New People in Rice Farms 15 &16
Draft
CHAPTER 11
Gloria Bejide, five and a half foot, svelte and fresh dark skinny lady of about 47 years wore serious countenance, sort of self defence against ambitious men who would readily take advantage of her readily available warmth and kindness. She had always lived in CHAPTER 11
‘Prrrrrrrrh – the telephone rang
“Halo, Global Cereals” Gloria answered
“Suma Benu, How are you Gloria, I will arrive Lagos 10:00 am tomorrow morning, please confirm my hotel reservation” instructed Suma.
Suma had some assignment requiring contacts in Apapa Port. He was to inspect the quality of chemicals that had been shipped to Global from United Kingdom. He was to ensure that the imports met proforma specifications.
“I have reservation for you in Ikoyi Hotel” Gloria confirmed.“Thank you. I hope I will be in good hands,” Suma had the characteristic of changing into humorous mood whenever he was operating outside th rice plantation. Gloria had acquired specialized courteous ways of handling the nature of encounter.
With confirmed hotel reservation, Suma settled down to review the documentation for the expected imports in the Office along Sapara Williams, Street, Lagos
“Let us know the position of the letters of credit on the fertilizers, chemicals and herbicides,” Suma enquired from the Shipping Officer who confirmed that Gloria collected the documents.
“We have forwarded the letter of credit to Agromat Chemical and the consignment had been identified at the port. Mr. Gromadi has forwarded the shipping documents which we received late yesterday” confirmed Gloria
“I don’t need to reveal much to you but Gloria, the Board will consider you for movement to position of manager. Let us hope we don’t have resistance at the meeting,” Suma whispered to Gloria
“Thank you, Oga” Gloria replied in realization and appreciation that the Field Manager recognized her dedication to the company especially her transparent ways of handling cargos and consignments.
The following day at Board meeting, Gloria was confirmed the manager in charge of the Lagos office, Global Cereals Ltd.
The Board lunch eventually followed at the end of the meeting. Eko Le Meridian was the consistent venue for major functions of Global Cereals. Without doubt, that day, dishes were extraordinarily sumptuous.
Gloria did sit with the Directors at the main reserved table but the humble but assertive lady regarded this particular Board lunch as her promotion treat. Gloria felt proud for the appreciation given to her effort by the prestigious Board of the company.
Rebecca Martin, a tall beautiful light skinned lady in her late thirties had studied management courses at about four colleges in USA and Canada. Fluent speaker of Yoruba and Hausa language she was particularly proud of her North American training and diction.
“I don’t like the Nigerian way of doing things. How can the world be moving forward and we pursue the opposite direction” Rebecca stuck to her view with broad smiles.
“There is so much progress in this country. My dear lady you are behind times” Claudius Badaru retorted.
The thirty two year old, short and stout man hailed from Karara , one of the riverside communities situated between Lokoja and Jamata along the busy road accessing the Northern part of Nigeria. Badaru has been employed as store officer in Global Cereals for about six yeas. Energetic and ambitious Badaru had taken some professional courses in purchasing and supplies. He loved his job and aspired to a higher position in the company. He flaunted his cultural flexibility from time to time.
“I am not one of those people who swear that they will never work south of River Niger. I know people of Southern origin who would not accept to work in the northern parts of the country while some people of northern extraction vow that they will not accept jobs in the southern parts of the country.
Badaru often teased colleagues who he categorized as ethnic chauvinists.
Sylvester Okomadu, a bulky gregarious thirty five years old Niger Deltan, as he preferred to categorise himself also worked at Global Cereals, Lagos office. Sylvester had slugged in eight years, learning the art of administration and relationship management on the job. He was rather single minded as he mobilized local and overseas resources for the company. Sylvester defined himself as a global manager who would not only work in any location in his country but that he would adapt to a cultural environment anywhere in the world. Rebecca had always admired Sylvester’s comportment. On her own part, Rebecca possessed the charisma to earn favour from notable members of the Board. She nursed some jealousy for Gloria for her rapid growth in the company. Indeed Rebecca believed that her own ambition was not misplaced but that she was not willing, for reasons of promotion, to sacrifice the boisterous life in Lagos for the serene life in Aluju Estate. Nonetheless she was aware that there was no room at the top for her in the current location”.
“In America, Board decisions are dynamic and bold. You cannot put investors’ stake at great risks. Put square pegs in the right places” Rebecca was insinuating that her academic attainment placed her on greater pedestal. She did not understand why she could not earn promotion while she continued to work in Lagos.
Lady and gentlemen, we have had a good lunch. We give glory to God, We thank Le Meridian and our own staff”, declared the chairman, Chief Kabiru Madami.
The restaurant had been specifically reserved for Global Cereals Board. Highly attractive wood carving had been strategically distributed around the expansive space of the restaurant. Movable partitions demarcated areas of the restaurant and sizes of reserved spaces. The size of space varied with the number of guests targeted and agreed with management of the hotel.
Kabiru Madami enjoyed the full privileges of an expanding commodity company . in his own right he maintainedlarge commercial farms between mokwa and bida in niger State of Nigeria. He was born in Northern jebba where he spent his early years. Madami, soft spoken, charismatic, sixfooter, was respected for his business expertise and command of English, Hausa and Yoruba languages. His farm projects had been successful, shifting between corn, soya bean, and sorghum cultivation. Burdened by sizeable bank loan at the early stages of his farming enterprise, Madami had been well established, emerging as the bride of commercial banks that were eager to post reasonable high lending as meaningful support to agricultural sector.
“We need to complete todays meeting by consideration of management proposals for staff elevation. Members are advised to table their comments,’’ Madami addressed his colleagues without focusing attention on a particular member.
‘’Mrs Lagarty, may be I should give you the first opportunity, it appears, I can see you raising your hand,” Madami suggested.
“well, Mr Chairman, I observe that only two ladies enjoy management support for movement into senior positions. It is important we know how many women occupy management positions in the company. We must be gender sensitive,’’ Mrs Lagarty contributed.
