through the day and Uche had indulged with him.” “It won't take long”, Faith himself a couple of times. The moment “I feel you. Try to make out time insisted. that had set him on fire was the point to talk with him even if for a few minutes.” “Okay.” when she had asked him to hug her. “I would really love that; more “I know it is none of my business, than you could imagine.” but I felt I owe it to you to tell you”, Faith The last person he had ever hugged like “ T h e n m a k e i t h a p p e n ” started, noticing the questioning look on that had been his sister, in the days when Tunbosun said, as they made their way to her friend's face. “I had a dream last night their going was good. Christiana made the bathroom. and it was revealed to me that you still him feel wanted. She made him feel haven't forgiven mummy for what she did relevant. She was not like Fatima who he ------to you.” She paused, watching for Tara's cared for but who threw his love right back It was going to take more than reaction. in his face. He missed her; Uche was sure the whistle to get Fatima out of bed. She Tara nodded. he might never ever meet another girl as had slept exhausted the night before but “God asked me to tell you that pleasant as Fatima. He would have that was not her reason for still being in you should forgive her. He says when you decided to remain friends with her as she bed. She was dead worried about Uche. do, you'll enjoy a greater release of His suggested but he still didn't understand The gap he had created between them in anointing when you lead people into why she had refused him, in spite of the the past couple of hours had made her worship than you've experienced so far. reasons she gave. know how strong her feelings for him Unforgiveness is the only thing standing were. She felt bereft. She missed him. in your way presently from reaching that Meeting Christiana didn't make matters Fatima was sure she did what height God desires for you.” easier as she totally stole his heart and was right when she refused him but Faith studied Tara as she spoke attention. Uche actually felt privileged seeing him drift away made her wonder if and couldn't blame her for the struggle that a pretty, attractive, and highly-sort-for there was another way she could have she was facing. When a mother forces girl like her would shun all other boys for passed the message across without her own daughter to commit an abortion, him. hurting him. hatred is automatic. But not where God is What bothered her the most was concerned. Forgiveness is expected. 'I am so lucky', he thought to himself. He the girl that she had seen Uche with. That “What do you have to say to had seen different boys on several girl obviously had something up her that?” Faith asked. occasions look at him with eyes that sleeves; Fatima wondered why Uche Tara was quiet for some time. spoke volumes. Left to him, he would couldn't see that. “Thank you so much dear. I know I have to have been so intimidated by their glares “Father, I'm so confused and forgive but the knowledge doesn't make it and run away from the girl but Christiana scared. Please show me the way to go”, any easier to do. I would have to think and seemed to notice and she kept making Fatima pleaded with God, hoping and pray about it for a while. Only God can him feel all the more important; holding desperately desiring that Uche's eyes help me to achieve that.” his hand and smiling at him. When she would be opened to see the truth. Faith gave her a hug. “God will looked at him, she made his heart beat strengthen you through it.” madly as she looked like a girl who had ------“Amen. Thanks sis.” Tara kept found her life's love. He felt so unworthy Tara got up late. After the her head down; it was obviously a weight of it yet so happy about it. meeting, she had taken some time out to she was still bearing. With that, Uche tuned his mind worship, and that went deep into the “You had better hurry and take a off Fatima totally. 'Fatima, Christiana is night. She had been refreshed spiritually bath; it's almost time.” giving me all I ever asked of you and even but her body had also demanded rest. “Aight” more. I don't need your friendship', he 12 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

thought to himself just as the whistle was smiled. Life was indeed funny. knew it was right thing to do but what she blown. Shade was glad however that doubted more were her emotions; she the direction of their friendship had turned wasn't sure she would be able to go from the physical path it had been going through a decent conversation with CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE to a more platonic path. Still, she couldn't Stanley without either getting upset or The hall was already filling for help feeling uncomfortable under his shedding tears. She hadn't seen him the briefing as students poured in. stare as he was presently doing. since that night; she had been thankful for Christiana had been there earlier, waiting “Please sit”, Utibe said, pointing that but with what Utibe was saying, she and planning. It was another day. She had to the seat beside him. Shade obliged. knew she needed to deal with the issue failed with Uche the previous night, not “We've not talked in a while.” once and for all. because he had been strong but because She nodded. “I guess I'll talk to him after lunch a silly teacher had gotten in her way. “Are you running away from or-” she was still talking when she noticed 'Today will be different', she convinced me?” Utibe look in a direction. She followed his herself. Shade smiled. “I couldn't even if eyes and saw it was Stanley. Her heart She had not planned to stay this I wanted to.” slammed against her chest. Seeing him long trying to get just one guy. Her plan “I'm happy to know that. Let me again would have been a nightmare on was to get at least seven before the end of assume you've been occupied with many another day. She was glad Utibe was the conference. She had just gotten two things, rights?” there with her. 'This is the guy that wanted and it was already the sixth day and she Shade nodded. to rape me and distort my future', she was stuck with the third. The only reason “I'll give in to that.” He paused. thought and the hatred wanted to surface why she was still patient with him was “By the way, I have been having fun at the again but she remembered hatred and because she longed to get a good boy. meetings. Every night seems to get better bitterness were one of the worst heart One good boy was worth three bad boys. than the previous.” diseases any man could suffer. She couldn't wait to get it over with and “You could say that again.” 'Lord, I'm sorry. I forgive him dump the boy. “Guess what?” again. Please give me the strength to go 'Uche is boring. If not for what I “What?” Shade said, clueless. through with this', she prayed silently. As want, I could never even survive a five- “ O k p a r a c a m e w i t h m e he drew closer, she noticed bruises on his minute conversation with him', she yesterday and he gave his life to Christ.” face. They were healing but were still thought. She smiled as she remembered “Serious!” Shade screamed. obvious. Shade now understood better. how good her acting was. She would do Utibe nodded, giggling at Those bruises were definitely Utibe's excellently well in Nollywood. When she Shade's response. “Jesus sure has a way doing; the bruises were the marks of her smiled at him and touched him lightly, on of getting even the hardest of hearts.” deliverance. the hand, or shoulder, she could see how “Sure, he does” “Stanley!” Utibe called out. The much he was deceived by her actions. There was silence between tall guy had been walking straight without 'He actually thinks I love him. What a fool!' them for a moment and the cause of the glancing sideways. The call of his name She was going to play all her silence was obvious. Somebody had to had taken him off guard. He turned and jokers. 'You'll be mine today, Uche, and by say it. A name was bound to be faced the voice that called him. tomorrow, you'll be a stranger to me.' She mentioned. Utibe wished he didn't have to Shade immediately pitied him. It giggled. The game was getting very but he had no choice. was like she was watching a Nollywood interesting. “Do you think there might be film. His face turned pale immediately as Christiana looked to the door as hope for Stanley?” he finally said. he looked from Utibe to Shade and back she had been doing and saw Uche was Shade didn't answer and he to Utibe. She could see he wasn't coming. All was set, as she had worn her couldn't blame her. Even though she said comfortable either meeting them again joker uniform, the uniform that had put she had forgiven Stanley, Utibe was sure after that night. many of her teachers on her laps. Only the mention of that name still brought “Please sit for a moment.” Utibe God could save Uche from her today and unwelcome feelings. said, pointing at the chair in front of them. she knew He won't because Uche had “Have you talked with him since Stanley was clearly surprised. He was too deserted Him. 'You're mine, loverboy', that day?” he asked, disregarding his first shocked to think clearly or even respond; she thought, welcoming him with a smile question. he just sat. He wasn't expecting them to as he sat on the seat she had reserved for Shade shook her head. be this kind to him on their next meeting. him. “Shade, I hate to say this but I Utibe stared at Stanley's facial have been learning a lot from you guys wounds for a brief moment. “I'm so sorry ------and from the bible George gave me. I for hitting you,” Utibe said, sincerely. Shade had left Tunbosun in the know God wants our forgiveness to be Stanley opened his mouth to room. She just felt a urge to get early to total.” He paused and looked away briefly respond but words were not coming out. the hall for the briefing; Tunbosun on the before returning his gaze. “You need to He couldn't believe what was happening. other hand seemed to be taking all the face Stanley once and for all, and put this Before he could close his mouth to hide time in the world to get set. As she entered hurt behind you. Inviting him to the his embarrassment, Shade voiced out. the hall, she saw Uche with a girl and meeting tonight would only make matters “I forgive you for what you did to waved at him, he waved back with that better.” me; and for what you even tried to do that do-not-disturb-me kind of wave. She got “Utibe, I've thought of doing so you didn't succeed in doing.” Shade knew the message and walked on. too and I really want to but it's hard” the feeling. Stanley was dazed; he was She heard someone call her He took her hand and squeezed still trying to understand what was name and she turned. It was Utibe. She it lightly. “God will help you to do what you happening. She looked into his eyes for turned and walked towards him. must. That singular step is enough to the first time since that day. “I hated you Butterflies were having a field day in her convert Stanley; that's if he still has a that day but God who alone can heal a stomach. As she reached him, she heart.” hurting heart, healed my heart and made remembered the first encounter she had “I'll try but I'm making no me capable of forgiving you and even had with him at the dining hall line. She promises.” Shade said, still doubtful. She loving you.” 13 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

Stanley opened his mouth again you indicated what careers you wanted to badly wounded. but words just couldn't come out. pursue. It is with that information we will 'Is this how Uche felt when I said “You don't have to say anything', assign you to where you will do your no?' she asked herself as she got out. 'He Shade said. And as she did, she saw orientation.” is definitely repaying me back in my own tears well up in his eyes. “God can The hall was dead silent as he coin'; she said to herself as the first tear change your heart too. All He asks is that spoke on. “We have fifty bodies here in slipped out of her eye. you give Him a chance. He will forgive all Port Harcourt that have decided to your sins and give you a new start.” She partner with us for this course. They have ------paused and looked at Utibe who was a s s u r e d u s o f c o m f o r t a b l e “God has a purpose for listening carefully to all she was saying. accommodation, decent feeding and everything; we'll just need to trust him”. It “I'm sure you've done similar reliable security for you all during your was George saying as they had gathered things to other girls but God can cleanse stay with them. This is the first time we together for an impromptu meeting you of all your filth.” would be doing something like this. We immediately after clearing the dishes. Stanley nodded. That was his hope you would behave yourselves Tunbosun smiled as she heard first response of the day. decently. So, we would have an average George speak. He was back to himself Shade looked at Utibe and he of twenty participants to each institution again; it was a pleasant sight. Many of understood what she meant. and you would be there for two nights. them were destabilized by the turn of “We usually have a meeting in When you're back, you will give us reports events. It was indeed a timely word for the dining hall after diner. We would be on what you learnt and observed.” them. They had agreed that they would pleased to have you around tonight.” That had been the core part of have to postpone the meeting till they Utibe said, and Stanley blinked back the the announcement. When participants were back but Faith had suggested that tears that were fighting hard for their became restless, asking to know where they carry on with the meeting, in a mini freedom. they were going, the director had said form, in their respective organizations. “That's all we wanted we say”, they would be informed immediately after She told them to try to organize Shade said. the Career talk. All participants were morning and evening devotions in Stanley nodded, unable to look expected to get their light luggage ready whatever accommodations were made into either their eyes, stood up and immediately after breakfast and brought available for them. They had consented walked away. Shade kept her eyes on him with them for the talk. Departure for the to that; that was the best they could do. as he went. Even the biggest of boys designated institutions was going to be She wondered why Fatima had could crumble into pieces when immediately after the talk. given the responsibility of updating them confronted with undeserved love and There were mixed feelings to George. Fatima looked sad; mercy. Stanley, the player, had become among the participants. Fatima was on somewhat. so gentle; that was the power of the side of those who were just plain A s G e o r g e y e t s p o k e , forgiveness. It had the power to change, confused. She really didn't know what to e n c o u r a g i n g t h e m , Tu n b o s u n transform and set free. think or do. The first thing that perturbed desperately hoped they would be 'Thank you Lord for the grace her was the meetings they had hoped to assigned to the same place. They had and strength you gave me to go through have. Those would obviously have to wait had some time to talk together at different it', she breathed silently to her Father. till they were back. She decided she times, being the leaders of their Shade then looked at Utibe who had a would call for a meeting immediately after community project group, but she still gentle smile splashed across his face. A breakfast before they all went packing. wanted more; she still wanted to be with very infectious smile. She smiled at him in The Conference Director George. What Tunbosun didn't know return. “Thank you, my friend”, she said. dismissed them and as Fatima stood to however, was that she wasn't the only “Friend?” Utibe said, smiling leave, she analysed the possibility of her one who wanted to be with him. with his mouth moving as if trying to taste being in the same organization with Uche. the word he had just mentioned. “That She was immediately excited at the tastes good.” He said then reached out for prospect but became deflated just as fast CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX her hand and squeezed it. “You're when it occurred to her that it wasn't The Career Overview by Dr. welcome, friend” possible. They were in different career Mrs. Asuquo of the University of Calabar lines. She was still musing over that when had been quite interesting. After her one------she saw a boy and girl still sitting towards hour speech, participants were given the The briefing was coming to an the back as others were leaving their opportunity to ask questions and they end and Fatima still didn't know what to seats. asked lots of them. It was obvious many make of it all yet. The organizers had She wondered why they were students were still in the blues as to what brought a new twist to the whole thing and not in a hurry to leave. It was then she saw career to pursue. she couldn't help wondering how this new their faces. It was Uche and his new Many where toeing lines that programme included in the conference friend. Her heart sank. She thought to their parents had either coaxed or would turn out. The Conference Director look away and act as of she didn't see actually coerced them into. It was an eye- had just announced that they would have them but she decided otherwise. As she opener for majority of them. A few, a Career overview talk by a veteran walked up the aisle stairs, getting close to through the short talk got to identify new guidance counselor. That was still okay, them, she called out to Uche and waved career opportunities available to them but the one that had caused a stir among at him. that they had no clue about prior to that the participants was the next Fatima couldn't believe her time. It was a worth-while talk and Tara announcement. eyes. His response was so cold, she was so glad she was there. “We would be having a two day almost waved again, thinking maybe he It was now time to hear the programme called 'Career Orientation'”, didn't see her but she knew he did. He just names of the students going to what he had said. “You will all be going to didn't care anymore. Fatima wanted to institution. The Conference Director industries, companies and organizations cry. For the first time in months, she just started with those who would be going to related to your career choice. You filled wanted to find a solitary place and do the Governor's office. He said such forms at the start of this conference and nothing but cry. She felt rejected; she felt people were those with careers that were 14 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

politically inclined. looked over at Tara and saw her smile in a he had planned on several occasions to Tara knew she was in that way that spoke volumes. 'I never knew humiliate her without success. Shade category. More important to her was the Tara liked George this much', she thought now replayed the words Utibe had told conversation she had once had with to herself. “I wish them both the best”, She her earlier in the day about Okpara's George, when he casually stated that he said to herself, sincerely. salvation. They were two contrasting would want to be a politician so he could In the past five days of the pictures. That transformation could only right the wrongs in the society. Now she conference, she had had time to think and come from God, and she was indeed hoped with all her heart that she would be she was beginning to get the opinion that happy for Okpara. She hoped to be a put in the same institution as he. marriage might not actually be for source of encouragement to him while Just as she was thinking it, she everybody. She had not come to any together at UAC. heard her name being mentioned. conclusion yet; she was only considering She turned to face Utibe who “…Omotara Omoba, Ahmed it. was sitting next to her. “Don't miss me o!” Abubukar,…” the CD was announcing. The CD had mentioned a few “I'll try” he said, then added, Now, she knew she was bound other organizations and those going winking. “Take care of my friend for me o!” for the governor's office. Was George there. He then called the name of the next Shade shoved him playfully. “I going to be with her? That was the only institution; Government Technical don't know about that o!” question left on her mind. With every new College, Trans Amadi. At that point, Utibe laughed it off, knowing he name mentioned her temperature rose. Tunbosun knew her name was probably could trust his friends Shade and Okpara. The tension increased as she saw the going to be called as she sought a career He returned his attention to the platform, director was getting to the end of the list. in education. waiting to know where he would be “Chinenye Friday, and…” Her name was the fifth name assigned for the next two days. The CD had one more name to mentioned. Soon after, she heard Faith's ------call, and he seemed not to be able to tell name. That was a good one; she had so If there was ever a time she what name it was as he called a colleague much to learn from Faith, especially needed desperately for luck, as she to help him. He was just doing his work, pertaining her walk with God. Close to the believed, to work for her, it was now. taking his time, while Tara in the audience end, she heard a name she hadn't even Christiana hadn't bothered on previous couldn't wait to hear what name he was expected; Stanley. occasions to know what career Uche was going to mention. 'I'll run away from that guy like I hoping to pursue because she really “George Ahmadu” the CD said would a rabid dog', she thought to herself. didn't care. But when the announcement as he put the paper aside and picked Little did she know that the rabid dog was was made that they would be doing another. He had just made someone's at the verge of change and needed a Career Orientation, it was the first day. helping hand; without which he was question she asked him. Tara's face was all smiles after doomed for misery. He had said he wants to be a she heard the name called. It was all she ------doctor, and she had been overly excited could do from shouting. She was indeed A part of Shade rejoiced that she as she had put Nursing in her form at the very happy. She looked forward to the two wasn't going to have to see Stanley day in start of the conference. She had put days she would spend with George at the day out, but she lamented inwardly for her nursing, not because she really wanted to Governor's office. friend, Tunbosun who would be stuck with be a nurse, because she didn't but it was As she looked forward to it, she him. She only hoped it would be the sober the first thing that came to her mind to suddenly became wary. She longed to Stanley she spoke with in the morning write. And now, she congratulated herself become closer to George in terms of that would surface at the school they were for being lucky. Her classmates in school, friendship but she feared otherwise. She going, not the cruel, lustful one. majority of who were Christians, would remembered her fears the very first time She didn't bother to hope Utibe always say it's not luck but God's favour. she had talked with George, and those would be in her group because they were She didn't agree. Luck was luck. fears re-appeared. 'Am I sure that with on opposing lines. He wanted to be a She hoped luck would be on her two days exclusive with George without Dentist, and she wanted to be a side again. So far so good, two hospitals our other friends, I will not lose my heart to Professional Caterer. Her elder sister, had been mentioned and neither she nor George in a precarious way as I did to studying at Obafemi Awolowo University Uche's name had been mentioned. Now, Douglas.' She was still musing on that had told her there was a course like Home the CD was calling names of people that when an unbidden fear added itself to her Economics there where she could would be in another hospital. She didn't plight. 'Am I sure George has recovered sharpen and professionalize her culinary care to listen to the name of the hospital; fully from his challenge? If he hasn't, will skills. She had been so happy to hear that all she was concerned about was being in he want more from me than I can offer?' then; she was bent on being the best chef the same place with her prospective These were questions she had in Nigeria. trophy. She had worked so hard and no answers to; questions she dreaded After a few other industries had sacrificed so hard to get him, she only with every bit of her heart. been called, The CD mentioned OK foods hope fate would agree with her. and started calling out the names. She “Christiana Mark”, her heart ------thought her name would be called but it caught as she heard her name but she She would have felt horrible if wasn't. The next was UAC foods. It was didn't have to wait three seconds long as not that she had come to terms with the then her name was mentioned. The only the second name after hers was the name fact that she could not always have what other person she knew in her group was she had longed for. “Utibe Edet, Uche she wanted. She couldn't do anything Okpara. She was surprised when she Nwokocha…” about the fact that George was not going heard his name. She guessed he wanted The CD continued his list but she to be in the same place with her but she to study Food Science Technology or didn't care anymore. Luck was on her wondered at a sight that had caught her something similar; something manly. side. She turned to Uche, who was to her attention. She remembered the stories left and gave him that smile that guys only She had heard Tara's name Tunbosun told her of how Okpara had saw in Hollywood movies; that I-can't- being mentioned earlier. So, when pestered her so much in school for a live-without-you smile. The smile George's name was mentioned, she relationship but she had refused and how accomplished its mission as Uche smiled 15 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

