By: Rosie

I live in the second largest female hostel in Africa… hmmm, okay; I know you will shine eyes so argue with your eyes (wink).

So to the main gist for this week, when I gained admission into higher institution to study the course of my choice that hasn’t been altered by my village people. My family members were filled with unreserved excitement especially my Mum, I ate special food that night with at least five meats, ah! eminikan tan (only me) it is good to gain admission niyen, abi? I should be gaining admission every month ni, my siblings were looking at me like a sepe this aunty is wobiliki wobia (glutton), na dem sabi, in my mind I was feeling like assistant Professor Soyinka as per se isssnor easy to read, pass and gain admission to University.

It was time for resumption, my parent called me to their room, they began their advisory duty, Dad had few words to say; “Bunmi, my daughter, make me proud”; Mum started hers from when the Israelites betrayed God and many of them were struck dead, I was like “I’m going to school o and not to the battle field”, but can I say that out loud? No o, I cannor comman receive packaged sent forth slap before leaving the house so I had to pretend I was listening with keen interest.

After advising and telling all the bible stories for two hours, she said; “I don’t have anything to say……sogbo mi, just know the child of whom who you are…” Me that was already tired of the history, I replied yes Mummy. Then the advisory session ended with prayers led by Mum.
In Jesus Name, my Father, My Father thank you for putting my enemies to shame, thank you for the privilege to be called Iya omo ile iwe giga, may your name be exalted Baba.
Let your presence go with Bunmi, evil friends will not know my daughter’s room number, every arrows of her father’s village people, Holy Ghost fire them back in hundred folds
She will know books more than her lecturers. Loruko Jeeesu la gbadura (In Jesus Name we pray) and we all chorused AMEN.

Then, Mummy sprinkled prayer water on me and asked me to take few gulp. My dad eventuarry rescued me from mummy’s prayer and Africa Mother sentiments: Tunde, Sola and Dupe help your sister carry her luggage to the car and make sure you arrange it well o.

My siblings did that joyfully as if they’ve gotten rid of one wicked general …..what’s my own, they can feel anyhow they want because it will soon be their turn, I sha gave them my own instruction; “Sola, Dupe, you guys must not touch the clothes in my wardrobe and you mustn’t sleep on my sacred bed o.

After an hour of driving, we got to my hall of residence safely. We alighted from the car and my siblings offloaded my things, I heard Mum shouting at Sola to be careful with the soup.

One of the women that works in the hall carried my heavy bag after negotiating her fee with Mum, I bade Dad farewell and he hugged me tightly and whispered to my ear that I know you won’t disappoint me and I responded affirmatively that I won’t by God’s grace.

I hugged my siblings and told them to face their studies, they told me to face my studies too…. Ah! awon omo yi yaf spoil finish, who employed them to the advisory council. After the emotional ceremony, Mummy sha insisted she must follow me to my room… Okay now, let’s go, when we got to the porter’s lodge, the porters on duty were smiling joyously as if they are marketing for Herbal toothpaste

“E pele ma, e ku orire o, e ma jeun omo pe” (weldone ma, congratulations and you shall eat the fruit of your labour).

Mummy opened her bag swiftly as if they have press her mumu botton “E se gan ni o, modupe” (thank you so much and I’m grateful) she brought out five 500 naira notes and told them to buy soft drink with it.

Ahhhhh! Thank you ma, what is your name fine girl? One of them asked. Sheepishly smiling; “Oluwabunmi Adesola”, I replied. ”You’re welcome Bunmi, if you need any help, let me know, I will gladly help since your Mum and I are from the same hometown so we are like sisters now” Waoh! Now now now, you haf turn to my Aunty because of soft drink money…. Money is good o, well, after all the unnecessary familiarity, I and my Mum proceeded to my room, she surveyed the room, told me where I should put my things. “Mum let me do my things my way”, “okay o motigbo e (I’ve heard you) you must not misplace or break your buckets just like your usual manner of breaking the ones at home, I bought the same colour of buckets for you and you must not be careless with your things, keep your belongings well”.

Look “Come give me a hug my darling, I’ll be praying for you, you’re blessed dear…” she wanted to start another session of prayers when her phone rang.

O pe o (Thank God o), Dad called her because they have to take their leave since it was getting late. I bade her bye and I was almost shedding tears.

WILL BUNMI BE FRIENDS WITH HER ROOMMATES? WILL SHE MISPLACE HER BUCKETS? WILL SHE DISPLAY HER ACT OF CARELESSNESS?

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUNMI ENCOUNTER NEXT WEEK…. SEE YOU SOON.