Mrs Stephanie Lagarty, a tall svelt well dressed lawyer who represented an international investor, Farmyard Trusts SA, had consistently promoted gender mainstreaming in public organizations. She emphasized that eligible women must enjoy the opportunity for competitive positions in dynamic sectors of the economy.
Gloria Bejide had performed impressively over the years, strengthening the company’s position with government and with technical partners in the supply chain abroad. The procurement and logistics operations of the company had improved considerably since she was assigned coordinating responsibilities about two years earlier. She maintained extraordinary relations with the company’s banks. The new position proposed for her as Assistant General Manager will enhance decision making status, empower her and of course enhance her morale.
“We were earlier advised earlier in the year that the scope of the proposed position has expanded considerably, with increasing numeracy. No evidence of competitive selection has been indicated. Memebers of the Board need not be emotional about the familiar faces we encounter in the course of our assignment. We must insist on geeting tasks performed by suitable and competent staff, Rolland Adamu, a diminutive but articulate accountant from the Shippers Council advised the Board.
It was believed that considerable brainstorming by members on the promotion exercise had preceded the meeting of the board. Gloria Bejide though superior in rank and long serving in the system, had encountered opposition since her colleagues in the office acquired new competences that had not been accessible to her due to numerous circumstances. Rebecca, Martin, Claudius Badaru and Sylvester Okomandu had laid claims on technical skills they had all learned from Gloria Bejide whose passion was focused on superior service delivery and sustaining high reputation for her employer. It was expected in situations of competitive differentiation of talent, subordinates would aspire to perform the boss’s job with greater finesse. Gloria appeared to exhibit weak defense mechanism in spite of forthrightness. She recognized threat but she was undaunted.
”We may need to reconsider the options. Management must re-examine the demands of the senior position, assess all possible candidates, explore possibility of recruiting competencies from the wider job market,” a slow speaking director, the oldest member of the Board, Samiu, Rafadi suggested.
“It appears members are satisfied with almost all the recommendations except Gloria’s movement to the position of Assistant General Manager. While specific opposition has not been directed at Gloria’s elevation, the job is expected to be performed with appropriate knowledge including desirable leadership capability. Could we advise the Managing Director to represent the proposition during the next meeting of the Board?” the Chairman, Madami suggested.
Some prolonged dialogue ensued between members of the Board, at the end of which approval was given that Gloria Bejide be promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager, Value Chain Service. She was to proceed on two months training tour with the major suppliers of the Company prior to full assumption of office. It was agreed by the Board that the elevation would be effective from the date the promotion decision was taken.
CHAPTER 12
Fifty eight year old Samson Ndanusa had been retired for two years from the Army. Retiring as a Sergeant, Ndanusa moved to Aluju where he settled with his wife, Ruth. The couple lived with two children, Clara, and John of ages six and nine years respectively. Other five children have grown up and left home. Ndanusa maintained a subsistence farm where he grew yam, maize, cassava and rice during suitable seasons. The news had spread that processes for payment of pension to officers and ranks in the army had begun. Sergeant Ndanusa informed his wife of thirty-two years, Ruth that he was traveling to Lagos to pursue the payment of his pension entitlements.
“I have to move immediately. We need the pension money which will be our major income. Farming and your small trade will increase what we earn and improve our standard of living,” Sergeant Samson explained to his wife.
“You are embarking on a dangerous journey. You do not have enough money for transport and feeding. You may end up on the street like many others,” Ruth was apprehensive.
“Let me start packing the few belongings for the journey. I will not stay at home to watch our financial position deteriorating,” the pensioner insisted.
Sergeant Samson stared curiously at his wife as he swallowed morsels of cassava food, along with guinea corn soup, no fish, little oil, sign of hard times.
After many years of marriage and in spite of the culture, Sergeant Samson resisted tough pressure to take another wife.
Ruth plunged her head in her two palms, lamenting and praying aloud for security of her children.
“I know that these days pension queues are longer than fuel lines,” Samson lamented
Cecilia: “When you see real pensioners, I mean the ones who have not seen money since leaving work, they just forget they have families,” Ruth expressed deep concern..
Before the implementation of the provisions of the Pension Act, throughout major towns in Nigeria, pensioners wandered around individually, in small groups and occasionally in large formations.
Sergeant Samson was determined not to join this category of retired people. Indeed he had taken a wise decision to settle in a farming community when he left service.
The following morning Samson caressed his wife, Ruth, pecked her cheeks, making her grab the little money he has left for the family. Sergeant Samson left the village early in the morning while the children were in bed. Tall and emaciated, the ex service man held a small old traveling bag exhibiting Mak’s logo along with a mid sized propylene bag containing his military raincoat and a few personal effects.
Since retirement and joining the civil community in Aluju, Sergeant Samson had towed the path of a loner trying to understand civil society again. At the motor park in a nearby village Orehi, Samson met Garba another pensioner of his acquaintance who was also traveling to Lagos but for a different purpose. Garba was attending the annual pensioner party organized by his former employers, a large Brewery.
The old friends exchanged salutation, banters, each searching the other with apt observations by making sarcastic remarks.
“Are you still taking all those drinks from your employers? You are shinning,” Sergeant teased his friend who, previously, took delivery of complementary products from his employer.
“Well, thank God I breathe fresh air now. You are looking like
a fighter that you are. You are strong” Garba observed.
“This pension thing is driving us all mad. I have not received one kobo
from the office since I reached the village two years ago, we hear promises, they make us collect ID card (showing it with effort). But thank God, relief is coming our way. We are being invited to complete our documentation for payment,” Samson tried to explain the development.
“In our case, we have been lucky. We collect our pension entitlement when due. May be this was because our employer had always operated the contributory pension scheme which has been integrated in the Pension Act. There is no doubt that the implementation of provisions of the Act by employers across sectors will be of great benefit to all pensioners,” Garba assured his friend.
Samson disembarked from the bus by evening in Lagos and he immediately joined all pensioners in the pay office. The ex soldiers who had not presented their ID cards were advised to do so as a condition for payment.
