THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 13

  THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 13

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

The seer anticipated the King's arrival each day to conduct the purification rituals, yet Igwe III from the Amazu Accent Kingdom failed to appear.

Enraged by his disregard for her healing powers, she placed a curse on the King for his mockery.

She cautioned Elder Agu to exclude her from any future matters concerning the King, before leaving in sorrow.

Eight days later, the monarch of Umuazu Accent Kingdom passed away, joining his ancestors.

His death stirred a commotion throughout the entire community and its surroundings.

While the elders convened to arrange the King's burial, disagreements prevented them from reaching a unanimous decision.

Elder Agu accused Nze Okoro (Mma’s father) of contributing to the King's demise by inviting a Catholic priest for healing, sparking a conflict among the elders who supported Nze Okoro.

Following the funeral, the Onuowu assumed control over the community affairs as the prime minister, in anticipation of the next King's coronation.

Adanne sought Nze Okoro to discuss his impending coronation.

Adanne suggested that Nze Okoro should first reconcile his family by bringing back his daughter Mma and grandchild.

She reminded him of his profound knowledge of the kingdom's customs, particularly regarding children born outside marriage, who are integrated into the mother’s family.

Nze Okoro was silent, regretful of his decision to support his wife in ostracizing their only daughter.

Adanne pointed out that Mma’s situation could turn into a blessing if her child is a boy, ensuring a successor for Nze Okoro’s future kingship.

Adanne, expressing her concern as his only sister, urged him to contact their cousin in the city who might know Mma’s whereabouts.

Nze Okoro acknowledged her advice, mentioning that the Reverend Father gave him similar counsel to reunite with his daughter.

Immediately, he phoned his cousin in the city, though their conversation yielded no positive leads on Mma’s whereabouts.

They expanded their search to the neighboring communities in hopes of finding her.

Nze Okoro was tormented by sleepless nights, pondering the fate of his daughter and whether she would ever forgive him and her mother.

READ EPISODE 14

THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 12

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

Overwhelmed with emotion, she began to cry as she started recounting her ordeal with the gatekeeper.

With a heart laden with sorrow, Mma managed to narrate her experience.

"It's not your fault, Mma," Ejike offered comfort. He then inquired, "How is your son? I met him at your workplace years ago."

"He's doing very well," responded Mma.

Attempting to lift her spirits, Ejike suggested she eat something. Mma declined, expressing her desire to depart immediately.

"Why not inform my gatekeeper he has a child with you?" Ejike proposed.

"I want to leave. There’s no point in telling him now. He ruined my life, leading to my parents disowning me. When I returned seeking him, he was nowhere to be found," Mma stated angrily.

"All I need now is a decent job to support myself and a place to live," Mma added.

"We have an opening in my company for a receptionist, and regarding accommodation, you can stay at my place," Ejike offered.

"Thank you so much for the job offer. However, I cannot stay at your place," Mma respectfully declined.

Mma’s phone rang with Adaora on the line, "Where are you, Mma? I'm here with our friend Eriana. Let's go out together."

The reunion of the three best friends was nothing short of joyous.

It was a much-needed diversion for Mma, helping her to momentarily forget her woes.

Eriana proposed helping Mma start her own business and even offered to rent an apartment for her. This gesture greatly lifted Mma's spirits. Adaora then took her on a shopping spree.

Mma's inherent beauty made her stand out amongst her peers.

Ejike reached out to Mma on a Sunday evening.

"I've not had any communication from you regarding the job since you left. I hope everything is alright," Ejike added.

"I'm terribly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I have decided to start my own business instead. Nonetheless, I'm truly grateful for your offer and your kindness during my difficult times," Mma explained.

From then on, Mma and Ejike struck up a friendship.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you this happy," Adaora observed during a visit to Mma's workplace, noticing her joyful demeanor.

"Welcome, Adaora. What can I offer you?" Mma greeted her.

"I'm fine, thank you. But do tell, who was that on the phone that had you all smiles?" Adaora asked curiously.

"Oh, that was just a friend I was chatting with on the phone, nothing significant," Mma replied lightly.

"Okay, oh," chuckled Adaara, as they both erupted in laughter.

READ EPISODE 13

THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 11

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

Adaora, one of Mma’s childhood friends, encountered her at the hospital while she was there to visit her very ill boss.

Their greeting was warm, filled with joy at seeing each other for the first time in over13 years since they had parted ways for secondary school.

“How have you been, Mma?” inquired Adaora.

“My dear, I’m doing quite well, although my madam’s illness is worsening by the day. I have so much to catch up on with you,” Mma responded.

Throughout their meeting, Mma and Adaora reminisced about the past, and their conversation stretched on for a while. Before parting ways, they exchanged contacts.

“By the way, have you been in contact with Eriana, our friend?” Mma questioned.

“Yes, we live in the same estate. She’s happily married with two children and owns one of the biggest supermarkets in this city, Eriana-Supermarket. She married a wealthy man,” Adaora replied.

“I’m truly happy for her. I would love to get her contact from you before you leave,” Mma expressed eagerly.

“How's your child? I’m really sorry about how your parents reacted to your pregnancy. Eriana and I tried visiting you, but your mom turned us away, branding us birds of a feather,” reflected Adaora.

“It's all in the past now. Raising a child at16 wasn’t easy, but he’s grown now. I named him ‘Nkem’, meaning ‘My Own’. He’s currently in secondary school under a scholarship,” revealed Mma.