in return. She could see he wanted to be blessing to those I would be staying with prior informed. As they arrived, they were with her too. Having sometime alone with for these two days and let me get lost in welcomed by conference officials and Uche was all she had ever wanted since your love during these two days”, she told to go straight to their rooms. They she laid eyes on him. Now, she was going prayed. After a brief pause, she added were to reconvene in the hall for briefing to have two whole days and nights too. It with so much pain in heart. “And please at 10 am. was too good to be true. save Uche from that girl's tricks; open his 'How dare anyone say there's no eyes to see the truth.” ------luck!' she thought, smiling. She gave With that she let things be, Tara sat on her bed, unpacking Uche another smile, and as she did, her trusting God desperately to make things her bag. She had a lot she would have to plans for the two days began coming work out fine for them all. wash later. She hadn't known working in together immediately. ------the governor's office was so much work 'You'll leave with me this The parking lot was filled to but now she did. There had been one afternoon a boy but you will return as a capacity. Several luxury buses were thing or the other to do. There were some man and your life will never be the same parked, waiting to convey participants to lazy staff there but with what she saw, she again'. She thought to herself, smiling. their respective organizations. They were discovered there was a lot of work for 'Only God Himself could possibly resist there with representatives from their whoever really wanted to work. the package I have for you, Uche, even institutions. One after the other, they She and her other colleagues angels would fall if they were in your began driving off with the students. It was had been given a ten-minute audience shoes. You are mine'. She would allow a new experience for the hosting with the governor. They were ten special the next two days tell the story. organizations and they were clearly minutes as she got to see the man behind excited about it; was another way of the progress of Rivers State. He was ------offering some help to the building of the already doing his campaign for his Fatima had cried immediately future leaders of the nation. second term, so it was a great sacrifice on after the brief talk they had had in the Unknown to both the conference his part to spare time for them; a sacrifice dining hall after breakfast. The tears had organizers and even the hosting Tara sincerely appreciated. come immediately she reached her room. organizations, the two days of Career He asked them if they wouldn't She was aching for her friend, Uche. She Orientation were two days that would mind going with him on the rally he had loved him as a friend and brother, not in change the stories of some of the that day. They obliged gladly. George any romantic sense; and it felt pure and students forever. Some for good; some seemed to be the happiest as he was able right but she hated what he was allowing for bad. to see some of the procedures involved in that girl do to him. the execution of a political rally. It was Still in tears, she prayed so hard indeed tedious work and many faceless that God would capture his heart CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN people were doing all the underground somehow, hoping by any chance she or work. another friend of theirs would be in the DAY 7 With how interesting it was, Tara same group with him. But after hearing couldn't discard the dirty things she the names that had just been called, it felt The atmosphere was quiet; the perceived were being done behind closed like a whole weight of lead had been environment was serene. No boys doors. Politics was indeed a dirty game. placed on her heart. She could hardly running; no girls screaming. Anyone who She wondered if there was any hope for breathe. It felt like she was seeing her had been there the previous day would Nigerian politics. She had voiced her close friend being led to the slaughter with have felt the sharp contrast. The fears to George when they returned to his eyes closed and she was powerless to conference venue was practically their quarters and he had said that was do anything about it. deserted. Participants were in their the major reason he wanted to be actively She knew he wouldn't even different career-related organizations. It involved in politics; to make right as many listen to her if she even tried to talk with was the full day they were going to have wrongs as he possibly could. She him. She had never known that her heart there. They wouldn't be back until the admired his courage. could bleed this much. She hated to following day. The twenty of them had been put imagine what plans that girl had for Uche. Many things were already taking in a guest house. The guest house had Two nights alone with that girl? Fatima place in the different locations; things that about thirty posh flats. Each flat had five was scared. only time would reveal; things that would large rooms. They were given one flat. She knew the only thing left for begin to manifest in a couple of hours The girls had two rooms to themselves, her to do was to pray for him, and that she when the participants were back. In fifty while the guys had three rooms. There would do. She half-heartedly listened to different organizations, some students was a sitting room where they met to talk the other lists the CD read. The only point were being made, and some were being and watch TV. They also had unrestricted she paid attention was when she heard marred. access to the Mini-Sports complex that her name mentioned. She was to go to The conference was still on; just had a lawn tennis court, a basketball the Rivers State Television station. She in different places and lives were being court, a mini football field, and a noticed she was the only one whose shaped. swimming pool. name in that list she knew. Tara and George took many Feelings of rejection wanted to strolls within the guest house; they had creep into her heart again. These were CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT ample time to talk. Tara smiled as she strange feelings to Fatima and she knew remembered. She knew George had a she wasn't supposed to give in to them. DAY 8 good sense of humor but she didn't know She discarded the thoughts and how much until now. He was a character. reminded herself that God loved her and Tires squeaked. Horns blasted. He made her laugh on several occasions was working all things together for her The quiet of about forty hours had come till she had to hold her sides; her ribs good, even if she didn't understand how it to an end. The participants were back. aching. would all turn out. They arrived at different times but all Tara was glad that her fears “Lord, please make me a within thirty minutes as they had been hadn't materialized, and for that she was 16 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

grateful. She had noticed other governor's office but he had sincerely about his past with Tara. And when he did, colleagues of theirs act in ways that made dreaded what would happen after office he was glad he did. There was no her know they were doing stuff but hours, especially with Tara in his group. condemnation written on her face. George did nothing of the sort. He treated He had failed God and himself so often Instead, he saw understanding there. her as a sister; a sister he cared about. that he didn't trust himself anymore. She felt his pain and struggles. She She felt safe and protected around him He had pleaded so hard with prayed for him there and he felt during their stay there. God to help him. Just before their bus strengthened even more. What tripped her the most, took off on their departure day, he picked “Thank you Jesus”, George however, was his openness and sincerity. his bible and opened it. Tara was already mouthed as he lay on his bed. He couldn't The previous night, their second night, he seated next to him then and he was imagine his life without God. He had three had called her aside and said he wanted already feeling uncomfortable. He had more days to go and he remembered God to talk with her. repented of lust and sincerely desired to telling him he would have to tell his story “You know you confided in me run away from it but he had been so deep to others, to help them. Trusting God to about your pain when we first met?” he in it just a day ago and he was just lead him aright, he proposed he would not asked rhetorically. recuperating. He could easily relapse, hold back, but would yield himself to God She had simply nodded. and he hated even the thought of that. to be used as God deemed fit. “It's my turn”, he had said. And He opened 1st Timothy. His 'I hope someone invents a with that, he told he the whole story of how eyes found Chapter five and he began happitometer someday.' George thought he first fell to lusting after girls. He told her reading. When he got to verse two, he to himself, laughing. 'I think I'm about to how it had graduated to pornography and stopped and read it again. He was burst'. then masturbation. He said he was very reading the Contemporary English grateful for God's deliverance at the Version. “Show the same respect to ------meeting they had but asked her to keep younger women that you would to your “Thank you Faith. I can't imagine praying for him. He said the battle was a sister.” He was sure he had never seen the guilt that would have been eating me continuous one and he needed all the that verse before. The words from that up now had you not been with me.” strength possible. verse popped out to him as he read that Tunbosun was saying. “I act like a child at She had felt so unworthy of his line over and again. times.” She said, shaking her head. trust when he said all he did. She had felt And just like that, he felt “It's not your fault dear, it responsible to pray for him since then; something change in his heart. George happens!” she owed him that much. She sincerely could literarily feel the burden lifted off his Faith couldn't blame her. She hoped they would remain friends for a chest. He was free indeed. He just had to noticed right from the time they got on the very long time. She had sought to have imagine how he would treat his younger bus that Tunbosun wanted to be as far friends who would sincerely love her and sister and he knew how he would treat away from the Stanley boy as much as care for her without wanting anything in Tara and any other girl henceforth. If he possible. She could imagine why. The return; friends that won't take advantage wouldn't be staring at his sister's chest or boy wasn't Tunbosun's type. Faith of her, and she was beginning to find stealing glances at her legs, he wouldn't remembered how she had slept with him them. George was one of them. She was do that to any other girl. If he won't look for on the second day of the conference. She beginning to feel loved indeed. opportunities to touch his sister in just wanted a distraction that night and it Tara then remembered that the inappropriate places, then he had no seemed Stanley wanted the same and conference was almost over, and she business wanting to that to any girl. they indulged themselves. That was it. would soon be back home to her nagging As he was still meditating on Players knew their game. mother. She was about feeling bad but those words, he saw Tara bring out They had only said hi on few scolded herself. She had to make the best something. He looked and saw she was occasions after that; nothing more. It was of the three days left. God would take care also bringing out her bible. He was just a one-night fling. Thinking back at of what happened afterwards. With that, already being a good example to her; that that night brought a pang of sadness to she put her travel bag aside and walked was good. He asked her for her bible. He Faith but it was soon replaced with towards the convenience. wanted to read it in another version. She gratitude to God that that episode was She looked forward to enjoying was holding a KJV bible. “…the younger now in past. So, she could imagine how every bit of the conference; opportunities as sisters, with all purity.” repelled Tunbosun would be to be close like this came once in a lifetime. There was an addition there; the to him. At least that was what she had purity part. So, it wasn't just enough to thought. ------respect them, he had to do so in purity; It was later when she talked with If there was anything like a with no dirty intentions lurking anywhere Tunbosun that she discovered that it was happitometer, George was sure his in his mind. Stanley that had attempted to rape reading would exceed the highest He returned the bible to Tara Shade. That made the whole picture calibration. He felt like someone who had who collected it with a smile on her face. clearer. Neither of them knew then how just gone to war and conquered. In actual He smiled back. He was sure it was going things would turn out. fact, that was exactly what had to be a lovely time out. God had just given They had been sitting on happened. He was just won one more him a life-saver. opposite settees in the common room of battle and he couldn't curtail his joy. Looking back, it had indeed the female staff quarters in Government The moment he had gotten to his being a lovely time. He had shared Technical College, when Stanley walked room, he had dropped his bag on the floor several moments with Tara, and times in on the second day of their stay. It was and jumped on the bed. He lay face up, with the others too but he hadn't even felt already getting late and Faith was whistling so loud and clear. He wished he like lusting after any of the girls; not once. surprised to see him. She was about to could see the devil's face. George was He had gone and retuned without hurting ask him what he was looking for when she sure the devil was seething with anger. God; he was more than happy; he was saw him walk towards Tunbosun. It was When he was leaving for the ecstatic. an interesting sight. Career Orientation, George had known When he knew their time was Tunbosun hadn't noticed him he would have fun working in the almost up, he had felt obligated to talk until he sat down. When she looked up, 17 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

from where Faith was sitting, she could finally come to his senses like I came to Shade and Utibe yesterday. I can see the see a combination of emotions in her mine that evening in front of the dining same in you and Faith now.” He looked at eyes; fear and disgust. Weird hall.” Faith prodded her forward. “Let's go Faith. combination. listen to the young man.” “You don't have to tell me. I know “Yes?” Tunbosun had asked, the With that the two of them it is Jesus that has made a difference in word dripping with hate. returned to the common room, and went your life. If He could save you, I guess He “Please can I talk with you for a over to where Faith had been sitting; can save me too.” Stanley's voice was moment?” he had asked, and Faith where Stanley was now seated. Faith sat beginning to shake as tears spilled out of noticed he was not himself; he seemed beside Stanley and Tunbosun sat on the his eyes. He bent over and began to sob. rather sober. stool opposite Faith. “I'm so sorry, God. If You can, please save Tunbosun laughed rather too “Thank you Tunbosun for giving me.” He said and kept sobbing. loudly, pointing her finger at him. “The me a chance. Thank you too Faith for Without being told, Tunbosun kind of talk you had with my friend?” helping me”, he started. “I'm here and Faith joined him on their knees, Stanley hung his head but it because since I spoke with Shade and placed their hands on him and began seemed Tunbosun didn't notice. “You Utibe yesterday, I've had no rest.” praying for him. When he had calmed want to finish what you couldn't finish that Faith saw surprise register on down, they led him in the sinner's prayers. day abi? You want me too?” she asked, Tunbosun's face when he said he had Tunbosun then apologized for her initial sarcastically. “You always wanted me, spoken with Shade. outburst, and Faith and Stanley right? Don't take me for a fool.” She stood He took his time to tell his story. apologized to each other for what they up and eyed him till Faith thought “I was sexually abused by my aunty when had done. Tunbosun's eyes might pop out. “I hate I was a small boy and she consistently Minutes after, he walked out of your guts. The sight of you irritates me”, used me for about five years. By the time I their common room a changed man, with she said and walked out of the common was twelve, I knew more about the female a heart committed to God. Faith and room. anatomy than most men did. That was Tunbosun smiled through their tears as When she did, Stanley sat there how my problem started. When I started they saw him off. Faith knew it would be unmoving for a full minute, then stood up having female friends in school, I started hard process for him starting afresh with and walked towards Faith. 'What do I say', making out with them. It soon became God and running away from fornication she asked herself. When he got to her, he second nature to me, so much that I just but she knew that with God's help, sat down. did it without any feelings or emotions for Stanley could make it through. “Please help me beg your friend. the girls. I also felt no remorse for what I Now, back on the conference I really need to talk to her.” was doing to them.” ground, Faith was glad they had had the He seemed genuine enough but “A part of me knew it was wrong opportunity to touch someone's life. Faith couldn't tell if he really was. “What but I shut my conscience down “I have learnt my lesson”, do you want to talk to her about?” completely. I grew worse with every Tunbosun said. “I will never again turn “I have confessions to make and passing day. I had become an addict and I down anyone who comes to me, no I need her to forgive me.” couldn't help myself.” matter how bad. I will yield myself as a “Why do you think I would Faith was looking at Tunbosun willing instrument to God for His use as believe you?” She paused. “Why do you all the while and noticed her features He deems fit.” even think you can convince me to talk to soften gradually. The hate was gradually Faith smiled. “Now, we're her?” turning to empathy. talking.” “Because I know you're not the “I'm so sorry for what I did to your “I hope Stanley will come for the same girl I slept with days ago.” He said, friend. I was mad then that I didn't meeting tonight.” frankly. succeed but I'm happy now that I didn't. “He promised he will”, Faith said, Faith smiled, but it was a sad Your friend didn't deserve it.” He paused reminding Tunbosun. one. She was glad he could see the and looked like he wanted to say “Shade and Utibe would be so difference in her life already but she still something very serious. delighted.” wished she had never done it. She “Why I am apologizing to you is “You bet!” thought about apologizing to him for because from the onset it was meant to “Let's hurry with these stuffs so agreeing to it that day but she felt it wasn't be you and not Shade.” we don't get late for the briefing', the right time. She stood up. “I'll be right Tunbosun's hand flew to her Tunbosun said, pointing at the laundry back.” chest and her mouth hung open. “I'm so they hurriedly wanted to do. Faith then went outside to talk sorry. Okpara challenged to have you and ------with Tunbosun who was just staring at I took up the challenge.” The first thing Stanley did when nothing in particular. “Tunbosun” “Okpara!” Tunbosun mouthed he returned to his hostel was to go on his Tunbosun turned. “Don't tell me slightly above a whisper. knees and thank God for saving him. If you actually want me to talk with “Yes. The whole story is God could save someone like him, then that…that thing!” complicated.” Stanley shook his head. “In he promised to live the rest of his life Faith frowned. “I won't be so summary, when Utibe said he wasn't seeking Him and pleasing Him. It seemed quick to condemn someone that God doing with Shade again, who was too good to be true. He was indeed loves.” That seemed to calm Tunbosun supposed to be my key to you, I decided grateful to God, and to those He used to some. “Why not just listen to what he has to do it for him.” He hung his head. find him. to say. I'll sit with you, so you don't have to Tunbosun closed her eyes tight, There were two things he worry about him attacking you.” obviously fighting the emotions welling up regretted the most. The first where the “You sound so sure. How do you in her. Faith reached out and squeezed many girls he had deflowered or defiled; know he has something genuine to talk her knees. By the time Tunbosun opened there was no way to return to them what about?” Tunbosun asked, wary. her eyes, Stanley was on his knees in he had stolen from them. The second Faith put her hand around her front of her. were the many boys who looked up to him friend's shoulders. “Because I have been “I have been in bondage since I and he had led astray. There was no way a player before. I know when a player has was seven. I saw something different in he could call them back and show them 18 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