An Officer addressed the pensioners, "we do not intend to keep you here continuously. You must go back to your families with money.”
The pensioners cheered, trying to perceive some hope. The Officer continued,
“Pension is reward for long and loyal services. Your successful retirement from the service makes it automatic for you to enjoy pension entitlements provided the documents you present to us are certified authentic.” The officer discontinued his speech while raising a large well bound book. He confirmed that authentic lists of all beneficiaries through out the country are contained in similar books prepared for the purpose..
“Read out Sir,” one voice echoed,
“Not possible,” the officer retorted, closed the book and left the crowed.
Some ray of hope emerged for those pensioners possessing approved ID card. Sergeant Samson settled dawn to the new life in pensioners’ Camp, made a few friends while adapting to normal daily life.
Adama Shugaba, a sharp faced man had just arrived from Adankolo in Lokoja, situated at the confluence of rivers Niger an Benue in Kogi State of Nigeria. Adam, tall and young was seeking for assistance
“Good afternoon, Sir, I am looking for one Sergeant Samson from Adankolo,” Adama enquired from another young man.
“I do not seem to know him but since he is from kogi State, you may ask that man sitting near the large rubber container. He arrived yesterday and he appeared to have spoken Kogi language to somebody,” Adama was advised by his listener.
Adama accosted the old man who ignored his approach.
“Good afternoon, Pa,” Adama greeted and introduced himself to the old man. Adama claimed to be an indigene of a village near Lokoja but indicated that he had settled on a street which sounded familiar to Sergeant Samson. Adama was dressed in a clean long flowing blue kaptan with cap to match. He was in his lat 20s.
‘Welcome, my son, are you from home?” Samson enquired.
“Yes sir,” Adama replied with assurance that he was meeting the right person.
Sergeant Samson stared trustingly at Adama. The old man was enthusiastic about news from home. However he could not really recognize Adama as a neighbour.
“papa, I knew you well but I always traveled so I understand why you cannot recognize me. Anywa, I will travel to Adankolo tomorrow. You may have something for Mama, your mother and Uncle Nda Ali, your brother,” Adama suggested
Sergeant went into deep meditation, two days in the camp, he had barely encountered any sympathizer who could extend generosity to him.
“I have nothing on me but nothing is ever too small, my young boy,” Sergeant Samson sighed but dipped his fingers in his right pocket and pulled out five hundred naira and continued his address, ‘’give this money to Mama but tell Nda that he will hear from me.”
Adama had been ten time lucky in the camp with pensioners. Adama lived on this simple trick of ethnic affiliation. He spoke many local languages changing his story as he accosted each victim.
By the end of the week, Sergeant Samson had shifted his location in the camp, changed his dress and a clean shave. Indeed, Sergeant Samson had met generous Samaritans with whom he succeeded in negotiating small loan with which he started a petty business by selling recharged cards by the major road. Sergeant Samson summoned all the strength available to him, he would not allow age to suppress him.
By Sunday, Adama, adorned in suit and a face cap appeared before Sergeant Samson in his new location. After salutation, Adama claimed to known the old Samson in Makurdi. The young narrated a long winded story about rural development, real cock and bull story apparently.
At first, Sergeant stared at his acquaintance, presuming he had suddenly become a lunatic based on the young man’s story. The old soldier, recollecting physical characteristics, definitely recognized Adama who he now branded a lunatic based on the disjointed story emanating from the young man. Sergeant realized that Adama had earlier played pranks on him and raised alarm.
Before Adama could readjust himself to scheme a stratagem on Samson, the young man was surrounded by pensioners and some of their visiting relations. Indeed Adama had collected various sums of money from several victims, framing different stories each time. It was serious confrontation between the young rogue and a disciplined but ferocious angry mob of old pensioners.
Adama pleaded in all the languages that came readily to him. A police officer had by now intervened as Adam desperately for leniency. The young trickster was whisked away by the police officer. Numerous pensioners were astonished that a ragamuffin could infiltrate their ranks and inflict such losses on them. Victims were furious and dumbfounded.
It was obvious that pensioners from security services encountered challenge at stages of processing their pension entitlements but it was not a unique occurrence. Beneficiaries in other services including railway, shipping, airways and private sector organizations experienced delay in settlement of pension entitlements prior to the passing of the Pension Act into law.
It must be emphasized that with improved longevity, the population of pensioners have continued to grow rapidly in most countries. Analysts observed that pension budget competes vigorously with provisions for development in key public services. However it was envisaged that integration of contributory pension scheme with existing private sector investment vehicles and assurance policies will strengthen capability of Administrators to settle entitlements in favour of beneficiaries.
Sergeant Samson and many pensioners whose documents were certified
complete and authentic survived on high expectations especially when payment advice was being released. Indeed Samson eventually returned to Aluju where he intensified activities in multi crop and all year farming.
CHAPTER 11
Gloria Bejide, five and a half foot, svelte and fresh dark skinny lady of about 47 years wore serious countenance, sort of self defence against ambitious men who would readily take advantage of her readily available warmth and kindness. She had always lived in Lagos changing residence between the two sides of Ibadan
‘Prrrrrrrrh – the telephone rang
“Halo, Global Cereals” Gloria answered
“Suma Benu, How are you Gloria, I will arrive Lagos 10:00 am tomorrow morning, please confirm my hotel reservation” instructed Suma.
Suma had some assignment requiring contacts in Apapa Port. He was to inspect the quality of chemicals that had been shipped to Global from United Kingdom. He was to ensure that the imports met proforma specifications.
“I have reservation for you in Ikoyi Hotel” Gloria confirmed.
“Thank you. I hope I will be in good hands,” Suma had the characteristic of changing into humorous mood whenever he was operating outside th rice plantation. Gloria had acquired specialized courteous ways of handling the nature of encounter.
With confirmed hotel reservation, Suma settled down to review the documentation for the expected imports in the Office along Sapara Williams, Street, Lagos
“Let us know the position of the letters of credit on the fertilizers, chemicals and herbicides,” Suma enquired from the Shipping Officer who confirmed that Gloria collected the documents.
