Gunshots? What is this madness?

Cheers to greatness dear "Directionless" undergraduate!

Ore died that day. Oreos left me. Rest in power Ore Aiyemonase.

I'm currently on a social media fast because my heart is still racing fast and my head hurts from October's saga…

Dear Directionless,

This is my lockdown story. I'm a 200level law student of UNN. I'd love to be addressed as Aigbebhalu(pronounced "I-gbe-ba-loo). Hope you enjoy it!

It all began with a strike. No, no, not a warning or scolding. ASUU struck again. They said it was just for 2 weeks. I was in my room that day shouting "Glory be to God!" I get to rest and read up for 2 weeks before exams begin! Rumours of a killer virus began to spread. "Wear a mask, carry sanitizers!" Those were daddy's words when he called me.  

It's only a two weeks lockdown, I said to myself, few clothes would do.

Fast forward to 2 weeks later, I was on the first GUO bus going to Lagos. The bus kuku spoilt on the road, which type of wahala is this?

I arrived safely, had the first few days of rest as someone who just got back from school. What's this pain on my breasts? Then, the real deal began!

April, my birthday month.

 I was finally turning eighteen! How I had waited for this moment with high hopes that "China virus" would let me get a cake at least. I started writing often, praying so much more. Staying in God's presence sweet die! "Wahala for who no get Holy Spirit" according to @orangewriter on IG. God, the pain on my breast was too much now! Mum said it was maturity pain. Okay, Amma believe you Mother. I turned eighteen with pizza and cold stone. Felt the love from all the messages, calls and alertzz.

May, Lockdown phase 2.

 Uncle George that works in the ministry told me school would resume in June. I told my friends the same and we were all ready for this. Wahala for who never start to dey read sha. I was still spending so much time with my Abba. You see, God is love and his promises are true. Serving God is not a hard nut to crack as religion makes it sound,  just let him lead you through the sweet journey. Okay, where was I?

Yes, the breast pain was worse than ever now so I went for a scan. I had a lump, damn! I needed to do a surgery fast before it turned to something else. I remembered telling my little cousin in 2015 that I would never go under the knife for any reason. Omo, way to go for such thoughts tho. Lol. My surgery was scheduled for June 17th.

June, surgery month. 

I started the surgery from the first day of June. A surgery in my business, I took more business classes and read more books to grow my business. A surgery on my mind, I did a self evaluation in June and discovered new things about myself. 17th June ,A surgery on my breast. That  morning, the doctor discovered another lump. Ahh, the devil is a liar! I remember dancing into the surgery room then screaming and crying halfway through. The injections that were supposed to numb the pain didn't work so I was wide awake throughout the procedure. The lumps were removed and Glory to God, they were not cancerous! I was elated. Thank God for June.

July-September, maybe, maybe not.

 My surgery wound didn't heal completely until August, yes, it took so long. Rumours of school resuming were flying again. I was a full time entrepreneur now anyways, making business moves and trying to earn some money. I was all about my God and myself in these months. Took more business classes, made some money, read books too. Big cousin Benedicta got married and was preggos in August. Igbankwu was sweet and I got to see family again! Did I tell you I watched over 10 movies already? I'm not even a movie person. Lockdown and it's wonders.

October, Lekki and awakening. 

I just knew there was something about this month from the first day. I walked for ninety minutes on the first just trying to understand the aura of the month. Independence indeed, Nigeria was 60 and witty. October 3rd, ENDSARS movements began slowly. Soro Soke? What in the name of awake is this new consciousness? My coconut head generation started trooping out in masses, shouting "ENDSARS! ENDSWAT!" This is the revolution! Oh Hallelujah! Sneaked out to go for a protest, I was tired of being an online protestor. Kept praying and protesting! 20.10.2020, curfew in Lagos from 4:00p.m, called everyone I knew to be sure they were indoors. Soldiers at the toll gate? Gunshots? What is this madness? Then I remembered Ore was at the toll gate. They said she had been shot. Lagos never remained the same till the month end.

Ore died that day. Oreos left me. Rest in power Ore Aiyemonase.

November, the present. I'm currently on a social media fast because my heart is still racing fast and my head hurts from October's saga but I know the joy of the Lord is my strength and I have the peace of Christ with me.

I may have skipped some details in this story but I hope you learn the following:

1)God is real. God exists. Life with God is the real deal

2)In all you do, always make sure you are healthy inside out.

3)Learn to cherish moments and be grateful for what you have and the people around you.

4)It's okay to be directionless in 2020. This year brought a lot and we thank God for life. What's not okay is to sell yourself  short and remain in that state.

Remember, the only difference between 2020 and 2021 is a second. Now is the best time to plan whatsoever you want to begin in 2021. Go for the gold and don't sell yourself short!

Cheers to greatness dear "Directionless" undergraduate!

Aigbebhalu, UNN