the right way. The best he could do now Shade practically wanted to stay increased and he was getting surer with was make right as many wrongs as he there. She was doing what she loved every passing day that there was a great could and refrain from doing any more doing, and she could see her colleagues future ahead of him in the food industry. wrongs. were having fun too. They had become There was only one pain that Stanley knew the first step was like a family in the few hours they were gnawed hard at his heart. A pain he still to keep a safe distance from girls till he together. She doubted any other group hadn't found the strength to talk about got his footing back. It would be hard but would have become has bonded as they since the day he first mentioned it to he knew he had no choice than to do so. had become in their few hours of being Stanley and Utibe. It was a pain that There was a girl, however, that together. brought fear with it. As he thought of it, he he still needed to talk with before he Another thing that further felt even weaker. started his girl-abstinence. That girl was bonded them was the fact that majority of He wished he could take back Shade. He owed her an apology. them were Christians. What they the hands of the clock and undo what he experienced in their quarters was like a did on the second day of the conference continuation of what had been at the with that Christiana girl. He had lost his CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE meetings in the dining hall. They gathered virtue that day and he still mourned the Shade had been too stunned to on the two nights and two mornings they loss. He feared he had traded a large speak. She was indeed grateful to the were there, including the morning of lump of his destiny with that singular act of organizers of the conference for such an returning to the conference. They felt God that dark night. idea; she had fun. She had been taken all the way. “Oh God, please let your mercy aback at first when she discovered that Shade was so glad that her avail for me. Please God!” he pleaded as out of the eighteen of them going to UAC, circle of friends had just increased. There he drifted to sleep, hoping to wake up thirteen of them were boys. She assumed was nothing as good as having friends when the whistle went for the briefing. they were there for the engineering part who love the same things you do and love but was dazed to discover than ten out of God just as much as you do. That was the ------them were hoping to make careers as definition of splendid! 'How on earth am I going to tell chefs; wanting to excel in making both She couldn't wait to see Utibe Shade what I did?' Utibe asked himself. local and international dishes. and download all the fun she had had at 'She will never forgive me.' Even as he Speaking with them had UAC. She hoped he had fun too. thought this, Utibe knew he would afforded her the opportunity of knowing eventually have to tell her. If he didn't, he why they opted for this field. Many of them ------would never forgive himself. said they had discovered that food was a Tired was an understatement. It 'What got into me yesterday?' daily necessity and that Nigerians would felt more like exhaustion. Okpara lay face was a question he asked himself; a spend money to get exquisite dishes; down on his bed. His sincerely wished question he couldn't answer. It had all that's exactly what they wanted to offer; there was no briefing; he wanted to sleep. started on the evening of the first day they exceptional cuisines. He had lots of fun at UAC but he spent at WellSpring Hospital. They had She had been tripped when she had cooked and cooked. He appreciated just had a courtesy visit to the Chief heard them talk but the person that the comments people passed about his Medical Director. Afterwards, they were tripped her most was Okpara. He not only culinary skills but it was telling on his given a tour of the hospital. talked but he acted his talk. She had body. He hadn't done that much cooking When they finally settled in the never seen a better cook. The staff at in a while. He owed this ability to his ward that was temporarily converted to UAC had to call him privately and learn mother. She wasn't a prefect wife or their lodging place, he noticed one of some recipes from him. mother but she had been exceptional in Shade's friends. He guessed his name When she had some time with the kitchen and for that, he would be was Uche, if he remembered right. The him, she had asked him how he got to forever grateful to her for rubbing it off on guy was flanked by a pretty girl. Utibe know how to cook so well. Okpara had him. Seeing his colleagues lick their couldn't remember ever talking with her at said that his mother forced him to be with hands and scrap their plates had been the conference venue but something her in the kitchen when he was growing enough satisfaction for him. about her caught his attention. up. “But at some point, I started looking The greatest satisfaction he He was staring at her and tried to forward to watching her cook. It soon received however was from the devotions justify it but knew he had no tenable became a hobby”, he had said. they held, led by Shade. When he reason. He diverted his eyes but found Shade, for the first time in her attended the meeting in the dining, he her again, and this time, he couldn't take life, had seen someone her age who hadn't seen her do anything. He assumed his eyes off. He saw the way she was loved cooking and baking more than she there were people more mature than she looking at the Uche boy, and he wished it did. And even more profound was that was in the faith. But at their quarters, she was him she was looking at that day. she had seen someone who was better had been something else. A few moments after, a nurse than she was. And he was a guy! What a She was a great worship leader came and told them another ward had thing! She threw her pride away and and an impressive teacher also. He had been made available for the female learnt from him as much as she could experienced commendable growth in his students. The girl left and Utibe felt when they were together in the kitchen. walk with God in the past two nights with relieved. She was really making him lose Since they weren't allowed to the help of Shade and the other it. They were told to settle in; dinner would join in the production of products like Christians that had been there. A few be served in a few minutes. Gala; they could only watch, they were Muslims even joined them on the second When they got to the place they allowed on their first evening to cook for night. It was hard to see the love of God were to eat, Utibe found a seat themselves and for the kitchen staff. By and stay away. His love was indeed so somewhere in the middle. They were the time they were through, Okpara beautiful. obviously not well equipped to host them pioneering the process, the kitchen staff Okpara had ideas prior to the but were trying their best to make begged them to cook for all the staff that conference that his culinary skills would available all they possibly could. The lived in the quarters throughout their stay. take him far in life but with his meeting and boys got there first. They had changed A request they gladly accepted. accepting Jesus, the confidence had into comfortable clothes. Utibe looked at 19 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

the Uche boy and saw he was seated on asked himself. greatly. the last row at the back. By that night, when he was back He had proposed to talk with her, Utibe was still trying to wonder on his bed, he knew what the smile had but the activities of the second day had why the guy would move that back till he meant. Immediately after dinner, she had been hectic, and were further saw the girls were coming. As he saw led him to a corner in the hospital, most compounded when he was told to witness them coming, his eyes caught a sight and likely where she had been the previous a surgery. And if he wasn't mistaken, he his jaw fell; his mouth stayed opened. He night. He was just a step away; just one saw a smile on her face when the doctor had to will himself to close it. He knew he step away from losing it all when it had made his announcement. Uche was wasn't the only one staring. 'Didn't any of seemed God Himself slammed a hammer upset and confused. her friends tell her something?' he asked hard on his head. He suddenly 'Did I do something that upset himself. discovered how far he had gone and what her or is she dissatisfied with me?' he The girl was wearing an outfit he was about to do. really didn't know what to think anymore. that clearly spelt out what kind of girl she “No!” he had shouted out. He They had barely spoken since that night was. She revealed too much. Not the knew whispering it was not enough. He and he feared he might lose her if he least bothered with the stares, she needed to shout it to get enough strength didn't do something fast. He couldn't lose walked straight to the back to seat with to end it right there. Without caring about two girls in one week. He definitely Uche, and at that moment, Utibe started her pleas, he got himself together and ran couldn't. If he was going to lose anyone, feelings things he knew he wasn't away. When he got to his bed, he was not Christiana. He had given a part of him supposed to. His thoughts went to the practically out of breath. He went straight to her that he could never have back and things he had done with Shade before to his knees, and with all sincerity, he he had done so because he thought they God had arrested him. He indulged repented in tears, asking God to forgive had something going for them. himself as he remembered what he did, him for his first look at the girl. 'Christiana, you said you love and he just felt like feeling those She had introduced herself as me. Please don't do this to me', was his sensations again. Christiana. He asked God to forgive him silent plea as he hoped to win her heart Dinner was soon over. Boys for all he did, and he profusely thanked back. returned to their ward-turned-room but God for saving him from himself just at the Utibe noticed Uche didn't return with nick of time. He spent several moments ------them. It was a complete hour before the on his knees and got up only when he now She was all smiles. Christiana guy returned and when he did, he hit his felt right with God. Since that moment, he was on top of the world. Her plans before bed straight up and slept. Utibe needed had felt so ashamed of himself, the Career Orientation had been no prophet to tell him; he knew what had wondering how his friend, Shade would disturbed but things were back in order. happened and that only made matters react if and when she found out. She had nailed Uche; she had succeeded worse for him. That was still the question on his with a good Christian boy. In fact, it had The next day, he could do mind as he prepared to go for the briefing. almost been two. She had been so happy nothing other than look at the girl. Even in He had almost lost it all in only two days, when she saw that another so called good her ward coat that she wore, she was a how was he sure he would survive in his boy was attracted to her. She knew the sight. He knew what he was doing was Christian faith the moment the other guys were staring at her but she wrong but he just couldn't think straight conference was over. He really wasn't was just concerned about getting the with that girl in sight. sure but he believed that God who saved good ones. His name was Utibe. The fire exploded when he him from the previous night's temptation What she still didn't understand realized that she had noticed his stares. would help him not to ever fall again. was how he had escaped at the last She immediately made him know she God had forgiven him. He now minute. He was the first person she had was okay with it and even wanted it. An wondered if Shade would. ever seduced, and started the process alarm sounded in his head immediately. with, who had escaped the final stage. He knew this was trouble; a girl that would ------She was still wondering about that but flirt so easily with anybody was to be Uche was upset. He didn't know decided not to let it bother her. She had feared. That was what his head was what to make of Christiana's withdrawal. failed with Utibe. She knew that if he could telling him, but his body was responding When he had become friends with her, he have said no at that point that most felt differently. thought she was the replacement he was a point of no return, whatever power During lunch, a neurosurgeon needed for Fatima. She had accepted helped him would keep him from falling had come to them and asked to know him when Fatima had rejected him. She into her hands a second time. She those who wanted to be neurosurgeons. had made him feel macho; that was wouldn't even try a second time. Uche and another boy raised their hands. exactly what he had always needed. That was bad news. She won't He then said he would want them to watch She had said words that first allow it spoil her mood. She needed to a surgery he had to carry out that evening. evening at the hospital that made him revel in her victory over Uche's defenses. As he said that, he saw Uche had mixed think she might even want to marry him. She had no business with him again; her feelings; Utibe understood why. Happy to She had said, “To show you how much I mission was accomplished. She needed witness the surgery but unhappy to be love you, I am willing to give you my body to move on. 'I hope to still get at least two away from his girl. right here and now. If you love me, you'll more boys before this conference is over', Utibe's heart began to beat very allow me to show you how much I love she thought to herself. fast as his mind was beginning to stray in you” Then, she remembered the tall a direction that scared him. 'She would be Those were the two sentences Hausa boy that had come to invite Uche free tonight. If only…' he was still thinking that had made Uche do what he did that for their meeting the night before they left it when something happened that made night. It was almost as if she had pre- for orientation. 'I'll see if I can have that his head spin some more. She boldly planned it all with how it went but Uche one too', she thought to herself. looked sideways to where he was seated didn't care then. Now, he did. By the time She smiled again as she and smiled at him. Utibe was she saw him the next day, it was like she remembered the look on Uche's face in dumbfounded. He quickly diverted his was just tolerating him; like she couldn't the bus when they were returning. He eyes. 'What did that smile mean?' he wait to be rid of him and that bothered him looked like a kid who had his ice-cream 20 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

seized and was struggling hard not to cry. participants were glad to be back. The called out to one another. The day had Christiana discovered during their Conference Director walked to the just begun. orientation that he was a very intelligent podium, clearly glad to be seeing the guy. He really knew what he wanted to students again. ------become – a good neurosurgeon. “Welcome back!” he said and Eight hours had flown past so “Sorry Uche. You can never there was a deafening applause. He went fast. George and Tunbosun walked into become a neurosurgeon. I just made sure on to tell them what was expected of them the dining hall, exhausted and hungry. of that.” She said to herself, giggling. She that day. “I'm assuming you've all had They had just finished final preparations was satisfied. It was time to move to the b r e a k f a s t a t y o u r r e s p e c t i v e for their community project. It was now Hausa guy. organizations.” time to refill their stomachs. When they ------“Yes!” many chorused but a few were seated, before the food was served, Fatima sat in the lecture hall. shouted otherwise. they filled each other in on how their CO She was there early as her group had “If they didn't feed you, you went. Many had started referring to the been dropped earlier than most other would have to carry an empty stomach till Career Orientation as CO. groups. The two days had been basically afternoon.” Those who had eaten Tunbosun told George about her days of prayer for her. She had refused to laughed at their colleagues. time in Government Technical College. eat throughout. There was no need to When the noise had quietened, She had been taken to a JSS1 class. pray when Uche's life was at stake. the CD continued his announcements. “I “Kids could be a big headache” On the first night, she had been know this is impromptu”, he started. “All she said. so distraught, she didn't pray. She just the fifty groups would have two minutes to George laughed. “I don't envy read her bible and lay on her bed. Before tell us what they gained. I remember you you. I love children when they are still little she slept, she had felt a nudging to pray were told you would all give two-minute but I can't handle them when they for Uche but she just didn't think she had speeches but that won't be happening become naughty.” enough emotional energy to get through again. This would be it. Just fifty of you will “You had better learn if you want with it. 'I'll take my time to pray tomorrow', have that chance.” to be a good father someday.” Tunbosun she had convinced herself. He scanned the audience. “So, winked at him. It was the next day she took time choose a representative each for your “Thanks for the advice.” He said, to pray for him. The leading to pray for him groups that will represent you. You will be smiling. “Who was there with you?” wasn't as strong as the previous night and given ten minutes after this briefing to “Faith was, and one of Shade's that scared her a bit. She hoped she come together and agree on your friends.” Tunbosun was sure George hadn't let Uche down; she hope she representative. You would then be wouldn't know Stanley so she decided not hadn't been sleeping when she should expected to do your presentation when to say anything further. have been interceding for him. She your group is called.” “I was with Tara” George said, discarded her fears and believed for the He could tell they were excited with a smile on his face. best. and he was glad about that. But to The smile on George's face But as she prayed for him on the continue his announcement, he had to reminded Tunbosun of the smile she had second night, the picture that kept coming calm them down. When he could hear seen on Tara's face too when she had to her was the picture of a guy that had himself, he continued. “After the report, known George would be in her group. come to the meeting twice. She had seen which should take about three hours, we She couldn't help wondering how closer him talk with Shade a couple of times. would have lunch. Immediately after the friendship between the two had gotten She didn't know his name but she knew lunch, we'll have the practice for our in those two days. She wasn't going to when God wanted her to pray for Sports competition tomorrow; those pry; it wasn't her business and she had someone. involved in different games know convinced herself that all she needed with Fatima had gotten on her knees themselves. At the same time, those who George was friendship, and nothing and began praying for the boy. She was are not involved in the sports are meant to more. She wasn't going to allow jealousy surprised at the passion with which she meet in their respective groups to put final get the better of her. was praying for him. She prayed most in touches to the community projects you As George talked about his time tongues because she had no idea what to would be expected to execute tomorrow at the governor's office, Tara walked into pray about. And she knew beyond doubts morning.” the dining and towards them. Tunbosun that the Spirit of God was actually praying He paused, taking a look as his rose to give her a hug, and George through her. notes as he allowed the participants stretched out his arm for a handshake. After close to two hours, she m a k e s i d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e “I've missed you” Tara said, rose from her knees and slept. She felt announcements he had made so far. “We facing Tunbosun. fulfilled, knowing her prayers definitely would have dinner after that”, he said. “I “So have I” Tunbosun said. had made a difference in the guy's life. have good news for you.” There was a “What about me?” George Just as she closed her eyes to sleep, the hush. “Talent Hunt grand finale is asked, making a face. first thought that bothered her came tomorrow evening.” Students clapped. “I saw you two days and nights screaming again. 'Hope my not praying “So, we would have individual running. I'm even tired of seeing your for Uche last night didn't cost him much'. and group practice immediately after face”, Tara said, giggling, and the two Now, still waiting for the briefing dinner. That would be all for today. I sure joined her, laughing. to start, she still wondered. She hoped to hope you folks will have a great time.” Tunbosun observed as they get all the answers she needed when she The Conference Director put his conversed that there was nothing out of saw him. Fatima hoped she would see notes aside. “Now, it's time for your place between George and Tara. She him soon. reports. Get together and choose a was impressed. What they shared representative. We kick off in ten minutes seemed to be plain friendship. She was times.” He said and walked away from the indeed proud of her friends; that was how CHAPTER FORTY podium. things were meant to be. “George was The hall was full to capacity. Chairs scrapped the floor as just telling me of the dirty secrets of the Everybody was back. It was obvious the students rose, shifted and moved. They government house”, she said, facing 21 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

Tara. still seemed uncomfortable. Whatever she knew she had no other choice. She “It's really sad. I hate to was wrong with her friend was obviously had to act this way or her friend might kill remember it, least talk about it.” Tara said. something very bad. himself with whatever he was worried “But with people like us choosing She returned her attention to about. to make a positive difference when we get Stanley. “Please stand up”, she said. It “I have a confession to make” he there, I'm sure things will change.” was then she looked round and saw some said. George said. students were watching the drama. They “I'm listening”, Shade said. She “I hope so” Tara said. obviously didn't know what was going on was about getting scared but she calmed “I pray you guys remember your but it was a sight. It wasn't everyday they herself down. She couldn't imagine what commitments when you get there, so you got to see a fine boy kneeling to beg a girl, Utibe would want to confess about that don't become exactly like them.” with tears in his eyes. It was like watching would have made him so moody. Tunbosun said, smiling yet serious. a stage drama; just better because it was “I did something I wasn't That got George and Tara real. supposed to do.” thinking a while. “Thank you” Stanley said when Shade hated suspense. That “I've thought about it before. I've he stood up. was why she disliked watching soap wondered if these guys didn't have “You're welcome”, Shade said operas. Now, Utibe was making her feel altruistic desires at some point only to still shocked. nauseated. He had better cough out what change when they got to power. I guess “Please thank Tunbosun and was on his mind on she'll spew on him. that's why I have Jesus; He'll help me to Faith for me. They led me to Christ “I saw a girl at my CO” Utibe exhibit self-control and live by truth.” yesterday.” Stanley said. paused. “Amen” his friends chorused, A smile spread across Shade's Shade's fingers were already hoping that theirs would be a generation face. Now she understood how the shaking. She wanted to tell him she didn't of godly politicians that would change miracle had taken place. It was a pleasant want to hear anymore but she knew that Nigeria for good. thought knowing Stanley was now born- was too late now. 'Did he ask her out?' she ------again. She was again awed by God's thought. That thought alone was enough “I missed you.” Shade said to great mercy. If she were God, she would to break her heart. It actually seemed to Utibe when she met him in front of the have never forgiven Stanley and be breaking already. She stilled herself. dining hall. removed his past of sin. But she wasn't She needed to hear the rest of it. “Same here”, he said as they God and she was glad she wasn't. “I really don't know what I was entered the hall and found a table to seat. “I'm so happy for you.” Shade thinking. I'm so sorry Shade.” Shade noticed something was said sincerely. She looked at Utibe and “What did you do?” she said, wrong with Utibe but she overlooked it. saw that he seemed even sadder than barely above a whisper, her heart in her 'Maybe the football practice got the better before but he reached out all the same throat. of him', she convinced herself. and congratulated Stanley. The seconds before he spoke “Your friend is an excellent cook. “We'll see you tonight then?” seemed like ages to Shade. When he I learnt so much from him.” Shade said, “Yes”, he said, with a weak finally did, she was glad she was seated. excited. smile. “I have to go now.” She would have fallen otherwise. “That's cool” Utibe said, plainly. “Aight. Bye” Shade said. “I did with her the things we said Shade wasn't going to play “Bye” Utibe echoed. we wouldn't do with each other again.” along anymore. “Utibe, watsup with you? As Stanley walked away from He had finally said it and Shade You don't seem fine. Are you okay?” them, with a calculated gait, not the proud didn't know how to express her grief. It “I'm good”, he said. and nonchalant type of days back, Shade was a blow so hard; she didn't know how Shade wasn't satisfied and she could only smile. God indeed had the to react to the pain. She just sat numb and was about pressing him some more when power to change anyone even the worst quiet, her eyes gradually filling and the she saw a tall figure walk in their direction. of sinners. If he could save Faith, and tears spilling out. She wondered if she It was Stanley. She didn't know what to then save Stanley, no boy, girl, man or was grieving for herself or for her friend make of his coming. She looked at Utibe woman was out of His reach. It was for doing what was wrong. She didn't and saw he was staring too. As he got to amazing. know the answer to that. her side, he went on his knees without a “They've just called our table” There were so many questions word and that caught Shade off guard. Utibe said. she wanted to ask but she knew the He didn't wait for them to recover They stood up and went for their details would only break her heart the from the shock of seeing Stanley on his food. She had never seen her friend this more. There was only one question she knees before he continued. “Shade, I'm pensive and uneasy before. They were knew she had to ask; a question that she sorry”, he said. soon back to their table and Shade was would always wish she had asked if she Shade looked into his eyes and going to get it out of him. didn't. what she saw was far different from what “What's eating you up?” she She looked at him as he yet had been there on the night he tried to asked. stared at his hands. “Did you…” she force her. She saw pain, regret and “Nothing”, he lied. “Please let's couldn't even finish the question. sadness there. It was obvious he was eat.” Utibe looked at her with sad fighting the tears. Shade was stunned. “I'm not going to eat until you tell eyes and shook his head. “I am sorry”, he said again. me what is wrong with you.” Relief flooded Shade's heart. “Please forgive me”, and this time a tear Utibe looked at her and knew She had never known she cared this found its way out. she meant every word she had just much for the boy. They were just friends Shade was too stunned to uttered. “Please, can we-” but the thought of him sleeping with speak. She placed a hand on him. He “No. Now or never” she said. another girl was killing. She was glad he looked up and she nodded. She then tried Utibe dropped his cutlery and hadn't done that but still hurt that he had to speak past the lump in her throat and all stared at them. even touched a girl in the first place. she managed to say was. “Okay”. Shade was surprised at herself She wiped her tears. “Utibe, She looked at Utibe and saw he at how vehement she was sounding but why?” she asked without looking up. 22 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

