Yam from his small farm in Jalingo. That’s what he was bringing with him to Lagos.
I was completely lost for words.
Why would anyone undertake such a long and hazardous journey by road in order to deliver a few tubers of Yam to show gratitude to a benefactor? His response left me stupefied. He went on: he had already started his small cattle farm with a few calves. He only wanted to show Allen Onyema, again, how grateful he is.
I could not believe such simplicity of heart.
As I listened to his excited voice, I sobbed silently in admiration and respect for the man. I begged him to stop and not embark on the journey. I told him it was not worth all the risk and trouble. I promised that I would convey his gratitude for the umpteenth time to Allen.
Reluctantly and painfully, Shefiu finally agreed to abort the trip, but not without extracting a promise from me to deliver his eternal gratitude to Dr. Allen Onyema.
So, here I am thinking about this simple and humble pilgrim.
