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That night at the park where I was patiently waiting to board a night bus to Jos in Plateau state, Nigeria; I sat on one of the chairs provided by GIG Motors Limited. I had no money on me that I could use to buy the necessary things like water and food and I didn't want to bother anyone with my problems. Going to the North was a tough decision I made. It was an invitation to a lucrative job that made me go on that journey.
Jemila on oxblood short gown on her visit to Lagos in 2019
Two hours later, we started boarding. My seat partner was a young beautiful Kanuri lady whom I Iater found out was into clothing and footwear.
Hi bro. Good evening. Hope you are good. My name is Jemila. It's nice to sit next to you.
She was all lively as she introduced herself to me. I had no choice but to reciprocate the good gesture.
Hello. You are welcome on board. My name is Kacey and it's my first time going up north. I sincerely hope for a smooth ride.
We chatted for the first hour of the journey. Then, people brought out their food to eat. Since I had nothing, I looked away. Jemila bought a lot of food, different types. When she noticed that I was eating anything, she offered me a bottle of Coke and a full pack of Kilichi. Kilichi is a locally processed meat with sauce. It is mostly made in the north. I simply couldn't resist it. Gladly, I accepted the gift and munched it away in no time. Hunger had arrested me until I was presented with the mouth-watering delicacy.
Jemila, you'd have to help me direct me to the ministry of health in Jos city.
I told Jemila. She has resided in the city all her life and you can tell from that that she can find her way around.
That won't be a problem.
It was a smooth ride to Jos. Ten hours later, we were in the city. The whole place was peaceful and quiet, only that it was snowy. We exchanged phone numbers and agreed to keep in touch. It dawned on me that I hadn't any money for my upkeep for the two days training I came for.
Again, Jemila saw my countenance. She was so observant that she asked:
Is anything the problem, Kacey?
I bowed my head, thinking I could relate my predicament to her. If I keep it to myself, I may not be assisted. Ao, I decided to share.
Seriously, I have been going through a financial challenge. As I speak to you, I do not have anything to feed on.
She smiled at me, reached for her purse and handed me some Naira note. She didn't bother to count. All she said was:
Since you are staying for two days, this would do.
I have never met someone like Jemila. She was just so open-hearted and kind. So, we went different directions. I concluded the training and was posted back to Lagos to the liaison office of the agency. Before leaving Jos city, I called on Jemila to say a word of thanks and appreciation.
Long story short. This happened about six years ago. But till now, we still keep in touch. I assist Jemila from time to time to buy her wares in the market in Lagos and waybill to her in Jos. I make some money from this and it has kept our friendship going.
Jemila strike a pose with me and my sister-in-law at magistrate court arena in Lagos
Last December, during the yuletide, I sent a box of gifts containing a wristwatch, perfume and a pen to Jemila. It was just to say thank you. My package to her was still on the way when a goodie bag sent all the way from Jos was delivered at my doorstep by this same amazing Jemila. She did change the general perception that ladies from the north are always hostile. I think that people should always consider individual differences when interacting. This northern lady is just another species.
•All images used in this publication are mine. Permission must be sorted from me before usage
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