“We have forwarded the letter of credit to Agromat Chemical and the consignment had been identified at the port. Mr. Gromadi has forwarded the shipping documents which we received late yesterday” confirmed Gloria
“I don’t need to reveal much to you but Gloria, the Board will consider you for movement to position of manager. Let us hope we don’t have resistance at the meeting,” Suma whispered to Gloria
“Thank you, Oga” Gloria replied in realization and appreciation that the Field Manager recognized her dedication to the company especially her transparent ways of handling cargos and consignments.
The following day at Board meeting, Gloria was confirmed the manager in charge of the Lagos office, Global Cereals Ltd.
The Board lunch eventually followed at the end of the meeting. Eko Le Meridian was the consistent venue for major functions of Global Cereals. Without doubt, that day, dishes were extraordinarily sumptuous.
Gloria did sit with the Directors at the main reserved table but the humble but assertive lady regarded this particular Board lunch as her promotion treat. Gloria felt proud for the appreciation given to her effort by the prestigious Board of the company.
Rebecca Martin, a tall beautiful light skinned lady in her late thirties had studied management courses at about four colleges in USA and Canada. Fluent speaker of Yoruba and Hausa language she was particularly proud of her North American training and diction.
“I don’t like the Nigerian way of doing things. How can the world be moving forward and we pursue the opposite direction” Rebecca stuck to her view with broad smiles.
“There is so much progress in this country. My dear lady you are behind times” Claudius Badaru retorted.
The thirty two year old, short and stout man hailed from Karara , one of the riverside communities situated between Lokoja and Jamata along the busy road accessing the Northern part of Nigeria. Badaru has been employed as store officer in Global Cereals for about six yeas. Energetic and ambitious Badaru had taken some professional courses in purchasing and supplies. He loved his job and aspired to a higher position in the company. He flaunted his cultural flexibility from time to time.
“I am not one of those people who swear that they will never work south of River Niger. I know people of Southern origin who would not accept to work in the northern parts of the country while some people of northern extraction vow that they will not accept jobs in the southern parts of the country.
Badaru often teased colleagues who he categorized as ethnic chauvinists.
Sylvester Okomadu, a bulky gregarious thirty five years old Niger Deltan, as he preferred to categorise himself also worked at Global Cereals, Lagos office. Sylvester had slugged in eight years, learning the art of administration and relationship management on the job. He was rather single minded as he mobilized local and overseas resources for the company. Sylvester defined himself as a global manager who would not only work in any location in his country but that he would adapt to a cultural environment anywhere in the world. Rebecca had always admired Sylvester’s comportment. On her own part, Rebecca possessed the charisma to earn favour from notable members of the Board. She nursed some jealousy for Gloria for her rapid growth in the company. Indeed Rebecca believed that her own ambition was not misplaced but that she was not willing, for reasons of promotion, to sacrifice the boisterous life in Lagos for the serene life in Aluju Estate. Nonetheless she was aware that there was no room at the top for her in the current location”.
“In America, Board decisions are dynamic and bold. You cannot put investors’ stake at great risks. Put square pegs in the right places” Rebecca was insinuating that her academic attainment placed her on greater pedestal. She did not understand why she could not earn promotion while she continued to work in Lagos.
Lady and gentlemen, we have had a good lunch. We give glory to God, We thank Le Meridian and our own staff”, declared the chairman, Chief Kabiru Madami.
The restaurant had been specifically reserved for Global Cereals Board. Highly attractive wood carving had been strategically distributed around the expansive space of the restaurant. Movable partitions demarcated areas of the restaurant and sizes of reserved spaces. The size of space varied with the number of guests targeted and agreed with management of the hotel.
Kabiru Madami enjoyed the full privileges of an expanding commodity company . in his own right he maintainedlarge commercial farms between mokwa and bida in niger State of Nigeria. He was born in Northern jebba where he spent his early years. Madami, soft spoken, charismatic, sixfooter, was respected for his business expertise and command of English, Hausa and Yoruba languages. His farm projects had been successful, shifting between corn, soya bean, and sorghum cultivation. Burdened by sizeable bank loan at the early stages of his farming enterprise, Madami had been well established, emerging as the bride of commercial banks that were eager to post reasonable high lending as meaningful support to agricultural sector.
“We need to complete todays meeting by consideration of management proposals for staff elevation. Members are advised to table their comments,’’ Madami addressed his colleagues without focusing attention on a particular member.
‘’Mrs Lagarty, may be I should give you the first opportunity, it appears, I can see you raising your hand,” Madami suggested.
“well, Mr Chairman, I observe that only two ladies enjoy management support for movement into senior positions. It is important we know how many women occupy management positions in the company. We must be gender sensitive,’’ Mrs Lagarty contributed.
Mrs Stephanie Lagarty, a tall svelt well dressed lawyer who represented an international investor, Farmyard Trusts SA, had consistently promoted gender mainstreaming in public organizations. She emphasized that eligible women must enjoy the opportunity for competitive positions in dynamic sectors of the economy.
Gloria Bejide had performed impressively over the years, strengthening the company’s position with government and with technical partners in the supply chain abroad. The procurement and logistics operations of the company had improved considerably since she was assigned coordinating responsibilities about two years earlier. She maintained extraordinary relations with the company’s banks. The new position proposed for her as Assistant General Manager will enhance decision making status, empower her and of course enhance her morale.
“We were earlier advised earlier in the year that the scope of the proposed position has expanded considerably, with increasing numeracy. No evidence of competitive selection has been indicated. Memebers of the Board need not be emotional about the familiar faces we encounter in the course of our assignment. We must insist on geeting tasks performed by suitable and competent staff, Rolland Adamu, a diminutive but articulate accountant from the Shippers Council advised the Board.
