Halima
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It was dusk by the time Obidiko arrived at Ofodiri Umunnakwe's compound. He found him sitting alone in front of his mud hut, gazing reflectively out into the distance. The sounds of pestle and mortar, mingled with women's voices were coming from the back, as Nwakaku, his wife, prepared a late dinner. She was a kind hearted, boisterous woman, who was quite notorious for her late cooking. Rumor had it that one day, soon after Nwaka, as she was called for short, had gotten married, she had gone to plait her hair at a friend's house and forgot about the evening meal. By the time she came back and started cooking, it was so dark that one couldn't tell one finger from the other. Passers-by who inquired of her why she cooked so late were told that the goat had gotten to the dinner before she had a chance to serve it, thus she had to cook all over. The next day, a few older men advised the new husband, Ofodiri, to beat his wife a little, this would help shape her up, they said. But Ofodiri was a quiet man who did not believe in violence, besides; he loved his wife very much in spite of her ways. Ofodiri was jolted out of his reverie by Obidiko's approach just as his young daughter, Nneka, came to inform him that supper was ready. “Tell your mother to bring some kolanuts, I believe we have a visitor, please sit down”. Ofodiri motioned towards an empty stool to his right. “Good evening sa”, Obidiko greeted as he climbed off his bicycle. He waited till Ofodiri had prayed over the traditional orji or kolanut. The two men chewed for a while in silence, before Obidiko cleared his throat as if ready to speak. Ofodiri waited expectantly. “Here is a letter for you, it seems like it has traveled a long way to get here”, Obidiko presented the rusty brown envelope, opening it carefully to reveal its' contents. “It is from the examination council in Ozala and it says that your son Nnanna, has passed the secondary school common entrance examination with distinction. He has been offered a scholarship to go to government college, Ozala. Ofodiri Umunnakwe beamed with pleasure, then asked cautiously, “but what exactly is this scholarship they have given to my son?” Obidiko explained that it meant he would not have to worry about paying for Nnanna's school fees at all, except to give him money for books and food. At this point, Ofodiri called his wife, Nwaka, to come and share the good news their visitor had brought. As could be expected, the elated woman could not keep the good news to herself, but proceeded to clap and sing in happiness at the top of her lungs. This alerted the neighbors, and soon, an excited crowd had gathered to join in the rejoicing. Questions were asked and answers were given a thousand times. The women had formed a circle with one chosen to lead the singing as they danced, swaying from side to side, and clapping their hands in excitement. Their excitement was indeed justified, for it was quite difficult to get into the government college, and moreover, Nnanna, had set an example for other young people in the village. In fact, other villages like Umukochi, Ementa, and Abanta hadn't produced anybody in the past two years who made it to the prestigious college.
Palm wine and dried fish were brought and passed around, and everybody was happy, until someone asked the important question, “but where is Nnanna?”. It was obvious that the primary celebrant was nowhere near the compound, otherwise he would have come to find out what the excitement was all about. “I shall go and look for Nnanna, I think I know where to find him, Ike, one of Nnanna's several friends volunteered. A chorus of voices rang out, “me too”, “I shall go too”. Within a short time, a company of people made up of a few young men and boys, set off along the dusty road leading away from Ofodiri Umunnakwe's compound. The forest was calm except for the chirping of the birds among the trees. Tall trees, some of them half covered with green creepers and vines, loomed in the distance. Nnanna could feel his foot steps resounding along the lonely forest path. He crept stealthily onwards, holding his catapult ready to shoot a bird or small animal of some sort. He stopped short for a moment, wiping his sweaty brow with the palm of his hand. He retraced his footsteps to return to the village, then he remembered that he had forgotten to check his bush rat traps. It had not been a very lucky evening for Nnanna, who loved to set traps for little animals or listen to the birds and monkeys in his spare time. He was quite skilled with his catapult, and often brought home meat of some kind. Tonight, all the animals seemed to be in hiding, or else the bush spirits were playing some prank on him. As he went towards his traps, he thought he heard his name being called from a distance, very faintly. A sudden fear gripped him as he remembered his father's warning never to stay in the forest till