It was a pristine morning and there seemed to be a rush, people were in a hurry to stock their homes with foodstuffs. The Federal Government had declared late in the evening on Sunday that there will be a restriction of movement in Ogun state for fourteen days, due to the state’s proximity to Lagos state, the central economic hub of the country.
I’d find myself embracing the reality of the lockdown as I searched for the nearest mart. As I walked briskly towards my destination, a dark skinny bike man appeared in the distance and as soon as he drew close, he softly demanded, “Aunty, ‘se ẹ n lọ?”” (Aunty, are you going?)
” No!” I answered, “I prefer a cab”.
Motorcyclists in Abeokuta are notorious for riding as if they have spare lives in their pouches.
After waiting for a comfortable cab to no avail, I pouted my lips in an attempt to make a sound to beckon to him. Instantly, it occurred to me that I am a learner as regards whistling… no sound came. After many attempts, I succeeded in making a whistling sound that could barely pass for one, as it was too low and was unable to draw the attention of the motorcyclist.
A dark young girl who observed my unproductive efforts and was much closer to him assisted me in signalling to him.”Broda won pe yin.” (Brother, you are being summoned).
“Aunty, where you dey go?”
I described my route to him. After haggling a bit, I mounted the motorcycle, no sooner had we started the journey… “Aunty, you won’t believe I prayed all night just for them to allow us to work today,” he informed me.
“I have got a container of beans, rice and pepper at home for my three kids. At least whatever I make at the end of the day, I will use it to buy more foodstuffs like garri, salt, onions, and Maggi”.
”What of their mother?” I asked him.
“She has left me, she is married to a bricklayer now, she is even pregnant.”
“Haa!” I exclaimed. I was short of words. This prompted me to probe further, “So, who do you leave the children with?”
” I leave them with one of our area mummies at home.”
The harsh reality of the average man on the street dawned on me. With his plight and prevailing pandemic, I knew that whatever he is able to make will not last a week!
How do we survive with this stay at home policy? There are many people whose means of survival are on a daily basis. They have “daily dependants”.
“What is the Ogun state government doing to ease this burden on these set of people?”My heart kept on begging for answers.
Thankfully, it seems the prayer of my motorcyclist was answered that night because the lockdown was postponed till Friday for the people in Ogun State to stock up their kitchens.
We are aware a lot of people do not have the financial ability or resources to stock up food, as a result of this We @
LADIES CONNECT INITIATIVE in partnership with GRACIOUS SOULS
Presents FOOD HUB
The Hub is to provide food and reliefs to indigent women and children in Abeokuta, Ogun state, to cushion the effect of lockdown arising from the dreaded global pandemic – coronavirus.
Donations are open in cash or food items.
You can send your monetary donation to this account number
2103047146 UBA ACCOUNT
Adeoti Adebola Tolulope
For your food supply, please call/ Whatsapp 08161653092Tolu
08034659064 Tobi
…let’s feed the vulnerable
