Coming to Ajegunle

Amaka was a very smart and beautiful young girl who had just graduated from the university in Abraka, Delta State. Ever since she was a little girl, Amaka had dreamed of visiting Lagos. To her, Lagos was the city of dreams — a place where anything could happen and where she could finally experience life beyond her small community. Now, that dream was finally coming true. Amaka had been posted to Lagos State for her NYSC, and surprisingly, her place of primary assignment was Ajegunle. The day before her journey, Amaka and her two closest friends, Ngozi and Stella, gathered under the big mango tree at the village square. It was the same place where they had spent countless afternoons talking, laughing, and dreaming about their futures. Amaka sat between her friends, smiling excitedly. Amaka: Finally, girls! I’m going to Lagos for my NYSC tomorrow! Ngozi immediately became emotional. Her eyes filled with tears. Ngozi: Wow, babe… I’m really going to miss you. She wiped her tears, trying hard not to cry. Stella looked at Amaka with concern. Stella: Babe, please be careful, o. My aunt who lives in Lagos always tells me stories about how some Lagos people behave. And you know the place you were posted to? She paused dramatically. Stella: Ajegunle! Amaka laughed softly. Amaka: I know, Stella. I’ve heard a lot about Ajegunle too. But don’t worry. I’ll be very careful. Besides, this is Lagos! I’ve always dreamed of coming here. She smiled confidently, trying to reassure her friends. Ngozi shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ngozi: If you say so… but babe, I’m really going to miss you. Amaka moved closer and gently wiped Ngozi’s tears. Amaka: Aww, don’t cry. I won’t ever forget you guys. No matter how far away I am, you two will always be my girls. The three friends looked at each other silently for a moment. Then, they pulled each other into a tight embrace. For a few seconds, nobody said a word. They simply held on to each other, knowing that after tomorrow, everything would change. Amaka had no idea that the journey she was about to begin would become one of the biggest turning points of her life. And tomorrow… she was coming to Ajegunle.