He didn't respond. know. You've been avoiding me for two she thought as she walked away “Why?” she asked again. days now.” victorious. She would look for a bad boy to “I don't know” he finally said. “Really?” Christiana asked, get tonight. The tall Hausa guy would be After a long silence, with their smiling. She was enjoying herself. her next target. 'I'll get you tomorrow', she food going cold, Utibe made the request “Stop this jokes! I'm serious” thought to herself as she remembered he knew he had to. “Please forgive me, Uche had raised his voice a little too loud how the tall boy had been staring at her Shade.” He paused. “I've asked God to as a few students stared at him. He the day before their Career Orientation. forgive me but I also need my friend's calmed down a little. “Please tell me if 'Christiana, you're too bad!' she forgiveness. I need you to forgive me. I'm there's something wrong I've done.” praised herself as she scouted for any really sorry.” Christiana didn't respond. unsuspecting guy who wanted some fun. She took her time to respond but “I haven't been able to eat all she eventually did. “I forgive you.” She day. I've been wondering; trying hard to said and could literarily see relief flood think of what I did or said to drive you CHAPTER FORTY-ONE Utibe's face. away and I still haven't figured it out yet.” Fatima was about finishing her “It will never happen again.” He paused and stared at her as she ate, food when she looked up and saw a fair “I sure hope so.” Shade sighed acting as if he wasn't there. “Christiana, girl walk towards the door and recognition as she made her next statement. “Please I'm sorry” hit her. It was the girl that had stolen Uche. keep yourself a virgin for your wife; “You didn't offend me.” She looked to see the direction she was whoever she will be” “So why this?” coming from and soon located Uche. He That statement hit Utibe but he She looked at him then and was looking like someone who had just knew that was the way things were. They could see his eyes were glassy; she was lost a loved one. were just friends and Shade was really killing him emotionally. She didn't Fatima watched him without reminding him of that to help them keep know he would be this affected by her moving, unable to continue with the food things in the right perspective. withdrawal. She wondered what he would she was eating. There was something he “I will”, he said. do when he got the complete package. was sad about. He lowered his head on “Thanks. That would make me She had been amused by his the table but not before Fatima thought most happy”, Shade said, sincerely. intelligence when they were on their CO. she saw him struggling not to cry. She “Thanks. Your pardon means a Uche was indeed called to be a doctor. couldn't leave her friend in that state. lot to me.” Utibe was finally able to smile. She had almost changed her mind about Even if he had rejected her, she still cared Shade was happy for him and what she wanted to do with him then but very much about him. thankful God helped her with the initial she remembered what her mother had She stood and walked towards hurt and shock. There was one more fact told her when she was a kid and their him. When she got to him, she sat beside she needed; one she had forgotten to father walked out on them. him. It must have been the same place ask. “All men are the same; wicked the girl had sat because that side of the Shade called Utibe just as he and heartless. Never give your heart to bench was warm. She sat there without picked his cutlery and he looked at her. any”, her mother had said. Experiences saying a word. She needed to pick her “Who's the girl?” she had had in life had further confirmed words carefully. She silently asked God to Utibe's smile immediately faded. that statement. It was with that resolve help her win Uche back. She could feel it “What's her name?” Shade that she carried on with her plans. that he was drifting away from God and asked, looking as unaffected by her Christiana looked at the boy that really bothered her. question as she possibly could but saw sitting next to her and she wanted to “Uche”, she finally said, hoping her words were hitting Utibe below the laugh. 'Uche, you will never be able to be he would respond. belt. She hated to take them back but the neurosurgeon you want to be', she He did. He looked up at her and needed to know who had almost gotten thought to herself. what she saw there made her own eyes Utibe. She was silently thankful to God He was still pleading with her. fill. His eyes were wet and regret was that Utibe hadn't gone all the way with the Christiana was getting tired. It was time to clearly spelt there. He put his head back girl, yet she wanted to know who the girl get rid of him. down. She could feel his pain. He was was. “Hey stop!” she spat and Uche feeling bad that he had abandoned their Utibe wasn't still talking. froze. He had never heard that voice company. A part of Fatima rejoiced. That “Her name, please” she before. Her voice had always being lovely meant he was coming back to his senses demanded. and endearing but not now. “Do I know like the prodigal son and was coming “Christiana” he finally said. you?” she asked. back home. Uche just stared at her. He must “It's okay, Uche” she said, and ------have thought he was dreaming. placed a hand on his shoulder. Christiana was cutting her meat Christiana eyed him. “Did you He stiffened and lifted his when she looked up and saw a very ever think I could possibly like you?” She shoulder a bit. He was saying 'get your familiar face walk towards her. He was sized him up. “Someone like you with hands off'. Fatima understood that and looking like someone who wanted to die; someone like me. Did the picture ever fit removed her hand. It was getting who life was being drained out of. She to you? I just wanted to have my fun and confusing as she didn't know what to think smiled. 'You've not seen anything yet', I'm done with you.” She would keep the anymore. Before she could think of she thought to herself. joker till later; this was enough for him as something else to say, Uche stood up and “Hi” she could see the guy was already falling walked away without saying a word. “Hi, Uche”, she said. apart. Fatima's heart dropped. The He sat beside her and seemed She stood up, glared at him and pain she felt was more than words could at a loss for words. “Did I do something hissed into his ears. “We never met.” say. It was one thing to see your friend wrong?” With that, she walked away from hurting, it was a worse case to see your “Do you think you did something him, taunting him with her body friend hurting and not be able to do wrong?” movement as she walked out of the dining anything about it because you don't know “I'm confused. I really don't hall. 'Let the poor dog like his wounds', what is wrong with your friend. “God, 23 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

please what is wrong with Uche?” she lives forever. when he wept like a child in repentance silently asked her Father. Faith suddenly asked everybody before God a few minutes back but it felt She hoped God would speak to to stop and listen. “God says He wants to so refreshing at the same time. He felt her heart but He chose not to. All she heal homes now. If you are here and your new. heard were the rhythmic sounds made by family has issues; daddy has walked He wished he had started the loud and hard beats that she could away, or mummy has left. Whatever it is, attending the meeting earlier but he clearly hear coming from her heart. She God is about to make things happen. hadn't, and if today was the last day, then had never been so sad and afraid. Please come out.” she said. God must have been waiting for him to About a quarter of the students show up. He was indeed grateful. ------present stepped forward. Faith asked They soon sat down and all The dining hall was half full. them to commit their families to God as wrote their names. Fatima now stepped More students had turned out for the each of the six out front prayed for them. forward one last time to lead them in the meeting, most likely because the night Faith and the other four fours girls hugged final prayer. When they were done was slated for Talent Hunt rehearsals and the girls that came out as they prayed with praying, without being told, they all began not everybody was involved in that. When them. George reached out to hug the clapping again. It had been a life the six had met earlier, Fatima had said boys as he prayed with them. It was a very changing encounter. Some had attended Tunbosun would open the meeting, teary moment but not void of the power of once, some twice and others the three George would take the opening prayer, God. It was obvious so many students times. But all lives had been touched by Tara and Shade would lead worship, there were hurting badly for their families. the Father who loves all His children. Faith would lead prayers, and she would God saw their hurts and had As the applause thinned out, round up with a brief word from God. Even decided to come through for them. What a Stanley noticed someone walk into the before the meeting started, the six of great God. hall with so much aggression. He looked them could feel it that something very When they were through, Faith and saw it was the Conference Director. special was about to happen. asked them to worship for just a few He stormed towards them; anger written By time Tara and Shade started minutes, and after that, just as she was all over his face. the worship, it was like God had just come about to leave the front, God spoke to her “What is this nonsense!” he in person to sit with them. Everyone there heart and she echoed it. “There's a boy screamed. felt the presence of God. Towards the end here. God says your past is going to hunt There was a hush in the hall; no of the worship session, there was quiet for you very soon, before we leave this one spoke. about ten minutes when nobody spoke a conference, but because you have come “How were you able to do this word; they just enjoyed the presence of to put your trust in Him, He will conquer for without my knowing?” He was fuming. “I their king. you.” was informed this morning by a student When it was time for Faith to The hall was filled with a loud who was irritated with all your shouting come up, she told Tara and Shade not to applause as she said that. They thanked that there was some activity going on in return to their seats and asked the other God for the great things he had done. this hall. I forgot to talk about it. I just three to join her in front. That was when Fatima walked to the front and asked suddenly remembered now and hurried the explosion began. them to sit. here to stop the nonsense from As they began to pray, a girl that “I have nothing else to talk continuing.” had been partially deaf in her left ear just about. Seems God has done all the “Who is responsible for this?” he screamed as she felt the healing touch of talking Himself.” She smiled as she yelled. God. Not long after, a boy who had barely looked round. “As we prayed, God told Quiet. made his way to the hall because of an me that we are done with this meeting; “Who started this gathering?” he ulcer was immediately healed. that He has done all He wanted to do. We demanded again. Students, who had come there can begin to rejoice in His salvation. All Six hands were raised, and they unsaved, without an altar call, fell on their we are left with is to stand by each other were around the same corner. The CD faces and began to repent of their sins as and help each other grow. So, the turned and stared hard at them. There the conviction power of the Holy Spirit meeting has come to an official close.” was no remorse or fear in their eyes, only was strong. Fatima looked in Tunbosun's respect for his authority. A time came when almost direction and nodded. “A sheet of paper Stanley could see the CD didn't everybody, including the six in front were would be passed now. Please write your know what to do. in tears. They were singing a song that names and contacts, so we could keep in “The six of you are expelled from Faith asked Tara to lead. They sang it touch with you after this. Please hold on to this conference”, was the next thing they over and again and it was like God was Jesus; He's all we have and all we need.” heard. actually doing what they were asking Him Anyone looking at Fatima would And just as the Conference to do. know she was fulfilled. She had obeyed Director said it, Stanley walked towards Create in me a clean heart God and was pleased with what God did the six and noticed that every other And purify me through her and her friends. “On behalf of person joined him. Without raising their Create in me a clean heart my friends and myself, we say we love voices at the CD, they stood around the So that I may worship you. you. God bless you.” six; in front, beside and behind them. As they sang, there was a All present stood on their feet Stanley was the one closest to cleansing anointing that saturated the air. and gave the Almighty God a big standing the man and decided to be their spokes Many who had been carrying the guilt of ovation. man. “We're sorry for doing this without sins they had committed finally felt your knowledge sir. We also appreciate forgiven. Those who were struggling with ------you for all we've learnt and will still learn at sexual addictions found freedom. It was Stanley was on his feet too, this conference. But these six have given not something that could be explained clapping his hands with all his might. The us more in three nights than all the with words. It was an inner conviction, God who had refused to let him ruin conference programs have given us in stronger than doubts could bend, that himself but had saved him was worthy of eight days.” God had touched them and changed their praise. He had been surprised at himself He looked at his comrades and 24 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

back at the CD. “With all due respect sir, I again but had been disappointed each weren't going to be able to complete the say that if you want to expel the six of time. building, so they had delegated that them, you would have to expel us all.” 'Uche, please come back home. responsibility to students who schooled in Stanley could see shock plain as God is waiting for you, your friends are Port Harcourt. They were to ensure that day in the man's eyes. He took his eyes waiting for you, and I'm waiting for you they hired hands they employed finished off Stanley and looked at the many too'. That was one desire she longed the work. students that surrounded the six students would be granted before the conference The toilet wasn't going to be he had initially spoken to. Without was over. She wanted Uche restored. something elaborate but decent enough following his gaze, Stanley had a rough She had two more days to hope. Two for hygienic use. That had been a few idea of how many they were; probably more days to wait. hours back. Now, Tunbosun watched as half or more of the entire conference George played as if he hadn't expended population. The man definitely couldn't any energy earlier in the day. She took send them all away. CHAPTER FORTY-TWO note of the other guys too and just “I have never seen this in my marveled; boys and sports were just life”. His look turned from shock to awe. DAY 9 inseparable. “I'll let you all go”, he said. “But for the She knew the other boys too sake of others that don't agree with your Buses again littered the car would have had one part or the other to religious activities, I have to ask you to park. It was time for the ten different play in their respective groups. She heard stop it. No more meetings from now, groups to execute their community a group went to an orphanage and paid okay?” project. Each group had chattered buses the school fess of ten of the children. “Okay sir!” they chorused and to take them to the different places they Another went to a community that had just began clapping for him. Stanley watched were going. Some groups had raised lost so much to flood and gave them food with admiration as a smile curved the money among themselves, while some stuff. Another group went to the nearby man's lips. He walked out of the hall, solicited for funds during their Career prison and spent hours with the inmates, trusting they would do same too. Orientation. It was now time for giving them some provisions, in care of Folks began hugging each implementation and they looked forward their wardens. About two visited different other, reaching out to encourage one and to it. The best group was going to be given hospitals. Sounded like everyone had another, Stanley knew he had folks to hug an award; an impetus that drove many of fun. and thank too. He had to thank Shade, the students to do their best and be as Tunbosun was glad that they Utibe, Faith, Tunbosun, and Okpara. God creative as possible. had been given an opportunity to do used them to save him, and he would be They had just four hours to make something worthwhile for the community forever grateful. As he scanned heads, a difference in the lives of people in the before they left. She returned her trying to find them, he made a promise to communities of their choice. A lifetime attention to the boys and the field and God. opportunity. noticed the referee was blowing for the “As I went all out to get in- end of the second quarter. It was time to between the legs of many girls, I'll go all ------move to the football pitch to encourage out to ensure I bring many, both boys and Tunbosun had been wondering Utibe. girls, to your saving grace.” That was his why the organizers would fix their project Just as she was thinking it, she promise to the God who had saved him; a work and sports final on the same day; felt a tap on her back. It was Shade, and vile sinner. just few hours after each other. She felt she was beaming. The message was all there would be no strength left to either too clear. 'Your George's time is over; now ------play, for those who would play, or watch, it's my Utibe's turn.' Tunbosun smiled as Fatima walked behind the mass for the spectators. That was then. Now, she followed her friend. Friendship was of people that were ahead of her. Neither she had changed her mind. indeed a blessing and Tunbosun was of them knew the CD was going to come She watched George and his glad she was meeting like-minded friends and stop the meetings when they had friends play basketball, and she was so who shared a similar passion for Jesus prior decided, by the leading of the Holy alive and excited as were other and for excellence in their academics. Spirit, to stop the meeting. It was indeed a spectators. The players themselves were She would definitely miss them when the wonderful thing hearing from God. bundles of energy. Her friends were with conference was over. Looking back at the three nights her. They had all decided to do it fifty-fifty. of the meetings, she was again amazed George was playing basket ball, while ------at God's handiwork. She had no idea the Utibe was playing football at the same She hadn't known the boy was meetings God had told her to call were time. They would watch George for the that talented. Christiana had just been going to turn out so grand. She had only first two quarters, then watch Utibe's loafing about when she noticed the tall obeyed and now she was more than glad second half. Hausa guy on the basketball court. She she did. She thanked God for touching all Tunbosun sat on one of the went straight for the sidelines and that came for the three days. Even those chairs; the others were in different watched him play. His team mates who hadn't opened their hearts to God yet locations around the basketball court. As seemed to look to him for the lead. She had the seeds already sown in them she watched George's muscles move as didn't really understand the game but with which Fatima believed would yield good he bounced the ball, she remembered the tension she felt in the air, she felt the fruits someday. how he had bent over several times as game was still on; anybody could still win In all the joy, she had only one they lay the foundation for a public toilet in and she saw the boy urging his team point of sadness. She hadn't recovered a nearby community. He did some forward. from the sorrow yet. The sorrow Uche had digging, laying of blocks, mixing of A few moments later, she saw caused her and was still causing her. A cement and sand and more. him do what she only saw on TV once in a few hours back, she had wished with all His commitment to the project while. He jumped really high and her heart that he would walk right into the had been a driving force for her and other slammed the ball into the metal rim that dining hall while the meeting was on. She group mates since they started planning. had a net attached to it. She didn't know had glanced at the entrance over and They knew ahead of time that they what it was called. She was tripped. She 25 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

