Chapter-3
1061 Words
The hall was decorated gracefully, a large amount of joy floating through the air visibly. Gold and white drapes framed the walls, soft lights casting a warm glow over proud faces. Photographers clicked endlessly, capturing families frozen in joy.
Mothers adjusted caps, fathers straightened collars, siblings whispered prayers. These were children who had waited years for this moment, who had endured sleepless nights, borrowed faith, and stubborn hope.
The inductees processed into the hall slowly, humility sitting on their shoulders beside triumph. Blue caps. Blue gowns. A bold line of red running down each robe, making them look almost royal. For many, it felt unreal, like stepping into a dream they had once whispered to themselves in moments of doubt.
Avva walked steadily, her heart pounding. She searched the crowd instinctively, eyes locking with her mother’s. Mrs. Mary Oyibo smiled, nodding gently, pride softening her tired face. Avva inhaled deeply. We made it, she thought.
The master of ceremonies announced the speech.
Avva stepped forward... And she started
“Many Greetings to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor,
To our HOD of Medicine,
To the Board of the Medical Directors,
To the professors of the School of Medicine,
To my fellow inductees, families, and friends.”
She paused, scanning the hall.
“I stand here today with great delight and even greater gratitude. Nothing about this journey was easy. There were nights we cried, moments we doubted ourselves, and days we wanted to quit. But with God, every storm became nothing but a stepping stone.”
Soft murmurs of agreement spread.
“On behalf of my distinguished colleagues, we say thank you to everyone who walked with us through this season of our lives.”
She smiled.
“We will miss it… but we do not hope to come back to it.”
The hall erupted in laughter.
“We are excited for the wonderful things ahead. The world will hear us, and lives will be preserved. Today, I want to especially thank my mother ; Mrs. Mary Oyibo. Mummy, I will not disappoint you. Your sacrifices are bearing fruit now. I love you.”
She swallowed.
“And to every guardian present, thank you for holding us up.”
Applause thundered as Avva bowed gracefully.
Dr Avva Oyibo,
Final year chairman.
Then, it was time.
Mothers dabbed their eyes. Fathers lifted their chins proudly. Some students swallowed hard, realizing this wasn’t a dream anymore. The hall fell into a holy silence.
The inductees rose. White coats glowed under warm lights. Slowly, they lifted their right hands some steady, some trembling.
The officiating doctor stepped forward.
The oath began.
Their voices followed, firm and united.
“I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity.”
“The health and well-being of my patient will be my first consideration.”
“I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession and respect human life at all times.”
When the final words settled, the room exploded cheers, tears, laughter, relief... This time
It was official.
They were now Doctors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Avva rushed into her mother’s arms, sobbing freely.
“Mummy… can Daddy see us now? We did it. Thank you. I won’t let you down. This is just the beginning.”
Her mother held her tightly, whispering through tears, “Oghene w’vẹkọbirọ.”
Thank You, God.
Suddenly, murmurs rippled across the hall.
Kelvin... now Dr. Kelvin, walked toward the stage, smiling too brightly.
Cameras rose.
Avva turned sharply to Jasmine. “You know about this?”
Jasmine’s eyes widened. “Me? I thought you knew! He’s been strange since morning.”
Kelvin cleared his throat.
“Thank you, Chief, for allowing me do this today. I know this is meant to be professional… but this is important too.”
The hall hummed.
“I’m not much of an epistle guy,” he said, blushing, “but if I had to explain how much I love you, I’d say this.”
Silence fell.
“Dear Sunshine, I can’t hold a day strong without loving you. The moon is beautiful, but the stars make it glorious. You are my star. Not my second half, my whole journey.”
People gasped.
“If you walk out of this hall as my wife, I’ll be blessed for eternity.”
Friends walked in carrying flowers and gifts.
“Jasmine Okotir,” Kelvin continued, “you’ll look radiant in your wedding gown with a stethoscope around your neck.”
Laughter burst out.
He knelt.
“Will you marry me?”
Jasmine froze.
Avva nudged her gently, whispering, “We didn’t just become doctors today, you’re about to become a wife too.
He’s waiting, fish head.”
Jasmine walked forward, heart racing. Half angry. Fully in love. She planned to kill him and kiss him, maybe kill him later.
“Yes,” she said.
Kelvin exhaled loudly, kissing her forehead, cheeks, nose, hands.
“I almost thought I did too much.”
“Well… I love too much,” Jasmine muttered.
“Thank you, Doc,” Kelvin whispered, holding her tight.
The hall erupted again.
Tems’ voice flooded the speakers.
“Love me jeje, love me tender…”
The crowd screamed.
Mrs. Oyibo’s phone rang.
“Mama!” the voice yelled.
“Daddy K, everywhere dey noisy o. Send me text, abeg,” she replied, ending the call quickly.
Hugs continued. Congratulations flew everywhere.
“My girl, congratulations,” Mrs. Oyibo said, hugging Jasmine warmly.
Her phone buzzed.
A message appeared.
“Mama… the pikin no survive o.”
Her smile vanished.
And suddenly, the noise felt very far away.
- Writer