It was believed that considerable brainstorming by members on the promotion exercise had preceded the meeting of the board. Gloria Bejide though superior in rank and long serving in the system, had encountered opposition since her colleagues in the office acquired new competences that had not been accessible to her due to numerous circumstances. Rebecca, Martin, Claudius Badaru and Sylvester Okomandu had laid claims on technical skills they had all learned from Gloria Bejide whose passion was focused on superior service delivery and sustaining high reputation for her employer. It was expected in situations of competitive differentiation of talent, subordinates would aspire to perform the boss’s job with greater finesse. Gloria appeared to exhibit weak defense mechanism in spite of forthrightness. She recognized threat but she was undaunted.
”We may need to reconsider the options. Management must re-examine the demands of the senior position, assess all possible candidates, explore possibility of recruiting competencies from the wider job market,” a slow speaking director, the oldest member of the Board, Samiu, Rafadi suggested.
“It appears members are satisfied with almost all the recommendations except Gloria’s movement to the position of Assistant General Manager. While specific opposition has not been directed at Gloria’s elevation, the job is expected to be performed with appropriate knowledge including desirable leadership capability. Could we advise the Managing Director to represent the proposition during the next meeting of the Board?” the Chairman, Madami suggested.
Some prolonged dialogue ensued between members of the Board, at the end of which approval was given that Gloria Bejide be promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager, Value Chain Service. She was to proceed on two months training tour with the major suppliers of the Company prior to full assumption of office. It was agreed by the Board that the elevation would be effective from the date the promotion decision was taken.
CHAPTER 12
Fifty eight year old Samson Ndanusa had been retired for two years from the Army. Retiring as a Sergeant, Ndanusa moved to Aluju where he settled with his wife, Ruth. The couple lived with two children, Clara, and John of ages six and nine years respectively. Other five children have grown up and left home. Ndanusa maintained a subsistence farm where he grew yam, maize, cassava and rice during suitable seasons. The news had spread that processes for payment of pension to officers and ranks in the army had begun. Sergeant Ndanusa informed his wife of thirty-two years, Ruth that he was traveling to Lagos to pursue the payment of his pension entitlements.
“I have to move immediately. We need the pension money which will be our major income. Farming and your small trade will increase what we earn and improve our standard of living,” Sergeant Samson explained to his wife.
“You are embarking on a dangerous journey. You do not have enough money for transport and feeding. You may end up on the street like many others,” Ruth was apprehensive.
“Let me start packing the few belongings for the journey. I will not stay at home to watch our financial position deteriorating,” the pensioner insisted.
Sergeant Samson stared curiously at his wife as he swallowed morsels of cassava food, along with guinea corn soup, no fish, little oil, sign of hard times.
After many years of marriage and in spite of the culture, Sergeant Samson resisted tough pressure to take another wife.
Ruth plunged her head in her two palms, lamenting and praying aloud for security of her children.
“I know that these days pension queues are longer than fuel lines,” Samson lamented
Cecilia: “When you see real pensioners, I mean the ones who have not seen money since leaving work, they just forget they have families,” Ruth expressed deep concern..
Before the implementation of the provisions of the Pension Act, throughout major towns in Nigeria, pensioners wandered around individually, in small groups and occasionally in large formations.
Sergeant Samson was determined not to join this category of retired people. Indeed he had taken a wise decision to settle in a farming community when he left service.
The following morning Samson caressed his wife, Ruth, pecked her cheeks, making her grab the little money he has left for the family. Sergeant Samson left the village early in the morning while the children were in bed. Tall and emaciated, the ex service man held a small old traveling bag exhibiting Mak’s logo along with a mid sized propylene bag containing his military raincoat and a few personal effects.
Since retirement and joining the civil community in Aluju, Sergeant Samson had towed the path of a loner trying to understand civil society again. At the motor park in a nearby village Orehi, Samson met Garba another pensioner of his acquaintance who was also traveling to Lagos but for a different purpose. Garba was attending the annual pensioner party organized by his former employers, a large Brewery.
The old friends exchanged salutation, banters, each searching the other with apt observations by making sarcastic remarks.
“Are you still taking all those drinks from your employers? You are shinning,” Sergeant teased his friend who, previously, took delivery of complementary products from his employer.
“Well, thank God I breathe fresh air now. You are looking like
a fighter that you are. You are strong” Garba observed.
“This pension thing is driving us all mad. I have not received one kobo
from the office since I reached the village two years ago, we hear promises, they make us collect ID card (showing it with effort). But thank God, relief is coming our way. We are being invited to complete our documentation for payment,” Samson tried to explain the development.
“In our case, we have been lucky. We collect our pension entitlement when due. May be this was because our employer had always operated the contributory pension scheme which has been integrated in the Pension Act. There is no doubt that the implementation of provisions of the Act by employers across sectors will be of great benefit to all pensioners,” Garba assured his friend.
Samson disembarked from the bus by evening in Lagos and he immediately joined all pensioners in the pay office. The ex soldiers who had not presented their ID cards were advised to do so as a condition for payment.
An Officer addressed the pensioners, "we do not intend to keep you here continuously. You must go back to your families with money.”
The pensioners cheered, trying to perceive some hope. The Officer continued,
“Pension is reward for long and loyal services. Your successful retirement from the service makes it automatic for you to enjoy pension entitlements provided the documents you present to us are certified authentic.” The officer discontinued his speech while raising a large well bound book. He confirmed that authentic lists of all beneficiaries through out the country are contained in similar books prepared for the purpose..
“Read out Sir,” one voice echoed,
“Not possible,” the officer retorted, closed the book and left the crowed.
Some ray of hope emerged for those pensioners possessing approved ID card. Sergeant Samson settled dawn to the new life in pensioners’ Camp, made a few friends while adapting to normal daily life.
Adama Shugaba, a sharp faced man had just arrived from Adankolo in Lokoja, situated at the confluence of rivers Niger an Benue in Kogi State of Nigeria. Adam, tall and young was seeking for assistance
“Good afternoon, Sir, I am looking for one Sergeant Samson from Adankolo,” Adama enquired from another young man.