nightfall. Pausing for a moment, he stood still. After reassuring himself that it must be his imagination, and besides, he had just completed the trying difficult circumcision/initiation rites which made him a man, meaning he mustn't be afraid, he continued towards the traps. Just as he reached the first one, which looked quite empty, he heard his name being called quite loud and clear. Nna-Nna!. This time, Nnanna didn't pause to think for a moment, for who could be calling his name at such an hour and such a place except for one of the Ndimmuo, or bush spirits. He ran as fast as he could for dear life. Puffing and panting, he pushed aside vines and branches as he aimed for the path leading directly to the first row of houses in the village. The search party, lead by Ike, was heading down the forest path. Ugonna, one of Nnanna's friends, and also the loudest of the group, was given the task of calling his name. A few of the others carried lighted torches. Suddenly, Nnanna burst out as if from nowhere, running with all his might. Before anyone could help it, he collided forcefully into Ike, sending them both sprawling onto the dusty path. “It was a spirit”! Nnanna gasped as soon as he could catch his breath, while everyone stared at him amazed, and speechless. Ugonna was the first one to get his tongue back, “where did you see it, and what did it look like?”. Also, what was it wearing, and what did it say to you?”. “Shut up,”, Oko bellowed out irritably, “Can't you ask one question at a time?”. Okay Nnanna, tell us what was chasing you?” Ike sat up slowly, rubbing his forehead as everyone listened to Nnanna's story. At the end of it, someone burst out laughing, hee-hee, haa-haa!. Before they knew it, everyone had joined in the laughter. Nnanna was at first surprised, then angry, “I say I heard something in the bush, and you laugh at me. What kind of laughter is this?”. “Maybe, Ugonna was the spirit that spoke to you in the bush today”, Ike managed to say in-between guffaws. “Quite right. I always said Ugonna's loud mouth could drive one senseless”. Oko added. Ugonna glared at him. "Quit acting like a bunch of girls and tell Nnanna why we are here, someone called out”. Indeed, locally it was believed that only girls were known for such incessant talk and squabble, though this was quite understandable, since their tongues were tied too loosely to the roofs of their mouths. At this, Ike commenced to relate all the previous events to Nnanna, and soon, they all set off for the village together.
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About the Book
Halima is
it as they raise their son, the future. Old traditions which cripple positive change, are modified to fulfill this task. Halima also illustrates the joys of sisterhood, and brotherhood, as the country Nigeria, the continent of Africa, and the entire world, usher in the new era of Globalization, beyond ethnic boundaries.
About the Author
Mercy Ngozi Alu, is from Afikpo, formerly in Imo State, and currently in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Her early studies through late secondary school were in Eastern Nigeria. She then studied English in the University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, U.SA. , further graduate studies in Law, University of Illinois College of law Champaign, U.S.A; and earned a Master's of Business Administration from the Keller Institute of Management. Her interest in African literature was reignited as she taught English as an Adjunct Faculty, Argosy University, Schaumburg, Illinois, U.S.A. She believes that Education is important in finding solutions to the challenges facing the African Continent, and the world at large. She also believes in encouraging and supporting youth to develop their talents, because they are the future. One of her favorite activities, is writing and recording music. Her music supports research in Africa, and the rebuilding of schools in ravaged regions. The inspiration for Halima came, as a result of her musical inclinations, in recording her third album, «Chidimma ». In her own words : » My search opened my eyes even further, to how much more similar we all are, as people, rather than dissimilar . I wish to thank you, my readers, for your inspiration as well. You are the reason why this book was written, and without you, it would be of little or no consequence. I wish to thank my little daughter, Ezinne, for giving me a break now and then, in order to complete this book. A special thanks to Nairaland online forum for clarifications on various Hausa names and traditions. I also wish to thank my late grandmother, Mama Chinyere Ijeoma, for her stories and inspiration. She tirelessly told stories most evenings, on a mat under the starry African sky, to her grandchildren. May this book allow you to pass the gift of storytelling on to others, along with its' rich African history and traditions, and the hope for a brighter future and a better world « »