heard screams and she looked round. the end of the day. Christiana would make reaction that he was right on course. She obviously wasn't the only thrilled sure of that. “It wasn't your fault that those spectator. things happened to you. Why are you Then she began hearing folks ------killing yourself because of that? Why are shout. “Go George! Go George!” Dinner was over and many you hurting yourself everyday because of She smiled. 'What a nice name.' people were taking their time as they what you had no power over?” She joined those chorusing his name. walked towards the lecture hall for the Christiana was dumbstruck as They name did sound nice. 'George, Talent Hunt final. George, however, was she just stared at him. George continued. you'll be my next puppet; you're for me practically walking on his toes. He wanted “That you were hurt doesn't tonight', she thought as she screamed his to have a seat toward the front. He mean you have to hurt others. You can name with the others. wanted to be there for Fatima when she run to God and He will heal your wounds The previous night, she had did her drama; to cheer her like he had and still give you a life!” George kept his found a boy who she was sure had never done before. She was his dearest eyes on her as he spoke and saw how she possibly bribed one of the security guards friend and he was so proud of her. felt when he said that last statement. He to get him cigarette as his eyes were red His other friends had left repeated it again. and his mouth smelling. She had noticed immediately they finished clearing the “God can heal your wounds and him almost immediately she stepped out plates but he had been delayed by one of give you your life back if only you will run of the hall. She walked over to him, his group members who had something to Him.” The tears now came running knowing he was a done deal already and to tell him. He was sure the others down her cheeks. “God has been waiting she had him. would keep a space for him but he still for you and will not send you away no She just needed to get one more longed to get there on time. He was about matter how awful the things you've done good boy; preferably one of the so called jogging, when he heard someone call his are.” born-again, and the George guy just name. He turned and looked. It was the Christiana started sobbing. seemed to fit the mould. Uche had been girl he had seen with Uche the night With that, George felt a leading quite a challenge. She hoped the George before their CO. Then, he wasn't in his to leave. This was not going to be like guy would be easier as she remembered right mind and he had taken his time to Tara's case where he had to walk with her how he had stared at her the other night. look at her in places he shouldn't have. through her recovery. He felt God telling Shortly before the game ended, He had noticed her a few hours him his only role was to sow the seed and Christiana noticed that George had seen at the basketball court and was surprised leave the rest to Him. Sounded like it her. He looked at her at two other times to see her. He felt she had issues that might take some time before the work before the game ended but what she saw were plaguing her; it only made him sad was completed and it wasn't going to be in his eyes were not what she had seen for her. George's responsibility. that evening. Then, it had been raw lust He stopped and waited for her. He stood up and left her there. and desire. Now, it seemed a combination She was wearing an outfit that would had He was sure she wasn't going to leave of surprise and concern. That was knocked him off his feet had she come to there in a hurry. She was mourning her obviously not what she wanted. She was him four days back. But not today. Not losses for the first time in years. George uncomfortable with that look. ever again. could feel the sorrow gushing out with Only her brother had given her As she drew closer, George each sob. Walking towards the lecture that kind of look whenever she visited him could guess what she wanted but that hall, George was reminded of one more unexpectedly in school. Surprise that she wasn't his concern. He was bothered thing. Every girl, boy, woman, and man, came and concern for her welfare. That about what God would have him tell her. no matter how hardened or sinful they was before he died and left her alone with As she reached out to shake him, were, had a past; a past that haunted their mother. Their dad had walked out on introducing herself as Christiana, George them and had turned them into what they them many years before. She had felt felt a grace he had only felt once prior to were. vulnerable, lonely and exposed after her that time. The grace he had enjoyed when God knew that past and brother's death. And that was when her he spoke with Tara for the first time when whenever he decided to visit it, all life had turned around. God spoke through his lips to comfort defenses got shattered. “It's so good to She blinked hard and fast. She Tara. He didn't know what God was going know that you love everyone Lord, and couldn't afford to remember those days to say this time but he was going to yield none of us is beyond your reach.” George anymore. They were gone and buried. himself all the same. said to his Savior as he climbed the She would leave them there; forever He didn't wait for her to start up entrance stairs of the lecture hall. buried. the conversation as that would take it in She reminded herself of her the wrong direction. He needed to take ------assignment; George. She decided to the lead and that he would do. Fatima was behind the stage. walk away from the basketball court. She “Christiana, nice meeting you”, The Talent Hunt final had been on for over wasn't ready to talk to him yet, with him he said. “Can we sit over there?” he an hour. She was one of the many that wearing that look that reminded her of her asked, pointing at a bench opposite the had qualified from the first round held on brother. Moreover, she looked at what entrance to the dining hall. Day One. she was wearing; it wasn't catchy She nodded, with a smile on her It was her turn to do her one-man enough. She was glad the evening face. George could imagine what she was drama again. She remembered how God program was Talent Hunt final. It would be thinking but he was about to disappoint had touched some hearts when she did an enabling environment for her to wear her. When they were both seated, he the first one on their second night in the what she pleased and do as she pleased. opened his mouth and the words began to conference. George had later told her that She walked towards the hostel pour out. it was when she was acting her drama as she knew the whistle would sound “Christiana, are you going to that he had seen Tara crying. That was soon. It was time to dress to kill. She had mourn all your life?” George asked, not where her deliverance had started from. just one target, and he was still on the knowing why he was asking her that, just Fatima went on her knees and basketball court. The tall Christian Hausa knowing Who it was that was asking her. prayed hard that God would do greater as guy. He would be the icing on her cake by And he could see with her taken-aback she acted again. She was acting the story 26 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

of the prodigal son, though a little He looked round again. No one the opportunity to get each other's modified. And she had again chosen a was coming to him to get his number. contacts and make more friends. He Cece Winans' track. This time it was While friends with Fatima and the rest, his stated that the Dinner-Awards night Mercy Said No. room mates had found him a pleasant guy would start at 6pm. He encouraged them If there was one person she but the moment he became friends with to come in their suits and decent gowns. hoped would listen to her; one person she Christiana, they had withdrawn from him; Fatima had smiled when she prayed would be touched, it was Uche. he hadn't even had time for them either; heard the word decent. She could She was sure God would open the he had been so pre-occupied with her. imagine the different kinds of gowns the heavens and pour out His grace. The Now, he wished he hadn't been so stupid. female students were capable of wearing. question on her mind was, 'Would Uche Looking back at the day Fatima The diner was going to be the last activity open up his heart?' refused to date him, he began to see why of the conference as outstanding As she was still wondering, her she had done so. They obviously were students and facilitators would be given name was called. She stood up, dusted not mature enough both spiritually and awards. She had heard before coming to her skirt and walked into the light. As she emotionally to get involved in a the conference that it was always the took the microphone, she could feel it relationship. She had seen what he highlight of the whole event for most beyond doubts that God had some work hadn't. 'No wonder I fell so easy for students. to do. Though the meetings had ended Christiana's charms. I'm still so naïve.' He 'That's for them', she silently the day before, it seemed God wanted to thought and slapped himself across the thought. 'I've already had my highlight; do a general work now. face. 'You were a big fool, Uche', he said the meetings where God touched hurting She released herself to Him and to himself. hearts and lost souls. Nothing more could began acting. All she needed to do was do If what Fatima said during the be more fun and fulfilling.' the motions and say the words. God play was anything to hold on to, then there A few minutes after, the would do the conviction and everything was hope for him. He didn't know how he Conference Director was through and else He wanted to do. One last time, she would do it but he was going to try Fatima looked at her wristwatch. He had breathed a silent prayer to God. “Please anyway. And with that resolve, he braced spent well over one hour. That was a let Uche open up his heart.” himself up to face the challenge of the record-breaker. She waited a few minutes day. One thing he didn't know was that the to allow the throng of students at the hardest blow hadn't hit him yet. outlets thin out. As she was about CHAPTER FORTY-THREE standing she saw someone walk towards ------her and her heart literarily stopped DAY 10 Fatima listened as the CD made breathing. She couldn't believe her eyes. his announcements. The briefing had It was Uche. It was the last day of the been the longest they had had so far and She didn't wait for him to reach conference. The atmosphere fit the she wondered how many minutes it would her as she stood and walked towards him. picture. Folks had started putting their take. She understood; the conference Without his consent, she wrapped her belongings together, ahead of departure was almost over and there were a lot of arms around him and hugged him. She the next day. Uche looked around and things to address. had missed him so much. saw his roommates were happy, The Conference Director had She drew back and looked in his exchanging numbers and promising to be said that after breakfast, all the groups eyes. He was fighting tears. in touch. He felt like hiding in a hole. He would give a fifteen-minute report on their “Please can I talk with you?” he had lost it all. He had no friend anymore. community project implementation of the asked, wary. The conference had started so day before. Afterwards, he said they Fatima smiled, fighting tears well for him on the first day when he met would have HIV testing. That had elicited now herself. “It would be my greatest Fatima. She had brought newness to his protests from the students. The CD had to pleasure. I have been waiting for this. life and she had introduced him to Christ. explain. Please sit!” All that had been spoilt a few days back “I know you're all not so keen on Uche frowned. “Not now. During when she refused to date him. In his doing this but one of the groups did HIV lunch”, he said. despondent state, he had met Christiana testing for a community yesterday with Fatima wanted to insist but she and thought he would feel accepted the help of USAID and SFH. We asked was afraid of doing or saying something again, only to be rejected all over again. the officials of those organizations if they that would drive him away again. If it was Uche sighed. He remembered wouldn't mind doing the same for all of during lunch he wanted, then during lunch the words of Fatima as she acted her one- you and they said it would be their utmost it would be. She was delighted. “Okay. man drama the previous night. It was like pleasure.” The CD picked his words Talk to you soon”, she said, beaming right God was calling to him to come back carefully. “Please note that this test is from the heart. home. He had sat where no one would free. It is also optional. You don't have to Uche turned and walked away. see him, so he was sure Fatima didn't see do it but if I may say, it is advisable you do Fatima couldn't move. She was too him throughout her drama. He had shed it once and for all.” happy; she didn't know how to express tears when she acted. Those were the words of the CD. her joy. She just watched him walk away Even as he remembered, the Fatima had mixed feelings about it as she and longed to speak with him. The few tears threatened to come again but he was sure there would be students who hours she would have to wait now wouldn't allow them. He wanted to go had no clue whatsoever that they were seemed like years. She knew she back to God; he really wanted to come carrying the virus. The results could either wouldn't be able to think of anything else back home but the shame he felt was break them permanently or make them until she had spoken with Uche. Until he killing. He wondered how his friends stronger. She hoped it would be the latter. was back home. would look at him. Worse, he couldn't The CD later went on to tell them She smiled. 'Thank you Lord'. think of a way he would tell Fatima what that after the test, they would be served She would wait patiently. he had done with Christiana. He had an early lunch. From after lunch till really messed up bad and he wondered if evening, he stated that they would be ------he would ever get his life together again. free; no program. He asked them to use The Community Project report 27 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

had ended a few minutes back and remembered that day. She felt like dying. The first time she had cried since outside the hall where twenty different It was so horrible knowing he was four months back when she knew her tents located some distance from each sleeping with someone else. It was now status was yesterday when George other. Each had a queue in front of it. It worse, seeing the kind of girl he was spoke with her. She had cried for hours was time for students to ascertain their sleeping with; a street hawker. She after he left her; she had cried herself to HIV status. The CD was impressed as wanted to kill him and kill herself but she sleep. All the pent-up tears just flowed out 90% of the conference population turned did neither. unabated. out for the testing. It was for their good; he The moment her mother came Christiana remembered as if it only hoped they saw it in that light. back from her latest trip, she told her was yesterday what happened next, just There were folks ready to mother she wanted the uncle to leave. before her mother returned. She had counsel the students immediately after Her mother asked her why but she awoken on a rainy morning and an idea the testing irrespective of their status. The refused giving any explanations. “I'm old hit her so hard; it was the first time she counseling was going to be five minutes enough to take care of myself.” That was was feeling anything in the week. The each; compulsory for everyone who did all she said and that settled it. The uncle thought brought with it the height of the test. They couldn't afford students left and she wept almost every night, bitterness she had ever felt. who discovered they were positive mourning all she had lost. It came in the words of one of her committing suicide immediately when out She kept to herself in school and teachers; one Christian teacher that of the conference walls. They needed looked forward to being alone when she almost always preached during his them to know that even though they had got home. She was experiencing the classes. He always said the words but the the virus, they could still live healthy. highest form of depression. Hatred for words were coming to her in a different It was going to be a lot of work guys was beginning to take root in her light. The words had been, 'Freely you but it was worth all the energy and time. heart but it was still in bits. Then one day, have received; freely give.' Students had started coming out, some something happened that blew the hatred Those were the six words that with smiles, some with plain faces, and out of control. had directed the course of her life in the some with forced smiles; the latter spoke She walked by a street on a past four months. She had been given volumes of what the result most likely weekend and saw a small gathering. She what she never asked for from an uncle was. looked and saw some young folks that couldn't keep his zip up. It was now wearing blue shirts on green trousers on time to her to give it back to as many as ------yellow boots. She heard someone say couldn't control their desires. She She had known all along what they were corp members. She moved wouldn't hold back from anyone that the result was going to be because she closer and read the banner they had wanted her. Infact, she would pursue had seen that same kind of print out there. It read, 'NYSC Peer Educator them if she had to. before. She had seen it barely a month Trainers in conjunction with SFH offer She had slept with dozens of before the conference. Christiana wasn't free HIV testing for all'. guys; old and young in the past months. surprised that the paper in front of her Christiana had wanted to turn Her mother's frequent trips and pre- read she was HIV positive. It wasn't what away when she remembered the picture occupation with her boutique had created she saw that bothered her now but the she saw of her uncle and the hawker girl. ample time, space and opportunity for words George had spoken to her the That was enough to make her take one her. previous day. step after the other toward the point She had come to the conference She had allowed the hurts of her where they were doing the test. She with the same desire. She had come just past to make her what she was. Her queued up behind a few people. When it to get the bad boys but with time, she brother had suddenly died and then her was her turn, she entered the tent with so convinced herself that all guys were the father left her mother; leaving just two much trepidation. She waited with her same. It was then she sought to get the females; she and her mother to take care heart in her throat. good guys like Uche and George. It was in of each other. Trying to raise a living for Christiana blinked back tears as the bid to get George the night before that them, her mother had been mostly away she remembered that day. She was she heard him speak words to her that no from home traveling to Dubai every now handed the slip of paper and she was s one else had said. It was like he had been and then, trying to make something afraid to look at it. The facial expression of there in her house when all those horrible worthwhile in the business field. the lady that gave didn't make matters things happened to her. Whenever she was away, she asked her any better. She looked at the paper again younger brother to stay with Christiana. When she summoned the and this time, she felt a deep pit of sorrow That started four years back, when she courage to look at it, what she saw made in her chest. A pit that seemed too deep to was ten. her numb. She couldn't say or word; she be ever filled again. Worse was that she All had gone well for a few weeks didn't even any strength to say anything. obviously had infected more people. Most until the man came into her room one sad It was like her feelings had been shut painful to her was Uche. A tear slipped out night and raped her. He told her he loved down. The lady began ranting some of her eye. her and begged her not to tell anyone. It words of encouragement. Christiana George had talked about the soon changed from rape to mutual couldn't remember a word of what the love of God. Christiana wasn't sure she consensus in the act; an act her mother lady said that day. believed him on that. 'God would never had not found out about till present. She had gone home without forgive me for the many lives I've She had no clue that he was also speaking a word to anyone. Her mother destroyed', she convinced herself and doing stuff with other girls. He had told her had been on one of her trips and wouldn't forgot of that part of George's talk. There it was only her, and her naïve heart had be back for a week. So, she was alone at was just one thing she felt she owed the believed him for years. She had come home. She didn't get out of the house for boys she had been with at the home earlier one day, about four months the whole week; she was locked in. She conference. It was the least she could do. back, when she caught him in the act with only ate when her tummy forced her to. It would be heartless of her to let them go a girl that sold oranges near her house. She didn't care. She just stared at the TV without knowing what they carried away She had been mad at him that day. when there was light and slept when there from the conference. Christiana sighed as she was nothing to stare at. She was sure their tests would 28 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

show negative as the virus couldn't be couldn't see clearly as tears blurred his have been now if he didn't have Christ. detected in a few days of being in the vision. He blinked so he could see clearly As the thought of the meetings host. But it would eventually show. She as two tears made their way down both of came to him, he remembered something needed them to know. She hated to think his cheeks. that made his adrenaline begin to flow of how pained and horrible they would He wondered if Christiana knew again. He remembered a word Faith had feel. But the deed had been done; they before she met him or if she was just prophesied about during their last had to know the truth. finding out. He discarded the thought. meeting. He had just said amen to it, She asked a girl near her if there That was irrelevant now. His test had thinking he was claiming it for someone was any place on the conference ground shown him he was HIV negative but he else but know he hoped the words were where photocopies were made. The girl knew if he were to go for a test in three for him. pointed and Christiana walked in that months time, he would definitely see “Amen!” he said to himself, direction. She was going to make copies something different. remembering the prophecy. Faith had of her report and give to the guys. She As the understanding dawn said, “There's a boy here. God says your couldn't say it with her mouth. She just more on him, the tears intensified. He past is going to hunt you very soon, couldn't. placed his head on the table and wept before we leave this conference, but She located the place and made silently. One night with Christiana had because you have come to put your trust all the copies she wanted to make. On sealed his future. The shame and regret in Him, He will conquer for you.” each of them, she wrote four words. They he felt was nothing compared to the Hope sprang up within his heart. were four words she had to say or she'll sorrow he felt. He was going to die The only interpretation he received from never find rest. 'I AM SO SORRY!' Those prematurely. 'Uche, why?' he lamented. that was that God would heal him of the were the words she wrote on each paper. 'Why did you do this to yourself?' virus he had gotten on the night he had She knew those words couldn't change He had thought he would been with Christiana. the fact that the lives of those boys would confess his sins to Fatima, receive With that, he was about leaving never be the same again. Never. forgiveness from her, be led to the Cross the hall when he saw Faith approach him. for forgiveness again and get restored but “Hi Faith, how are you?” he the story had changed. He couldn't tell asked. CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR her anything again. This was too bad. He “I'm good, thanks. And you?” Lunch was about to served. had messed it all up. He wondered if there “Could be better”, he said and Uche was seated where he had sat with was any reason to live anymore. Faith nodded as if she understood what Fatima the first day he had seen As he yet thought, he felt a hand he meant by that. That made Okpara a Christiana; when she boldly flirted with rest on his shoulders. He looked up and little confused. him. He was still trying to gather the saw it was Fatima. Her eyes reflected the “You remember my testimony?” courage and put together the words he love of Christ. The love he had felt in his Faith asked him. would need to express himself to Fatima first days at the conference; the love he “Yes. I wasn't there that night but in a few minutes when he saw Christiana had walked out on. He felt all the more Utibe told me about it.” Okpara could walking towards him. ashamed. He shrugged her hand off and remember clearly how awed he had been He frowned. He obviously wasn't stood to leave, not caring about the tears when Utibe told him of Faith's story. A interested in talking to her; he didn't even that marred his face. fervent Christian who turned herself to want to see her again. She had humiliated “But Uche, you said-” she was everyman's girl in order to get back at him the day before. As she approached, saying. Every word she spoke oozed out God but eventually found grace with God Uche saw she wasn't herself; wasn't the with love and concern. Uche felt unworthy again. That was indeed amazing. It had all confident Christiana he had been with of those. been one of the things that won Okpara's in the past days; she seemed sober, kind “I'm sorry, Fatima. I've changed heart for Christ. of subdued. my mind”, he said and walked out of the “Good” she said. “With my past, I When she reached him, she dining. He was going to nurse his wounds was so sure I was going to be HIV positive handed him a note. He looked into her alone; he couldn't bare the shame of when I went for testing today. But guess eyes and the sorrow he saw there exposing his folly. what I saw?” frightened him. When he collected it, she Okpara just looked on. turned and walked out of the dining hall. ------“I was negative. I don't have a Uche wondered whether or not to read Okpara couldn't stand up from trace of the virus in my system and God whatever was inside. The look on her face his seat. Strength seemed to be sipping gave me a witness that I didn't contact it was enough for him to fear reading it but out gradually. He remembered he had felt either through the nonsense I did with on a second thought, he assumed she a foreboding before and after the time he Stanley.” She paused, beaming. “That had written an apology letter, explaining lost his virtue with Christiana. Now, he was nothing short of a miracle; a miracle I why she had spoken roughly to him the understood clearly. He had with his two would always be thankful for.” previous day. legs walked into his own death. There Okpara smiled, but it was a sad With that, he opened the paper. was nobody he could blame for it. She one. He wished the same would happen 'HIV Test Result'. He was still wondering had said she was sorry, and from his to him. “I'm happy for you.” what it had to do with him until he saw the heart, he forgave her. It had been his “That's not all”, Faith said. “I had name written there and the status of the choice. All he could hope for was God's already left the hall and was about joining person. His mind was still trying to put the help. others when God told me to look for you. pieces together, but the last words in the Even as he sat there, the only He led me here. He said I should tell you paper, written with biro clarified whatever comfort he had was that he was now a that the word He spoke through me doubts he had. 'I AM SO SORRY', he son of God, and even if he died yesterday was for you and that the read. prematurely, he had a home waiting for miracle He did for me, He has done the Uche just stared at the paper. He him above. He was indeed thankful for the same for you.” was fighting hard not to believe what his meetings that had been held in the dining Okpara collapsed on his knees mind was telling him. It couldn't be. He hall. That was his only hope now. He and began crying even as she said so. tried to read the words again but he wondered how despondent he would She knelt beside him and placed his hand 29 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