“I do not seem to know him but since he is from kogi State, you may ask that man sitting near the large rubber container. He arrived yesterday and he appeared to have spoken Kogi language to somebody,” Adama was advised by his listener.
Adama accosted the old man who ignored his approach.
“Good afternoon, Pa,” Adama greeted and introduced himself to the old man. Adama claimed to be an indigene of a village near Lokoja but indicated that he had settled on a street which sounded familiar to Sergeant Samson. Adama was dressed in a clean long flowing blue kaptan with cap to match. He was in his lat 20s.
‘Welcome, my son, are you from home?” Samson enquired.
“Yes sir,” Adama replied with assurance that he was meeting the right person.
Sergeant Samson stared trustingly at Adama. The old man was enthusiastic about news from home. However he could not really recognize Adama as a neighbour.
“papa, I knew you well but I always traveled so I understand why you cannot recognize me. Anywa, I will travel to Adankolo tomorrow. You may have something for Mama, your mother and Uncle Nda Ali, your brother,” Adama suggested
Sergeant went into deep meditation, two days in the camp, he had barely encountered any sympathizer who could extend generosity to him.
“I have nothing on me but nothing is ever too small, my young boy,” Sergeant Samson sighed but dipped his fingers in his right pocket and pulled out five hundred naira and continued his address, ‘’give this money to Mama but tell Nda that he will hear from me.”
Adama had been ten time lucky in the camp with pensioners. Adama lived on this simple trick of ethnic affiliation. He spoke many local languages changing his story as he accosted each victim.
By the end of the week, Sergeant Samson had shifted his location in the camp, changed his dress and a clean shave. Indeed, Sergeant Samson had met generous Samaritans with whom he succeeded in negotiating small loan with which he started a petty business by selling recharged cards by the major road. Sergeant Samson summoned all the strength available to him, he would not allow age to suppress him.
By Sunday, Adama, adorned in suit and a face cap appeared before Sergeant Samson in his new location. After salutation, Adama claimed to known the old Samson in Makurdi. The young narrated a long winded story about rural development, real cock and bull story apparently.
At first, Sergeant stared at his acquaintance, presuming he had suddenly become a lunatic based on the young man’s story. The old soldier, recollecting physical characteristics, definitely recognized Adama who he now branded a lunatic based on the disjointed story emanating from the young man. Sergeant realized that Adama had earlier played pranks on him and raised alarm.
Before Adama could readjust himself to scheme a stratagem on Samson, the young man was surrounded by pensioners and some of their visiting relations. Indeed Adama had collected various sums of money from several victims, framing different stories each time. It was serious confrontation between the young rogue and a disciplined but ferocious angry mob of old pensioners.
Adama pleaded in all the languages that came readily to him. A police officer had by now intervened as Adam desperately for leniency. The young trickster was whisked away by the police officer. Numerous pensioners were astonished that a ragamuffin could infiltrate their ranks and inflict such losses on them. Victims were furious and dumbfounded.
It was obvious that pensioners from security services encountered challenge at stages of processing their pension entitlements but it was not a unique occurrence. Beneficiaries in other services including railway, shipping, airways and private sector organizations experienced delay in settlement of pension entitlements prior to the passing of the Pension Act into law.
It must be emphasized that with improved longevity, the population of pensioners have continued to grow rapidly in most countries. Analysts observed that pension budget competes vigorously with provisions for development in key public services. However it was envisaged that integration of contributory pension scheme with existing private sector investment vehicles and assurance policies will strengthen capability of Administrators to settle entitlements in favour of beneficiaries.
Sergeant Samson and many pensioners whose documents were certified
complete and authentic survived on high expectations especially when payment advice was being released. Indeed Samson eventually returned to Aluju where he intensified activities in multi crop and all year farming.
CHAPTER
15
Togba
Gara was the only son of his late parents.
Fifty eight year old Gara struggled through school to earn a degree in
Accounting. He married his early love,
Rebecca when she was nineteen years old.
The beautiful hard working lady was born in the village, Owara, few
kilometers from Jamata, situated by the massive bridge constructed on the River
Niger linking Southern and Northern Nigeria.
From the bridge, curious travelers could gaze at the direction of the
adjacent confluence of Rivers Niger and
Benue in Lokoja while also admiring the
range of mountains forming the Agbaja plateau along the motor way. The couple had two children, a young twenty
seven year old man, Tobi Gara and his sister, Cecilia twenty five yaer old
graduate of economics. Tobi worked in a
government Agency as Surveyor while the sister worked as Customer Service
Officer in a Commercial Bank. Old Tigba
Gara, their father, an only child wanted his own children to grow and multiply
without further delay. Gara was desirous
of cuddling grand children and possibly great grand children. His idea about this proposition was fixed;
there was no possibility of shifting ground.
Gara further insisted that he would look out for prospective suitors for
his two adult children, if they encountered hurdles in producing their heart
desires.
When
confronted by their fathe on the subject, the children were astonished. Gara had always repeated the family
circumstance of him, being an only child who must favour an enlarged
family. By Devine providence and God’s
love for him, he was enjoying the blessing of two children from his charming
wife, Rebecca. Uncomfortable about her
husband’s rigid stance on an issue that would shape the future of her children,
Rebecca admonished her spouse but Tigba was adamant and events unfolded.
Tobi
spent more time outside home inducing discomfort in the mother and the sister
who lamented on the sudden development in the young man’s withdrawal
habit. Unknown to members of his family,
Tobi had developed the concept of an ideal wife who must be elegant, endowed
with reasonable height; dark skinned and would be identified with beautiful set
of teeth. In addition, Tobi’s wife would
be intelligent and dynamic but not necessarily abrasive.
Cecilia,
the beautiful daughter in the house expected fate to take its course. She frequently lamented to friends, “How
could my father give me an ultimatum to present a suitor. Men must do the
talking first.” Not all friends agreed
with her. Cecilia did not possess the
temperament to impose her personality on people amongst whom she socialized.
Tobi
had gone out of the house in company of a number of friends. It was a pleasant day in a small garden
restaurant where the group of friends listened to music, lampooned major
esteemed characters muddling through major events in the country and concocting
ridiculous questions and answers on diverse social matters.