on his shoulders. “I don't know what you immediately. She hurried over to Tara, mother was still on the line. She put it did wrong in your past, or where you begged Tara's company for excuse and back to her ear. contracted HIV but God says that like He pulled her friend aside. “Mum, I love you so much. I did for me in His mercies, He has flushed “Do you know a woman who is forgive you for making me kill my baby it out of your system.” about my height, dark in complexion, and I can't wait to be home to you. I love Okpara couldn't find the words wears glasses…” Faith kept describing all you, ma.” She said and could hear her to express his gratitude to God. He she could to depict the woman she was mother cry on the other end of the phone. allowed his heart and his tears of joy to do referring to. When she was done, Tara Tara was crying too. that. 'What a merciful God you are', where looked stunned. After almost a minute of hearing his thoughts to God as he wept with Faith “That's my mother you just each other cry over the phone, her mother kneeling beside him. described.” Tara said. spoke up. T h e n i t h i t F a i t h . S h e “Baby, I'm so sorry.” ------remembered talking with Tara who said “It's okay mum. I've forgiven It was almost 6pm and it was after she had forgiven Doctor Festus, you.” obvious the conference was practically God had worked on her heart and she had Her mother sighed. “I was about over. Even the weather seemed to have forgiven Douglas and her mother. Tara killing myself but now I know I don't have changed. It was a cool evening. Students had said then that she was waiting to get to. If you still love me despite my being were filling their dairies with different home to settle with both of them. Faith such a bad mother, I guess there's still names, addresses, telephone numbers frowned. God's timetable was obviously hope for me.” and more. They weren't going to have different. “Yes, mum.” Tara said through time to do that the next day as departure “Tara, I need you to trust me on her tears. “Jesus makes life beautiful. was from 6am. Some had very long this one!” We'll talk when I get home.” distances to travel and would have to “I always have,” she said. “Did “Okay dear' her mother said, leave early. you see my mother? Is she here?” sniffing. The CD had even said the final “No, she isn't here but I saw her “I've missed you.” word would be said at the Dinner-Awards alright.” Faith saw the confused look on “Same here.” night, so all could enter their buses first Tara's face. “God revealed it to me. Tara, “I love you, mum.” She said one thing the next day and be on their way. your mother is about to commit to last time. Faith was already feeling suicide.” “I love you too. Always have. nostalgia. She had passed her book to so Tara just stared at Faith as if she Always will” Tara's mum said and the many people to fill. She wished the was speaking jargons. phone went dead. conference would last a little longer but it “You have to call her now. She Before she could drop the phone wasn't possible. Her mind went to what needs to know that somebody loves her.” from her ear, Faith opened her arms and she would wear for the night. She had Tara still looked stunned. Faith Tara fell right into it, shedding the brought a gown with her. It was a long reached out and shook her hard. “Now!” remaining tears. Tears of hope and joy. gown but with a very low neck that would And with that, Tara began running “Thank you Faith.” She finally reveal way too much. She hadn't cared towards the car park where phone calls said. then but now she did. She had asked were made. Faith followed close behind “Thank God dear. He was the Shade if she had a camisole. And she had her. one that gave me the gift.” said yes. She would wear the camisole When they got there, they were “What would our lives be without under it. She didn't care if she looked both out of breath. Tara motioned the God?” Tara asked Faith rhetorically. She awkward. She knew Jesus would be attendant for the phone and she was didn't need an answer. She answered proud of her; and that was all that given. She dialed her mother's number herself. “Our lives would be capital mattered to her now. and waited. It rang. No one picked. messes.” She had also come to the Tara's knees were weak; her Faith giggled. She couldn't conference, hoping to win an award but legs shaking. She was afraid. “Oh God, agree more. she knew that wouldn't happen anymore. please have mercy”, she prayed as the She had been picked after the first round tears trickled down. She dialed the of Talent-Hunt on the first day for the final second time. No response. CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE that had held the day before but she had By now, she was already giving refused to participate. She loathed what up, crying hysterically. The lecture hall was the most beautiful it she had done to qualify. “Try again” Faith urged. had ever been since the conference She had danced to a song with a She did try again and it just kept started ten days ago. Fatima looked lot of lewd lyrics and had danced in similar ringing. Suddenly she heard a voice. around her and saw several faces and fashion. She wished she could take back “Hello” The voice was her dresses. It was indeed a pleasant sight to the hands of the clock but that was mother's. She sounded like she always behold. impossible. All she could do now was did when she had cried for a long time. refrain from secular music and dance with “Mum, it's Tara', she said, trying They had been served their food which all her might for God; hoping to redeem to control the emotions threatening to was a little more than normal, and the many years lost to dancing for the overwhelm her. surprisingly more delicious. She devil. She didn't need their award; she There was a long pause. wondered if that had been planned since needed God's award. “Mum, are you there?” the inception; to give them bland food Faith smiled. She was so full of “Yes”, her mum said, sniffing. “I throughout and a spicy meal at the end. peace now that she was friends with God have to go now. Bye.” She laughed it over. Might just have been again. She felt led to look to her right. Tara “Mum, hold on. I love you.” She a coincidence. They were served a cup of was not too far away and she was said as fast as she could. There was juice each with a bottle of water to go exchanging contacts too. silence. She hoped her mother hadn't cut alongside. God suddenly opened her eyes the phone yet. She looked at the phone and the smile on her face faded and saw the time was still ticking. Her Outside were the suya and ice-cream 30 La Conferencia Written by Timilehin Adigun N O V E L L A

stands; they were expected to buy those, increased. She was encouraged more by days of being together. It was now time to if they so chose, after the awards the applause than the award. It was go home; time to return to their base. The ceremony. Fatima had been impressed obvious God had used her to touch many conference had been an experience for with the overhaul the organizers had lives and for that she was indeed grateful. them. It was one conference they would given to the hall in the hours between the She was asked to dedicate the all remember for the rest of their lives. Community Projects' reports and when award, and she knew just what she had to the Awards began. They had done a do. It was her last chance to reach out to beautiful work. all and she wasn't going to let it pass. She THE END was going to talk as fast as she could. She remembered when she had entered “I dedicate this award first and the hall the first time; she had been foremost to my God and Saviour, Jesus impressed by the size. Then, she had Christ, who has made me all that I am been wondering how things would turn today. I dedicate it to you CD”, she said, out. Now, it was all over and God had turning to face the Conference Director. been faithful to her. She was grateful for “And all other facilitators especially my her new friends and proposed to pray teacher, Mr. Aminu for giving us all a daily for them. chance to use our talents.” Uche was the only one that She paused briefly. “I dedicate it bothered her but she had decided to to you all for believing in me and finally to commit him to God; who alone could help my friends.” She knew where they were him. She would trust God to capture his seated, so she glanced at them as she heart again at the right time. She wouldn't acknowledged them. stop praying for him or getting in touch “Thank you Faith for your gift with him. that has blessed us all.” She waved at her Fatima was happy she had friend. collected his telephone number and other “Thank you Tara for your heart of contacts much earlier in the conference forgiveness.” She smiled at her. as she doubted he would have given her “Thank you Shade for your Another interesting Novella, 'Personal now if she was just asking. She would be resilient Spirit.” She nodded in her Demons' starts next edition (Dec/Jan there for him whenever he was ready to direction. 2011 edition)...it's a must-read. If this is receive God's love again. “Thank you Tunbosun for your your first time getting this magazine and She looked up. Different heart of faith.” She winked at her elegant you haven't read our previous novellas, students had been called to receive friend. please visit our blog; awards. The CD was now announcing the “Thank you George for finding www.minemagazine.blogspot.com best Communinity Project Group. It was the strength to get back up again.” She and you'll be able to read them all. Group 7; George and Tunbosun's group. did a salute to him. She clapped so hard her hands ached. She took a breath as she located (Please remember to subscribe/re- She was so thrilled as she saw the two Uche. She looked straight at him. “Thank subscribe (see Page 2), so you could walk up the podium and collect the award you Uche for being my first friend in this receive the next edition. Only on behalf of their group mates who were conference.” She paused and said the subscribers would be receiving editions already on their feet and hooting. remaining words with great care. “Please on a regular basis. Don't forget either George looked so good in his come back home.” She said, her eyes that subscription for this magazine is blue Tuxedo. Tunbosun would have won filling. “I don't know what is eating you up free. All it costs you is browsing time, a the most elegant girl of the night if there inside but please know that God loves text or a postage stamp!!!) was such an award. She definitely had an you and is waiting for you. So am I”, she aura of elegance around her. And what said and noticed he bowed his “I could do this too; I love writing tripped Fatima more was that she was head. stories”. If that's you; a teenage fiction decent and modest about her dressing. It Fatima blinked away the tears writer, please send an e-mail to us at was a lovely combination; elegance, and looked at all the students facing her. [email protected] with your modesty and decency. They were all leaving the conference in a details and attach your story. If your “We are going to be announcing few hours time. She had one more gift for story is chosen to be published, you'll the winners of the Talent Hunt now. We'll them all. A gift she was going to give not be informed and we'll work together on call the Second runner-up, the runner-up, minding the Conference Director that editing your story. This is your and the winner in that order.” The seemed to want to get her off the stage. opportunity to become a published Conference Director said, and Fatima “Jesus loves you all”, she said author. suddenly felt nervous. It wasn't easy to with a wink and then added with her ever get her nervous but she was on this charming smile. “Fatima loves you too.” occasion. She blew them a kiss and walked away The first two names had been from the stage. The audience stood on mentioned, heightening her uneasiness. t h e i r f e e t a n d a p p l a u d e d . “And now, to our winner”, the CD was saying. “By a unanimous decision,” ------he paused, obviously enjoying the silence DEPARTURE and attention. “Fatima Sule!” The applause was deafening. The sight in the car park was just like it Fatima couldn't believe her ears. She had been on the arrival day. Different kind really didn't know how she got up and of buses honked, teachers hurrying their walked up the podium but she did. When students on. The participants had learnt a she received the award, the applause lot and unlearned a lot too within the ten 31

HILARY’S QUEST ...continued from last edition

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32 Proverbs 20:4 (KJV), Proverbs 24:30-34 (AMP)

WHEN TOMORROW NEVER C O M E S I f e o l u w a O g u n k a n m i

I would not forget in a long time, the pounding in my heart and for everything under heaven...a time to plant and a time to the feeling of disorientation I had as I woke up that fateful harvest. Our anchor scripture also says that if a man does not morning in my school room and someone came up to me plant in due season because he considers the weather, he saying “ I have been allocated to your space”. It couldn't be! I will have nothing to harvest in the time of harvest and that will wanted to do it yesterday, there was no light. Day before reduce him to a beggar. We can apply this to our daily lives in yesterday was public holiday. And the two days before that the sense that when we do not do what we are supposed to do was weekend. By the way, wasn't it just a piece of paper I was at the right time, we will always have to face the supposed to submit? I had already done all the necessary consequences. Thus, we must always endeavour to carry out requirements and gone through all the procedure to secure our tasks to time and correctly too. As a friend of mine says my bed space. I only had to submit my computer printout and I and as I have come to discover, there's ALWAYS time but could do that anytime. Or couldn't I? what we do with our time is a matter of priority/importance.

With shaky hands and a pounding heart, I rushed to the In essence, you have to set your priorities right. When you bathroom, showered and quickly dressed up. I rushed to print have a lot of tasks at hand, take a little time out. Get a piece of out my e-portal (internet) evidence of allocation and then paper and a pen. Write down everything you want or need to rushed to the Hall warden's office so that she could sign my do. Then arrange them in order of importance. It's like the printout. Then I got to the hall mistress' office for confirmation 'scale of preference' in economics. There may have to be an and I was told “Sorry, your space has been revoked and alternative foregone but remember that the alternative has to reallocated. There's nothing I can do.” be the least on the list. For example, if you have to visit your friend and you have to cook for your younger ones, the Back to square one. Here I was, having settled down in my cooking should take priority. If you should choose between cosy little corner and being ripped of the pleasure of having browsing and doing your homework, your homework should my space, simply because I delayed in completing the come first. process. I kept on putting it off 'till tomorrow' until finally, there was no tomorrow because today, my chance had expired. I You must ask God for wisdom and don't take on more had to go to the authorities to start again to look for a new activities than you can handle. accommodation. Time management is of essence. Don't spend time on idle How many times have you been in my kind of situation? You chat or gisting, excessive sleeping, watching movies, were going to cook but you just had to finish that TV program browsing, playing computer games and the like. You can do and then Daddy came back hungry; or you were just going to these when you have completed all your tasks but never iron those clothes when PHCN seized power; or you were while you still have things to be done. going to do that assignment but you were waiting to get information which you couldn't get until the deadline; or you.... Finally, determine in your heart that you don't want to be lazy You fill it in. There are so many times we wanted to do things and with God's help, you'll be on time in performing your but somehow, we find ourselves putting them off until there's tasks. You can write out positive statements and bible verses no opportunity to do it again. And in many cases, our failure to that remind you to be diligent and hardworking and paste carry out a task has some consequences or some them where you will see them often like in your locker or on punishment attached to it. So why do we still your room door. PROCRASTINATE? When you make a habit of carrying out tasks on time and Procrastination is a habit or regular practice of postponing correctly, people will be drawn to you and will be able to trust doing something to a later time. Many of us often justify this you with greater responsibilities. You'll also be the pride of habit of procrastination by saying we have a lot of things to do your teachers and mates. Check out Proverbs 22:29. or that time is never enough. When we procrastinate, over time, it results in laziness and that is not a virtue. In our story, I asked God for mercy and then favour. I was given another space in which I have settled down now and I According to the Bible in Ecclesiastes 3:1&2, there is a time have also learned my lesson.

NEVER LEAVE TILL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY! P.S. Dear readers, it's so good to be back on MINE magazine. Thanks to all of you who kept in touch. Keep on reading, and being blessed. Lots of love! 33 GROWING IN GRACE OR GROANING IN T O Y I N O G U N D A N A GRACE

A tiny seed is planted in the ground. It is watered and it begins to sprout. It is bathed in sunlight and begins to grow. As it reaches up to the sky, leaves begin to form. As it continues to grow, small buds appear. It reaches higher and blossoms of flowers open up. In its maturity, fruits form on the plant. It casts its fruits, some to the ground, other fruits it gives to birds to carry away to some distant field where the seed drops in a soft part of the ground and new life begins to grow.

Our faith is planted in our heart, it is nourished and begins to grow, and leaves of grace and peace begin to form. In affliction, buds of steadfastness appear. The blossoms open up to flowers of obedience. As we grow, spiritual fruits form in our lives, we begin to share our faith with others. We carry the gospel message to distant fields, the seed lands in a receptive heart and a new life begins to grow.

Growing in God is not very different from growing up as a human being. You began your life as a tiny little baby. You didn't know anything about the world around you. You couldn't do anything for yourself. You had to learn how to walk and talk and eat and play. You're growing up even faster now, getting bigger everyday, and learning new things all the time. One day soon you will be an adult.

The same thing happens to your faith in Jesus. Right now you are a 'baby' Christian – you have a lot to learn! But little by little, day by day, you will grow. You will learn more about what it means to be a Christian and how to live a life that pleases God. One day you will be a “grown-up” Christian- a mature believer – and you'll be able to do great things for God.

Christians grow in grace. There is no way to avoid it; it's a matter of life. The Gospel does a living work in us. It doesn't produce an end product. It doesn't produce a by-product. It produces life, and growth is an essential part of life.

Meanwhile life is full of pain, suffering and death. Each of us has our share of heartaches and hurts. Sometimes we groan under the load of suffering. In my daily living I see hundreds of poor people facing pain, poverty and suffering in life. Groaning is a low sound associated with extended suffering, sorrow, and toil;

In the Old Testament, any crime committed gets its instant judgment while in the New How Do You Testament the grace is so much that we all believe we'll ask for forgiveness immediately after the offence. All you say to yourself is 'Se na God, He go forgive me jo'. The danger in it Grow in Grace? is that it keeps on covering you up but I must tell you the truth, 'Grace is in pain presently I will only give you the due to the enormous load we put on it every blessed day' Honestly, Grace don tire. It's not clues needed because of funny. the time limit: This write-up is to help you draw closer to God, growing in His grace and not groaning in it. I know you'll ask me if it's possible for a child of God to grow in grace at same time groan in Read the Bible grace. It is my dear, this has nothing to do with your salvation all because it's been intact since the foundation of the world but you get to groan in grace when you abide in SIN (Sickness In Nature) so long that it becomes unbearable for the Holy Spirit to condone. We Talk to God demonstrate our allegiance by the way we live. Either we serve God (Grow) or Satan (Groan).