“Tell
us what a lady hates most in her life?” a young man giggled.
“A
lady detests a braggart who possesses an empty purse,” the sudden reply.
The
young people laughed as they all stared at a young lady walking around the open
restaurant. She wore a long dress,
probably searching for somebody she expected in the crowd. She ignored the combined attention on and
walked away.
The
friends were just out for a good time, exchanging banters and planning to
participate in more rewarding events including European league matches. On leaving the restaurant, Tobi proceeded
home where she met his mother as he entered the lounge.
“your
sister had returned early from work. She
did not tell me why she was not fully at work today,” Rebecca explained to her
son.
“She
may be tired. If she is watcing the
television, I will talk to her but if she is in bed, I will not disturb
her. How’s Dad?” Tobi enquired.
“The
man is ok. He is about who is marrying who.
He told me that though marriages are contracted in heaven, they could be
influenced on earth. I do not understand
what he means by all that,” Rebecca mused.
“Children
have occupied his mind since I grew up to be his son. He has forgotten that it was not his fault
that he was the only child of his parents.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about his circumstance. Papa is alive. That is our joy. We are not to
blame for his lack of siblings,”
“Why
do you talk about your father in that
type of language?” The man knows what he
wants and he has aright to complain,” Rebecca suggested.
“Not to me.
I cannot help him to realize his dreams. Both of you should have worked
harder but you shifted your responsibilities on us,” Tobi insinuate.
“Don’t
be foul boy. You cannot push something
out of an empty sack. It was enough effort getting the two of you. Just do what your father tells you,” Rebecca
insisted.
Tobi
ignored his mother, searched around for some food settled down, had a fill of
rice uninterrupted as he watched a comedy programme.
Tobi
and Cecilia had prepared in the morning for work. Their father, Tigba Gara had also risen ,
already on the breakfast table. On
sighting the young people, the father beckoned.
“My
young professionals, I hope you had a nice sleep and already to do today’s work
with all your strength, sincerity and knowledge,” old Gara expressed.
“Good
morning Dad,” Tobi saluted
“Good
morning Daddy,” Cecilia also greeted
“The
task you have assigned to us is more challenging than our paid employment. We don’t want your version of marriage and we
are not detectives to know where good Nigerian spinsters and bachelors reside,”
Tobi confronted his father.
“We
know. I have been receiving visitors,
men and women professing love to you
lucky children. These prospective
suitors may be serious or charlatans but I cannot sound more serious on the
subject matter. Your mother really wants
to carry and wash her grand children,”Gara persisted.
“Leave
mama out of this controversy. She did
not invent the idea of hush and multiple marriages. You are the mastermind,” Cecilia was rather
furious and Tigba interrupted.
“may
be the terms are not clear to both of you.
Tobi will bring an intelligent lady from a wealthy home. You, my dear daughter, Cecilia, you must
present a rich man. For the sake of
emphasis, my position is clear on issues.
I do not need to repeat the family circumstance. Both of you are growing and by the Grace of
God, you will multiply,”Gara was in prayer mood.
“You
have told us that several times but what is the urgency. By the way where do you get your ideas from?”
Tobi enquired
“ideas!
Hm, They are more than ideas. In Nigeria, people fly to the top because of
connection. You don’t clap at happy
marriages these days. You can’t identify
successful marriage until the couple have stayed together for years
quarrelling, making up, sometime separating, reuniting, really slogging it out
in Nigeria. So don’t argue with me. Do what I tell you,” Gara reemphasized
“What
a father!” Cecilia lamented.
“Was
mother imposed on him? This must be some
revenge with modification. By the way,
what’s on?” Tobi was rather stoic.
“You
know I have never really taken anybody serious, let alone to think about who
has what. Anyway take care. We will see
in the evening. Try to return home
early,” Cecilia advised.
“For
this joint project I will try to come home early, otherwise Papa will molest
hell out of you.
“What may this young man be searching for on this ground and in this compound?” Tigba Gara pondered aloud
Samani Bandoma pretended as he was not being addressed. He saluted Tigba Gara and his wife, Rebecca with utmost reverence by prostrating.
“Young man, you in ceremonious attire, must have missed your way to a carnival” Tigba suggested.
“Sir, I have arrived at my destination,” Bandoma replied with confidence.
“Are you dreaming, there is no festival in this compound and you are a complete stranger to us” Tigba stated with firm countenance.
“That is precisely why I am visiting during the day when the sun at work,” Bandoma sounded laconic.
“There is no stage for buffoonery here,” Tigba reprimanded the young man.
“I may just be the visitor you require now,” Bandoma persevered.
“That may have befallen the young man? He is confident of being on track. But it appears he has lost his way,” Tigba addressed his wife.
“your words may be in the air. You have one of the most beautiful spinsters on the estate,” Rebecca suggested.
“I am not staging a mock wedding here. I asked for an intelligent wealthy man for our daughter, not a charlatan,” Tigba was infuriated.
“It is just a first encounter and your initial impression. The man may be front. Keep your mind open,” Rebecca advised.
Bewildered, Tigba Gara’s mind wondered just as Samani Bandoma suddenly reappeared.
“Sir I need to confer with you privately. There is a matter that interests you which I can discuss,” Bandoma appealed to the old man.
“Are you an Agent or Principal?” Tigba was curious.
“My Agency has ceased to operate and I have never a school teacher. I could not have risen to head a school,” Bandoma responded to the question literally. Tigba Gara ignored the man’s vile language.
“You have my ears. Pour your mind into them,” Tigba conceded.
“how do I start? Ok. My feet have led me to your compound for one special favour,’’ Bandoma paused but continued “That will unfold. But I have com to add to your family riches. Your beautiful daughter is my better half,” Bandoma unveiled his aspiration.