Tell Others the Good I wish with all my heart that you present yourself a living sacrifice to God at this end time. I News know you'll tell me that it's your nature, its normal to sin. Sin has nothing to offer but to steal, kill and destroy. Please I beg of you, endeavour with me to follow saintly this Narrow Way in Go to Church which only few walk therein. My heart is bleeding; I wish Jesus would come NOW. How about U? 34 Dade Akinwande TRUE HONOUR & GREATNESS

Tuesday June 22, 2010 would, in the history of Nigeria, be dollars. unforgetable, well in a sense. I will tell you why I said 'in a sense' Year in year out, the trend is the same. Yet success later on. Twice in the same day, we were disgraced as a nation. stories abound around us and we know how it ought to be done, The first was the 'royal rumble' (fighting) in the House of but we simply never do it. Why? The character of our football Representatives. It was not an intellectual or moral battle, it was administrators is poor. They just never do the right things. a physical exchange of blows. The Guardian Newspaper, the Yakubu Aiyegbeni's wasted chances and that of his other team next day, 23rd June says on its front page “With blows freely mates plus Sani Kaita's red card were so appalling. They simply exchanged, members of the House of Representatives did not have a winning spirit. Except for a few of them, it was not yesterday returned to what is now their interlude of free-for-all - so much a big deal to them if Nigeria did not qualify for the next far from their hallowed responsibility of legislating...” The dailies round. Meanwhile we had to wait till the last match and hope the were awashed with pictures that could only describe the other match's result favoured us to stand a chance to qualify. activities of 'area boys' (miscreants). There was even a woman, And the other result was indeed favourable but our own match a mother I'm almost sure, who was being practically dragged we could not win. Our destiny that was in our hand, we could not from the scene by security men. take. All we needed was a goal difference in our favour and we You dare not meet any of these people at anytime and could not get it. I better stop before I turn this page into a sports not address them as 'honourable so so'. But my mentor Mr Fela page. We need another attitude as individuals, as a nation, as a Durotoye just said in a message I'm listening to as I write that “it continent. Maybe we assumed the god of soccer or 'the spirit of is not the position that makes a man, but the man that makes our ancestors' would roll the ball into the net or incapacitate the position”. Wow! He gives an example, a question....who is other well prepared and focused teams because the the predecessor of Abraham Lincoln and who succeeded him in tournament was being played on African soil. I wonder how on office? Am sure many of you would have missed your N1 million the earth we wanted to win then, when we did not do the right if you were on 'who wants to be a millionaire' show. It's not the things. position that makes this people honorable, it is this people; who they are and what they do everyday, that makes that position We all have to consciously work with the Holy Spirit to build honourable. And definitely, on this day, they were most our character. Christ says God will judge the works of our dishonourable. Who are you, dear reader? Who really are you? hands. In Gal 5;22-23 they are called the fruits of the Spirit. On the inside, where no one can see who are you? If you have Fruits, not gifts. So it shows it is germinating from something not being “transformed by the renewing of your mind”, Romans already planted. Many times, I do things that get me really 12;2, you will manifest the acts of the flesh (Gal 5;19-21) on scared about my future and my walk with God. I wonder if I your day of test, no matter how long you have being pretending can ever be good enough, if I can ever stop making before then. mistakes, if I can really be a great man, a worthy example of The second instance is the Super Eagles, well former God's image, one whose light is shining so bright that the Super Eagles. Their outing that evening of the same day the world is giving glory to the source of my light. I really get representatives exchanged fist cuffs, was just not one that afraid, like some of you are right now. But the Holyspirit Nigerians were really ashamed of. Their prodigal attitude infront pointed me recently to 2 Timothy 1:7 where the bible says we of goal was....Nigeria left the tournament with 1 point for the have not received the spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, a second time back to back (hope I'm right). I remember many Spirit of love and a Spirit of Sound mind. years ago that the Brazillian soccer legend, Pele, said that Nigeria was one of the favourite African countries that could Halleluyah! That is what we have received when Jesus came ever win the world cup. What a belief from a non-Nigerian? into our hearts. But it will be fully manifest if we stay away from Because he saw the potential greatness of Nigeria. sin and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us; if we yield to His still Interestingly year after year, it's that same potential that we still small voice always. How can you have that combo (all 3) and see. We have not seen the senior national team that will do us not be great? You will have a perfect character when the all the proud and win the trophies. I apologise to you guys who are not fruits of the Spirit are manifest in your life. Do not give up on really into football. I'm only trying to make a point. When it was yourself. Do not join those people who have come to accept announced that the African continent was going to host the themselves as less than good. Those kind of people say “that is world cup some years ago, it looked like that was the year an who I am o! If you can't live with me like that, it's your problem”. African team would play in the knock-out stages of the This is what I meant by “in a sense” in the first line. For some tournament or even go ahead to win, none of which had Nigerians all that I have said is no big deal. No don't accept a happened before. But as of today, only Ghana had moved character with flaws. Let the potter finish His work on you. beyond the group stage. And obviously their preparation, which Because when He is done, you will have (1) Power; the ability to started many months before the world cup was the best. Nigeria do (2) Love; the greatest commandement God gave to man. (3) and Cote'dvoir actually hired coaches just a few months before Sound Mind; the ability to consistently do what needs to de the world cup, foreign coaches with hundreds of thousands of done. Many translations call it self-discipline. The Holy Spirit is waiting for you!!!! 35 MINE TEENAGE CONFERENCE, PORT HARCOURT SATURDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2010

36 MINE TEENAGE CONFERENCE, CALABAR SATURDAY, AUGUST 21ST, 2010

37 The Salt Series (Part One) The Purpose Joseph Iregbu

Can we begin with a word of prayer? “O Lord, protect me from error and don't let me write a single letter you have not ordained beforetime from the foundation of the world. Would you bless the reader and writer, would you open our eyes so we can see our weakness in the light of your strength, would you reveal Yourself to us through this series so that we can see ourselves in the process, and finally, O God please stir up in our hearts a passion for your name so we can become the salt of the earth, Amen” A few months ago, I picked up my Bible for my usual study and turned to Matthew 5:13. Little did I know God was about to take me on a journey that lasted over a couple of months on a single, simple phrase in scripture; “You are the salt of the earth…” Isn't it amazing when God just sits you on a single verse (in my case, half a verse) and allows your enjoy the pleasures of His revelations! As much as I tried to move away from the phrase, thinking I knew all there was to it, I felt a strong urge from the Holy Spirit to take a closer look at it again and immediately something new would jump at me. It's hard to put this experience to words. Over the past 5 years, I have been engaged in the ministry of texting people daily with a scripture, an inspiration or a quote to bless and challenge them and myself. I have done this consistently (let's say 95%) over half a decade. I started with my house fellowship group and today the audience base has grown to over 150 who receive the Daily Word from me. The Salt Series has been by far the most talked about and influential series I have done in a very long time; Pastors, friends and acquaintances have regularly called me to request for the entire series sent to them so they can bless others with the content. Why did I bother to mention that? The reason is that I am praying very hard that this series blesses you as it has blessed and transformed me personally and others as well. My intention is to keep each part of the series considerably shorter than normal so I can cover more of what God shared with me over the months and hopefully allow you ponder over each part a step a time. So what is a Salt? Let's hear what our English friends from Cambridge have to say: “Salt is a common white substance found in sea water and in the ground, which is used especially to add flavour to food or to preserve it.” I found this definition absolutely fitting and we will come back to it over the course of the series; it is common, white, exists in sea water and in the ground, adds flavour to food and preserves it. When Jesus took his disciples away to a mountain, He began to teach them the principles of the Christian faith; how to live as pilgrims on earth and still be indigenous enough to influence the world. Let's not make any mistake about it; Jesus was not speaking to unbelievers and sinners. The audience were saved (well, Judas at the time as well). But you must also understand that when Christ spoke to an audience then, He not only declared things to the immediate listeners, but also to the generation that would come afterwards, and that includes us. Let's bring it home now. This series is primarily addressed to Christians, in the hope that non-Christians would read and fall in love with the person of Christ and put their faith in Him. What is the purpose of salt? What is your purpose as a Christian? What makes salt so essential? Salt is essential because it brings solution to problems. Consider yourself the salt (if you're saved) and know this: your life was designed to be a solution to your neighbour's problem. That's your purpose, so live it out! God did not send Christ on the Cross to save you so you can wear the best of clothes and have lots of money. Prosperity is just 1/100th of the heartbeat of God compared to His passion for you to make a difference in this world by investing your life into others for His glory and your eternal joy. Don't lose the focus, stay on track. A pot of soup without salt repulses the taste bud in your mouth, so will your life if you do not make a difference in the world around you.

Romans 8:19 rightly declares, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” The world you live in is longing for something that money, Hollywood, food, sex and sin cannot fill, but God can through you. Are you ready to live up to your calling? Be a salt, make a difference. 38 THE FIRE ALAR Queen Ejimbe M

One thing that starts the job is the eye; the eye is the door to his thinking faculty. Whatever a man sees that he thinks of, and what he thinks of that he will do, it starts small then it grows into a habit and then character is It's now over a year since I featured as a teen formed and the character you have is what will lead you to celebrity and became a contributor of this great vision your destiny. What do you look at? Porn? Bear in mind that (Mine Magazine). In April, I stepped out of teen-age-hood. I the thoughts of your mind are also as important as your want to use this medium to thank the One who is so great in actions. Science has told us that there are about mercy and His loving kindness cannot be compared, the sixteen(16) nerves connecting the eyes to the brain and One who sees your strength even in your weakness, the only one(1) connecting the ear to the brain that is why you One whose grace is so great; our wonderful and amazing easily remember the films you watch than what you were God. I also want to say a big thank you to Timi Adigun for taught in class. This is also proven in the Bible Luke 11:34. allowing himself to be used by God to bring forth this mind The second thing that traps teens/youths into sex is blowing vision and also for helping me to be a blessing to the issue of going into an intimate relationship without a many, for helping me realize this part of me that I didn't purpose. And the only purpose to start a relationship know existed and also a big thank you to all those who have should be a desire to marry the person. So, until you are called me for one thing or the other. I pray for more grace to ready for marriage, avoid being intimate with the opposite serve you better. sex because it will take the grace of God for you to escape What you are about to read is something you have whole. If you are not matured enough to handle this always heard of, but please as you read this, open your emotion, especially when the relationship has no focus do mind for something new so you could make new decisions not give yourself any excuse to be in it. God in His mercy and stand by them. has given us the ability to know when it is crossing its Are you ready? If you are. let's read! boundary. Something in you will start reacting when you 'O boy notin do me, body no be wood, how person go are around the person; there is alarm in everybody. Don't de like this with all these fine girls and kokolets wey full just sit there and try to brave the fire. NO! What do you do every where, if di tin bad why God put am for our body. when you hear a fire alarm? You look for the nearest exit. Make we just use these girls and dump them, wetin de, Brother, sister that strange feeling or erection you have suppose learn am now so that when I marry, I no go fall when you sit wit that girl or that boy is a fire alarm – look for mugu, I no wan slack…..' the exit and flee, do not tempt yourself. Another thing is the 'Girls how you de, what are you still waiting for, can't kind of songs you listen to. What happens when a guy and you see everybody is doing it, being a virgin is now old a girl stay together on a cool evening listening to a love school no man is worth the stress. Just flex! After all, you song by Celine Dion? I will leave you to answer that will still get married to your prince charming…..' question. Also mind the kind of association you keep We are tired of hearing that “Sex before marriage is because you can't be better than your association. good,” you know why? Because it will turn you into a Now this goes out to every girl holding this magazine, teenage mother and father and then cost you your please mind what the guys say to you and how they touch education; it will send the Holy Spirit out of you because you. And guard it, if you know that when you at least your body is the temple of God. All they think, talk, dream exchange handshake with guys it leaves you in another and laugh about is “boy friend-girl friend”, who is having sex state, please don't shake them. Let them say whatever with who, breaking whose heart, who is dying for who, their they wish, it's their business. When they whisper all those academics become a secondary issue. It is one sin that sweet 'nothings', my dear guard your ears with all diligence God forgives, but still has a lasting effect – spiritual, and don't play “Johnny Bravo”. physical and emotional effect; we know the story of David Finally my dear, God is interested in your life and it is and Samson in the Bible. only in Him that you can go through teenage and youthful Now look closely and tell me if this is really good for life well. These desires are natural in us so you can't fight you, the fact is we hear and read about these things so natural with the natural; we fight the natural with the much but more people still go into fornication. If you have supernatural. You don't need to give sex to receive love in not observed, count how many teenage girls you see return, the one who is the love Himself has bought you with pregnant and how many youths you see with deadly a price and He loves you dearly. Incase you have strayed diseases. Let's find out what really traps our youths/teens away for whatever reason, He still loves you and wants you to this sin. Please as you read, expect to see it written all to come back over you, it may not be that obvious but if you check clearly, He loves you with an everlasting love. you'll see it. 39

/ / Who is An Interior Designer? Interior designers are creative, imaginative and artistic. They also need to be disciplined, R R R R R organized and skilled business people. Combining knowledge with aesthetic vision, interior R designers work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that O are safe, functional, attractive and meet the needs of the people using the space. O E E O Artistic and Technical Requirements O T T I Interior designers must know how to plan a space and how to present that plan visually so I that it can be communicated to the client. Interior designers must also know about the A A N materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space, and how texture, N color, lighting and other factors combine and interact to make a space. R R R Interpersonal Communications R G Interior designers must be comfortable meeting and dealing with many kinds of people. They G E E O must communicate clearly and effectively, as well as be attentive listeners. Because they O I often must work with architects, contractors and other service providers, interior designers I need to be both good team leaders and good team players. C C T T S Management Strategies S E Interior designers must have excellent time and project management abilities since they E frequently work on more than one project at a time under demanding deadlines. Interior designers must understand business planning, and they need to know how to sell their ideas E E D D N to clients, create informative and persuasive proposals and presentations, and maintain good N I client relationships. I

Education D College or university-level education is important preparation for a career in interior design. D Many employers will consider your level of education in reviewing your qualifications. Many colleges, universities, and schools of art and design offer degree programs in interior design.

Experience Interior designers work in a wide range of environments, including restaurants, hotels, stores, offices, airports, hospitals and homes. Some interior designers become full-time educators, helping to train the next generation. Interior designers also work as sales and marketing professionals in related industries. For example, an interior designer might be the sales and marketing representative for a major carpet manufacturer, providing product information to interior designers and architects. LAUGHTER MEDICATION

Old Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the A clergyman was walking down the street when he hospital, near death. The family called their minister came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of to stand with them. As the minister stood next to the them between 10 and 12 years of age. bed, Fred's condition appeared to deteriorate and The group surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the he motioned frantically for something to write on. boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked The minister lovingly handed him a pen and a piece "What are you doing with that dog?” of paper, and Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note, then he died. One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only The minister thought it best not to look at the note one of us can take him home. So we've decided that at that time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket. whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he to keep the dog.” realized that he was wearing the same jacket that he was wearing when Fred died. He said, "You know, Of course, the reverend was taken aback. Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven't "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" looked at it yet, but knowing Fred, I'm sure there's a he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute word of inspiration there for us all.” sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with, "Why, when I He opened the note, and read, "You're standing on was your age, I never told a lie." my oxygen tube!" There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog." 40 SHOUT OUTS

Here is an opportunity to wish your friends a happy birthday. If you want to shout out to your friends, send their full names, their birthdays, and your message(s) to [email protected] (if their birthdays fall in the months of the next edition, like for the next one, if their birthdays fall in December or January).

Happy birthday to you, Ofoezie Henry (Sept 18th). May God grant you This shout out goes to my lovely friend, Nwanya Anthonia (Aug 22nd) your wishes as each passing year brings you closer to your dreams. . Wishing you long life and prosperity .Enjoy your day! From, Favour Love from, Badawusi Rose Ogwara

Akomolafe Tolulope (Aug 18th). I pray as you become a year older These shoutout goes to my lovely siblings; Diya David (Sept 5th), my today, may the good Lord continue to keep, guide, and protect you. sweet twin sis, Diya Adeola Taiwo (Sept 9th) and Diya Samuel (Sept Long life and prosperity. Love from your big sisters, Bukola and Yinka 25th). Wishing you all a prosperous birthday celebration. Love from Akomolafe Diya Adebola Kehinde…Happy birthday!!!

Soremekun Aderayo (Aug 13th), Ayoade Ademola (Sept 1st), Bolanle I want to wish Eniola Olorunyomi and my Pastor Louis Edafienene Fabanwo (Sept 4th), Akadiri Tayo (Sept15th), Mistura Wasiu (Sept Edakif (L.E.E). Wishing them many great years ahead. AKB Akinola 30th). With love from your caring classmate, Bolanle Fabanwo. Ajao.

I want to use this medium to say happy birthday to my big brother, Mr I want to wish my sisters, Jermimah Ikum Oyira (Sept 12th), Kate Udeh Dan (Aug 28th), to my niece, Esom Faith(Sept 15th) and to my Marcel Isangha (Sept 17th) and my brother Christian Ikum Oyira friends; Towase Kenny (Aug 2nd), Bassey Grace (Sept 11th), Udoka (Sept 28th) a Happy Birthday Celebration. From Cecilia Marcel (Sept 27th), and Olanipekun Bola (Sept 30th). Love you all, Udeh Isangha. Caleb Ifeanyi. Thank God you are able to add a year to your years, may God help you It's the Lord's doing. Philip Ijila, as you clock 'plus one' years on Sept to see more. Emmanuel (Aug 5th), Favour (Aug 26th). 28. Wishes from your sister, Itunu Ijila I want to wish my lovely friend, Chioma (Aug 11th) a fruitful and To my loving friends, Akintaro Emmanuel and Kushimo Omobolanle prosperous birthday. Love from Ezinne. (Aug 18th). Wish u all the goodies that Christ has to offer. Uwanuakwa Joyce I want to wish my mum, Mrs Bola Ibikunle a Happy Birthday (Aug 4th). May God Direct your steps to where you will be celebrated. And also to Happy birthday to my twin siblings, Mercy and Michael Alakpa (Aug wish my nieces and sister, Oreoluwa Arala (Sept 1st), Olamide Arala 21st). From Jennifer Ese Alakpa (Sept 24th), and Comfort Ibikunle (Sept 29th), a Happy Birthday. From Damilola Ibikunle.