“Let the heavens intervene. What is this half that you are talking about, young man? I cannot identify the good fortune that dwells here that you are capable of increasing but--- “ Tigba was interrupted
“My feet have never led me astray. I am sure you represent a man of wealth, influence and charisma. I wish to humbly inform you that I am endowed with the wherewithal to be your son in law,” Bandoma declared his objective.
“Rebecca! Rebecca! Come and be part of one in a life time rattling. The devil has sent an emissary to us. This young man is playing a husband role on a lady he has not set his eyes on,” Tigba exclaimed in desperation.
“How do you come into all that? Rebecca was calm
“Be patient to listen,” Tigba advised his wife.
“Papa is the grandfather of children and you are my mother in law,” Bandoma addressed Rebecca.
“Gentleman, are you dreaming? We have nothing to do with your children. I have never met you. I cannot be you mother anything,” Rebecca admonished Bandoma
Tigba Gara and his wife, Rebecca gazed at each other in utter shock. Samani Bandoma, though unperturbed, stared mouth agape, wondering why he was being misunderstood. He sauntered away.
“What can you make from the man’s speech,?“Tingba wondered
“rumour has spread that you want to give your daughter to a rich man,” Rebecca suggested.
“Must the suitor be a self proclaimed wealthy impostor?”
“This is Nigeria. You cannot easily read wealth from a man’s face. Ok may be by the car he drives or his family. But this one, we don’t know him from anywhere,” Rebecca lamented.
“Well, tell your daughter and son to act by my bidding,” Tingba teased his wife.
At a book launching, a lanky dark 32 year old man stood behind Cecilia, sampling copies of books on display. Suddenly, he called the lady in his front by her name. Cecilia was astounded, stared at him wondering how the young man recognized by name.
“Hello, how did you get my name?” Cecilia smiled as she enquired.
“Are you surprised or will you like to guess?--- in the boutique at Tudunwada,” Samson Yaro affirmed slowly and continued “just browsing, we need to see more often. What are you doing this evening?” he concluded with an apparent invitation
“Not much. Honestly I don’t really know,’ Cecilia was reluctant to continue the conversation.
‘Let us meet and chat over nothing,” Samson further suggested.
Both acquaintants smiled and fixed an appointment.
Raphael Babado, thirty year old man, devotee of the Gara family had stayed around the household for many years. He was a kleptomaniac, coveting whatever he regarded as good for a young man. Often he worked hard for personal advantage, especially acting on the gullibility of Tigba Gara.
“There is a beautiful lady I want to talk to you about,” Rapheel suggested to old Gara.
“what do you want do with a lady when you cannot mange your life. Or have you gone to take favours from her?” Tingba was inquisitive.
“No, Papa, She has been saying something I don’t quite understand. Whether she claims her parents know you or you will like to meet her,” Raphael indicated.
“Me, what for? I have nothing to do with young ladies. Raphy, I don’t know what you are up to with your stories.” Tingba appeared to rebuke Raphael
The young man left in pensive mood.
“Raphy said a young lady wants to see me. He was not specific,” Tingba informed his wife.
“Is she a Sales lady or an Insurance person?”Rebecca wondered
Raphael emerged with an astonishingly beautiful light skinned tall lady. She was introduced as Dorothy, about twenty years old.
“Good afternoon Sir, good afternoon Mummy,” the lady saluted on her knees.
Dorothy was warmly received by the old couple. Rebecca left the scene immediately.
“Yes, I am listening to you, young lady,” Tigba Gara confronted the lady.
“I am chief Balonwu’s daughter. My name is Dorothy”
“Ok, How are your parents? I have not seen your Dad for quite some time. How is he doing? Tigba Gara was in family disposition.
“My Dad is very fine. Raphael informed me that you would like to see me,” Dorothy declared calmly.
“Me! What is happening in this compound? Has Raphael lost his brain?” Tingba Gara explode.
“he said once I mention my parents’ names you will understand. He said you always mention that Chief Balonwu Idamote has a young daughter with good conduct,” Dorothy narrated her story.
Tigba Gara listened in astonishment as he declared, “Does what you heard from that rascally Raphael propel you to pay me a sudden visit. In any case, if I have a motive with the alleged statement, why must send Raphael instead of arranging to see your father? You can see that Raphael has disappeared. All the same, I must appreciate your visit; now I can recognize you wherever I see. You have grown into womanhood,” Tingba Gara teased Dorothy as the young lady departed.
Gara watched the Dorothy’s features and exiting gait with soliloquy;
“There are still young ladies around here. My boy, Tobi, does he walk around with his eyes closed?”
Tigba shouted his wife’s name twice, “Rebecca, Rebecca!”
“Any problem?” the wife responded unperturbed.
“Raphy and lady are up to something. Balonwu’s daughter asserted that Raphael said I invited her to the house,” the husband gazed at his listening spouse
“Did you mention your intention to see a young lady while Raphael was around you,? The wife enquired
“Does Raphael think that I will marry his choice of a woman for tobi? But the lady is beautiful. I did not know that Balonwu’s daughter has grown into a big lady, a spinster to be admired by young men in the community.” Tingba expressed in an uncommitted tone
“What do you want to do with Baolonwu’s daughter. You are searching for a rich man’s daughter as partner for your son” Rebecca reminded her husband.
“I am not Baponwu’s banker, so I would not know if he is rich or not but I know that he is well connected.
On the one hand the relationship between Tobi and Zar strengthened while Samson and Cecilia intensified their cooperation in small rewarding projects. Goma wondered around the Tingba Gara’s family compound with minimum attention from the family members. Rebecca Gara was in control of the desires of daughter and son just as tigba Gara was thrown in complete darkness on the marriage plan of his grown up children. As days and months rolled by Tigba and Rebecca Gara’s family enlarged and prospered. Tobi and Zara Gara, following their wedding, settled in the family compound, occupying prominent positions in decision processes including budget planning for the former and nutrition as well family hygiene for the latter. The betrothal of Samson and Cecilia consummated in a colourful wedding and the new enterprising family lived in an industrial cluster some few kilometres from the Gara family. Indeed Tingba and Rebecca Gara evolved into role model grandparents within their expanded communities.
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