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Akintayo Grace Oluwakemi August 1st Ojo Ayinuola .M. Favour Ogwara Olayioye Sharon Oluwabukola Doreen Oliver Enuoh Olasebikan Victoria Damilola Aleni Ojima Glory August 11th Odedina Tolu Togunwa Omolola Aduroja Oluwakemisola Stella August 22nd September 8th Oluwasaanufunmi Polayemi Odunlade Blessing Pelumi Uyime Mfon Oku Oduekun Kanyinsola Akintibu Toluwanimi Afolayan Oludolapo Ashaolu Funminiyi September 21st Agoni Ehizojie Precious Eucheria Oluwaseyi Olukoyi Toluwani Asala August 2nd August 12nd Durosomo Tunji Adegbite Funminiyi Adisa Mojisola Bisola Oguguoko .S. Usana Adekeye Elizabeth Victory Ekechukwu Charles Temitope Olajire Obi Ada Victoria Medara Enefiok Effiom Owolabi Oluwatunmise Bukunmi Ekamah Oghenerukevwe Gloria September 22nd Shobande Comfort Popoola Ayodeleola Dorcas August 3rd August 23rd Awelewa Joseph .G. Otih Doris Adeagbo Victor August 13th Salami Oluwakemisola Oluwaseun Fadiyimu Akinniyi Olumayowa Agbelu Olamide Omotola Olaade Joshua Opeoluwa Omowaye Bukola Oladipupo Elizabeth Akanbi Adeolaluwa Blessing Afolarin Olanike Obianime Theodora September 9th Ebere Joseph Nwafor Opagbemi Bukola Babaode Olusheyi Adeola August 24th Olaleye Adedoyin Popoola Ayodeleola Dorcas Akpara Onyinyechi Josiah Oluwatoba Ojo Ajibola Gideon Williams Tinuola Folasade Adelowo Boluwatife Oluwademilade Ayomide Oyinloye Mary Oladipupo Kiyesi Modupe Udeh Amaka Lovelyn Oluchi Okah Mosebolatan Modinat Bosede Bolaji Julius Ayo Ali Glory August 4th Onuoha Blessing Usman Ruth Abiola Tosin August 14th Olanrewaju Abolaji Opeoluwa Adewale September 23rd Dayo Ekunday Ekpo Glory Mejidade Adebimpe Babarinde Tolulope Timothy Azi Sylvia August 25th September 10th Aleburu Oseiga Joel Ojo Olubunmi Ayobami Adekola Aanu Adewuyi Bunmi Phebe August 5th Morenikeji Zainab Ali Olayode Daniel Daodu Adedoyin Olufunke Fagbemi Omolola August 15th Amoo Oluwatosin Grace Mensah Josephine Elemo Olayinka Oyeleke Ayodeji Christianah Awoshola Oluwaseyi Tolani Akintola Wonu Okoro Mercy Chinwe Ogunleye Omotola Ebunoluwa August 26th Ehikwe Uche August 6th Adebayo Oyinkansola Olayinka Olalekan Opeyemi Eniafe .O. Tunde Yusuf Oluwabukunmi Grace Nelly Atarhe September 24th Folarin Oyediran Akone Azeez Olanike Popoola Favour September 11st Ibume Mimi Ygraine Phoebe Adekunle Olawumi Ogunleye Omolola .R. Damilola Oduleye Innocent Okokon Ndanyongmong Oyeleye Temitope Nelly Atarhe Adebesin Abigail Aruleba Damilola Mrs Adebayo Olufunke Omowumi Akinwale Olubukola Eunice August 7th August 16th August 27th Yusuf Bolanle Obigbesan Sunday Adewale Ebenezer Ayomiposi Justina Bukola Ayo Ajao Okanlawon Toluwalogo Falodun Sarah Omolola Ojo Mary Ibukunoluwa Babajide Deborah Oluwapelumi Marianne Oseze Eigbokhan Evah Okeoghene August 8th Bamgbose Dare Akeem Omosanya Muinat Grace .E. Bassey Owoyemi Emmanuel September 25th Uwak Mfon Patrick Ekpo Edem Christiana Ita August 28th September 12th Oladipupo Tolulope Lizzy Ayeni Oluwatosin Charles Oluwole Omolola Jimata Adegbegba Amuzu Pelumi Oyetayo Fred Bisola Loveth Macaulay Henry Adesuyi Tolulope Borha Otibhor Ashley Ibikunle Oluwatobiloba August 17th Akinlosotu Lolade Akinradewo Kehinde Leke Idumah Grace Bamidele Dolapo Olayokun Damilola Bamiro Timilehin Victoria Ike Isong Yvonne Oyewole Gladys Doyinsola Ajayi Tunde Dare Bakare Folasade Gbaglo Seun Itunu September 13th Oladoyin Samuel August 9th August 29th Akinbote Oluwadamilola .O. Jacquelyn Philip Sonia Essien Ita August 18th Odusanya Oluwatobiloba Ikoh Felicia Unoh Adaramoye Olumide Toyin Oke Olushola Adeniran John Oke Tobi Samuel Okoro Alero Opadiran Felicia Olubunmi Kareem Damilola Helen Oladipo Toyin Akinola Jumoke Morolake Blessing Olowolafe Olowogboye Tolulope Mary September 14th Olaniran Ifeoluwa Ajiboye Olubunmi Funmilayo Olumide Craig August 30th Olujemisin Adekemi Okorafor Esther Chinwe Aniah Hilda Agoinim Arowolo Omolola Iyanuoluwa Idowu Folashade Titilayo August 19th Dada Temitope September 26th Oloyede Moyosore Ajao Yahyah Ipadeola Tolulope Ogunfemi Seyi Ifegbesan Timilehin September 15th Edim Emmanuel Okang Okon Blessing Godwin September 1st Oboh Chinwe Glory Okang Edim August 10th Adeola Alex Adeleke George Taylor Olusanya Odia Joy Ose Osumah Susan Ogunmolu Yemi Olabode Saheed James Araloyin Omobolanle Esther Alimi Habeeb Eke Glory Kelechi Uba Michelle Oluwasegun Tijani Madue Theresa Willie Enobona Sylvanus Adejobi Daniel Adepoju Adeoluwa Adebayo Okonkwo Christabel Chiamaka Olowoporoku Elizabeth Adesola Adefuwa Taiwo Oyinlola August 20th Ikenna Anunuso Esther Banku Enow Osofisan Damilola September 2nd Amadi Uche Blessing Ogungbile Racheal Odunayo Ajemoniase Tomisin Christiana Obafemi Adejumoke Oluwatosin September 27th Ajibola Oluwatofunmi Sarah Adebayo Deborah Samson Atunde August 21st Adeniyi Tosin September 16th Anyanwu Chimereze Opara Atiata Enobong Damilola Rachel Samuel Okocha Blessing Mercy Alakpa September 3rd Usman Chileta Joy Sule Oladipupo Aremu Matthew Ekeh-Ejike Alexander September 28th Obande Blessing .C. Leo Olagbaye Afesobi Ogunnika Toluwani September 17th Odili Chinonye Peace Ajani Abimbola .B. Omolabi Oluwatosin Emmanuel Funmilayo Motunrayo Hassan Olalekan Olopade Oluwayomi Dada Favour Oreoluwajomiloju Opeyemi Sunday Abel September 4th Olasunkanmi Toyin Owoade Mary Adebola Owolabi Oluwaseyi John Martins Philips Oshisanya Oluwabunmi Patience Nelson Ibor September 29th Richard Ijeoma Tunde September 5th September 18th Aina Temiloluwa .O. Okolie-Osemene James Ayilara Steve Oloruntobi Iyanuoluwa Mercy Natheniel Adeleke Damola Ofoezie Henry Esomchukwu Adelana Omoloja-ade Adenike Aiyelaagbe Ruth Oluwatogbekele Sarah Olayinka Ifeoluwa Idowu Folashade Christiana Pastor Ayomide Kazeem Grace Ihejiamaizu Ajayi Motilade Bunmi Valerie Otoide Solace Owodaha Obineri Adaeze Braimoh Elizabeth Jesuwumi September 6th Akinwale Justina Olaoti Mercy Kalu Ekamah Ogheneruona Joy Buoro Jenny Oki Oluwaseun Damilola Odurinde Isaiah K Ayoola Temidayo Margaret Akogwu Alice Usen Glory Effiong Alabi Ayobami Mercy

September 19th September 30th September 7th Ede Elizabeth Ogunyemi Isaiah Olasunkanmi Odianose Stella Ijoyah Temitope Angela Amadi Nwereze Roanna Ogbodu Enuice Blessing Adeniran Yetunde Ajala Victor Olamide Ajewole

September 20th Ayandare Bukola Philip 42 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

October 1st Oguntade Omolabake Onyemazi Dorcas Adebayo Caleb Jolaiya Titilope October 29th Udah Faith November 19th Samuel Olawunmi Obaleye October 10th October 20th Michael Oviosu Akande Elizabeth Ogunfeitimi Vincent Esther Olawunmi Obaleye Olapoju Tunde Olajuyigbe Dolapo Alimi Yetunde Falola Love Jasola Ronke Tabitha Jato Olufunke David Audu Adesola John November 8th Fadiya Ajoke Omolade Adesina Okoh Charity Edono Eko Imoh Erinosho Olabisi Aliu Ifedayo Olugbile Dayo Princess Willes Ayinla Olaide Audi Louisa Blessing Winniran Elizabeth Oronsaye Rachael Ajala Oreoluwa Ogundare Temitope Omotoso Eunice Coker Olaolu Obafemi Adebayo Okoduwa Joshua Salimon Kolawole Odekunle Oyinlola Udoba Ngozi Adeleke Mojisola Obasioga Amarachi October 2nd Obono Grace Nkami Oyewole Omolola October 30th Rachael Oronsaye Ojo Oluwatobi Susan Okpako Babatunde Akinlolu Oladele Ife Chiamaka Ugwu Dangana Sunday Olaniyan Olanike Fatola Oluwabukola Afolabi Victoria Akindugbagbe Omotola Ruth Olulare Shonde Samuel Oluwaseun Mary Aniekan October 21st Giwa Titilope Famuyiwa Tolulope Adenike Adetunji Aremu Emmanuel Ifeanyi Orisa November 20th Kilanko Oluwapelumi October 11th Kefas Oluwafemi Ajagbe Aesola November 9th Osisanya Oreoluwa Prince .S. Nwiko Agboola Ebenezer Odesanya Adesewa Afolabi Daniel Oke Israel Salem Olorunnisola Gbenle Damilola Awolusi Judith Akingbola Omoshalewa Eludini Victoria November 21st Ajagu Kenneth Collins Oni Folashade Awolusi Janet Dada Ruth Oyebode Kayode Emmanuel Adeleke Obanla Enitan 'Tobiloba Adisa Ayo Olawale Favour Tayo Abioye Divine Eyo Effiom Bassey Eme Babatunde Oluwale Olawale Oloko Ifebighi Blessing Imaobong Udoukpong October 12th Ogbonna Blessing October 31st November 10th Tofade Olawale Joy Alegbejo Mary Ann Ukatu Oluwatobi Precious Oyelusi Ibukun Sule Joshua Tochukwu Judith Esan Oluwaseye Rita Adewumi Ifedayo Odesanya Adesewa Adewuyi Tunji Oyelere Bolanle Abe Abisola Agada Yewande Adeojo Tobi November 22nd October 3rd Adeniji Deborah October 22nd Faluyi Adeola Christy Antigha Christtestimony Oluwafemi Oladipo Blessing Ajibola Usman Adelabu Mary Sanusi Tunrayo Obiyo Daniel Chibuike Adebayo Zainab Adesanya Bowale Michael Akinradewo Kehinde Okolie-Osemene Florence Gisanrin Oluyemi Oyelere Bolanle Sodunke Victoria Adekunle Oluwatosin Okeke Praise Chinazor Igwe Oyesina Victor Ogu-Egege Grace Uket Blessing Olore Olamide Omotayo Ohiomoje Kenneth Gift Igwe Chi Nwonu Chidera Sarah Okoi Njemanze Ahamba Kingsley Shobanke Simisola Odetunde Temilola November 11th Okeleye Adediwura Praise Odiase October 23rd Olem Alice Imelda Ogbuchiekwe Chisom October 13th Ogazi Faith November 1st Adeyanju Grace Akinseye Omolara October 4th Adeleye Tolulope Sonuga Olayibowale Akinwumi Temitope Oderinde Feyintoluwa Lami Ahmadu Olasinde Modupeola Alola Dolapo Chidibere Amasiudu Aderemi Adekunle November 23rd Ogunfunminiyi Yomi Jegede Deborah Isikhuemen Omonigbo Adejole Bukola Janet Bankole Omolara Akinloye Boluwatife Jolayemi Oluwatoyosi Deborah Chiamaka Ajelero.K. Olapo Osunkoya Gabriel Adeleke Bunmi Aroyehun Kemi Glorea Philps Aramide Oyindamola Adekunle Opeyemi Ijalana Oke Olabiyi Olufeyikemi Bello Omotayo Adeyinka Adedamola Udeme Akanimoh Olatunde Charity Akinyemi Eniola Olapade Titilola Oseji Righteous Ekpe Mercy Bassey Utibe Abasi Bassey Igbarunah Emilomo Stella Omeyi Dada Taiwo October 24th Oseghale Anselm Egunjobi Oluwakemi Odutayo Sarah October 5th October 14th Temitope Ajibola Okpara Ngozi Ololade Bolanle Tunrayo Adeola Popoola Doyinsola Akanni Abimbola November 2nd November 24th Idise Nissi Oluwatosin Fowokan Oyinkansola Faremi Bayo Precious Odikpa November 12th Amusan Abiodun Ayomide Ajibola Adeola Odumade Endurance Enerst Olanrewaju Tomisin Ajeleti Fiyinfoluwa Adebayo Adediwura Enyenihi Jessica Aigbe Racheal Fasosin Gbemisola Nwachukwu Francesca Adeleke Ruqayyat Ade-Eko Toluwanimi Okon Itohowo Sammy Sanni Oluwatosin Adeyefa Ayodeji Aina Faith Dunsin Akanbi Christianah Ojelade Abiola Smith Ifeoluwa October 25th Afunku Dayo Adebayo Adediwura Adeola Oyesomi Ebere Orji Okpowe Obatarhe Olorunmaye Tolulope Ishola Tolulope Adagunodo Feyikemi Samuel Deborah Oniyitan Oyebisi Ogundipe Olakunle Kuti Israel Ifeoluwa Emma Charlie Moljidek Musa Daniel Precious Nnadi Immaculata Ukpai Toochi Judit Ogbodo October 6th Adekola Adenike Wahab Barbatunde November 3rd November 13th Shodimu Oluwalogbon Adesanya Adeniyi Adegbite Mojolaade Taiwo Victoria Oriyomi Victory Onyenachiya Chinda Rita Ajayi Anu October 15th Olorunmaye Victoria Olanrewaju Precious Kemi Oladokun Funke Dacosta .E. Abegunde Mojijsola Okochua Chukwudi Ojo Damilola Mustapha Opeyemi November 25th Adejuwon Omolara Oluwadara Fatoki Awosika Olumide Jieto Chinwe Adeniyi Olakiitan Quadri Oluwadamilola Ogunnaike Simi Soyemi Doyinsola Folarin Motolani November 14th Becky Ola Olaogun Erinola Ojisua Eric Olatunji Opeyemi Emmanuel Tayo Racheal Sofolu Afolasade Egbewole Oluwadamilola Gbadebo Funmilayo Ibikunle Damilola November 4th Joy Akpan Oke Mide Isinwa Iheme Deborah Ayomide Fatoki Olawoye Mojisola Williams Victor Adejole Deborah Blessing Peters Isinwa Iheme Rhoda Fasanmi Oluwafunmilayo Omolere Oyinlola Peter Oluwatobi Dasola .E. Adebusiyi October 16th October 26th Adekunle Alice Temitope Venessa Uduehi Nnanna Edward Oluwaseun Ogundimu Fayemi Morenikeji Ismaheal Olufunke Aturuta Oluwatosin October 7th Akerele Oluwadamilola Joshua Omoyeni Patience James Emmanuella Amamch November 26th Adeniji Adefiyinfoluwa Chiaka Princewill Abigail Inang Udeh Caleb Enyinnia Sarumi Risikat Nwankwor Onyerhi Owoeye Bukola Awofisayo Blessing Adeyemi Oluwaranti Ntishor Gabriel Alalu Suleyman Bello Nene Wole Adetimole Ifebighi Sandra November 15th Awe Boluwatito Yahaya Taofiq Adebisi Tolulope Tunrayo Taiwo Adu Oluwaseun Minik Orok Onyedikachi Miracle October 17th Odira Nebolisa Akinola Cecilia Eyitayo Daniel Adegunde Oloruntoba Adesona .R. Aderonke Adesokan Zacchaeus November 5th Mezie Mary Obebe Mercy Lawrence Ulor Ede Patrick Olah Olaleye Micow Oyetoro Opeyemi Egbuna Peace Odiakosa Diusor Esther Adedipe Onwuka Joylilly Opubo Bbi Odutayo Kemi Olorunmaye Grace Ogunmoyin Temitope Soetan Busola Malomo Titilope Nike Akinyemi November 27th Oladeji Victor October 27th Asaolu Anuoluwapo Bosah Onyinye Jabaru Esther Folabomi October 8th Fadahunsi Seun Elushade Sarah Temidire Temidayo Dada Odefemi Oluwafunmito Moses Stella Edem Olagoke Isaac Fadahunsi Iyanu Akinnola Olufunke Oniyide Bonnke Olaobaju Tejumoluwa Ajise Samuel Alfred Gbemileke Bolarinwa Honey November 6th Ademiju Esther Precious Gift Etim Akande Ololade November 16th November 28th Taiwo Deborah October 18th Ekord Abraham Abiola Tosin Omotoso Comfort Eniola Damilola Ogunniyi Olayinka Oyinloye Ibukunoluwa Adedamilola Taiwo Aina Demilade Isewede Blessing Ololade Gbolahan Idise Eunice Paul Joshua Oreagba Abiola Salami Noyimat Adetayo Odelade Taiwo Babatunde Alice Ehizibolo Jemima Oyedepo Olufunto Apampa Damilola Adesina Wole Samuel Fatomi Ogundipe Christianah Victoria Asuquo Ishaya David Osu Adesina Victor November 17th Adebamijoko Michael Adejuwon Oluwawemimo Jeje kolapo Taiwo Aransiola Damilola Abegunde Temitope Adeboye Yetunde Onyedikachi Ibiam November 7th Edith Essien Pike Tolulope Alli Oyeleke Emmanuel October 19th October 28th Oladapo Busayo Rajunoh Okori Oria Urama Lilian Omotoyinbo Eniola Ekord Benita Nkemdilim Nneka November 29th October 9th Tolulope Akande Oyedepo Omobola Sharon Audu Igweonu Tobenna Ayodele Olamide Abigail Nwauba Afolabi Bolanle Alao Temitayo Arit Effiom Ntiero Oresanya Jesutomisin Aribisala olaoluwa Adewunmi Samuel Adeleke Daramola Emmanuel Iwashokun Temitope Nalla Seun Deborah Iretioluwa Sofuluwe Olugbade Tomiwa Urama Lilian Nkechi Oyama Goodness Kemi Olowokande Ibeneme Vivian Destiny Osagie Oiyeh mercy Darlinton Eyinmisan Oladipupo Joseph Lemo tayo Dotun November 18th Salaudeen Nafisat Faith Eva Karuwe Oyelowo Oluwafemi Joseph Ekpo Mbang November 30th Akala Olasumbo Ayoola Abiola Nnenna Ogechi Udu Adebayo Yinka Olaibi Abiola

43 YESHUA HIGH YESHUA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL No 55, Odozi Street, Ojodu, Lagos. G O V E R N M E N T A P P R O V E D

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