Four days later, a call from the hospital led Mma to rush over immediately.

“Doctor, how is my madam?” Mma inquired urgently.

“Please calm down, young lady,” the doctor replied soothingly.

“We did our best, but unfortunately, she didn’t make it,” the doctor added somberly.

Upon hearing of her boss’s demise, Mma fainted, only to awaken later on a hospital bed. It was then that her Madam’s relatives, who had been absent throughout the illness, began to arrive.

When Mma tried to contact Adaora, she found her phone switched off. Eriana’s husband answered the call, but Mma, overwhelmed and unsure what to say, ended the call abruptly.

The loss of her boss plunged Mma into a state of despair. Suddenly homeless and jobless, she found herself utterly stranded.

In desperation, she remembered a business card a customer had given her some time back. With no other options, she made the call but was too overwhelmed with grief to speak.

When the customer called back and Mma answered, she managed to say, “It’s Mma, the POS lady you gave your card,” before ending the call abruptly.

The young man found Mma in her state of distress. “What happened?” he asked with concern.

Mma was too distraught to respond.

Upon their arrival at the man’s house, the gatekeeper greeted them with “Oga, welcome.”

As Mma stepped out of the car, she found herself face to face with the gate man who had fathered her child13 years prior. Speechless, they stared at each other, caught in a moment of disbelief.

“Do you two know each other?” the man inquired, sensing the tension.

“It’s a long story,” Mma replied, hinting at the depth of their unexpected reunion.

READ EPISODE 12

THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 10

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

During the meeting, the drama unfolded as the elders were unable to reach a final decision on the solution for the King's health, leading to the meeting's end due to misunderstandings among them.

Nze Okoro offered his suggestion based on his beliefs. "We all know he's a devoted member of the Catholic faith," remarked one of the elders as they walked towards their homes.

The next day, at their rescheduled meeting, the elders were divided. Supporters of Nze Okoro proposed inviting a Catholic priest, while others sided with Elder Agu to call upon a powerful seer.

The simultaneous arrival of both the Catholic priest and the seer was coincidental.

"May the peace of the Lord be with this household," declared the Catholic priest as he entered to pray over the King.

Meanwhile, the seer performed rituals outside. After concluding, she announced a seven-day period of purification and cleansing, after which she claimed the King would be healed.

After the Catholic priest finished his prayers, he proceeded to sprinkle Holy water outside the house, blessing the elders gathered there. However, Elder Agu and a few others frowned at this gesture. Suddenly, the seer cried out, "Abomination! Abomination! Abomination!" as the priest inadvertently sprinkled Holy water on her before leaving.

Three days later, the King's recovery brought joy to the community, with some attributing the miracle to the Catholic priest and others to the seer.

The debate spread across the community. Nze Okoro and his supporters attended Thanksgiving in the church, while Elder Agu and the others awaited the completion of the seer's seven-day purification process. However, the King declined to participate in the purification since he had already recovered.

"Long live the King," greeted Onuowu, expressing happiness for the King's recovery but suggesting the completion of the purification. The King, angered, forbade Onuowu from ever raising the matter again.

READ EPISODE 11

 

THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 9

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

Nze Okoro is the younger brother of the King, Eze Igwe III, ruling over the Amazu Accent Kingdom.

On the cool evening of the Orie Market day, the town crier made rounds within the community announcing an urgent meeting for the elders scheduled for the following day.

The urgency of the summons was due to the King's deteriorating health. Compounding the concern around the King's ailment is his lack of an heir.

Contrary to customs and traditions that advocate for multiple wives, the King upheld a belief in monogamy, refusing to marry a second wife.

Despite being childless, the King seemed unconcerned, even as the Council of Elders implored him to seek a solution, advice he chose to ignore.

On the other hand, his younger brother, Eze Okoro, had a single child whom he disowned in a moment of folly.

Nze Okoro, Mma’s father, departed early in the morning to attend the elders’ meeting.

During the meeting, the Onuowu emphasized the pressing need to find a cure for the King.

An elder from Umudara village proposed consulting a powerful priest who could offer a remedy.

"In that case, I will extend an invitation to our Catholic priest to offer prayers for the King," suggested Nze Okoro.

"Please, sit down if you have no substantive contribution," commanded the Onuowu. "This isn't a church service; we are discussing the wellbeing of your elder brother, the King."

Elder Agu rose, greeted the assembly saying, "Fellow elders, I extend my greetings to you all."

"There is a renowned seer from a neighboring community who might disclose the antidote we seek," Elder Agu proposed.

The meeting ended without consensus, with some elders siding with Nze Okoro, while others favored Elder Agu's suggestion.

They decided to reconvene the following day.

As they dispersed, several elders criticized Eze Okoro for not practicing what he preached.

"How can you renounce your only child for the past13 years without even inquiring about her well-being?" Elder Agu criticized.

"Mind your words. Need I remind you, Nze Okoro is next in line for the throne. The King's lack of an heir and whether Eze Okoro’s daughter is present or not does not impede his ascension," advised one of the elders.

READ EPISODE 10

 THE STORY OF MMA EPISODE 8

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

Mma’s parents never showed concern for her well-being, indicating a clear disownment. A relative named Adanne frequently inquired about Mma's situation. During Eke market day, she approached Mma's mother to ask about her, but her questions were met with anger and dismissal.

Adanne confronted them, saying, "You and your husband should not have cast aside your only child for being pregnant13 years ago; you still show no concern for whether your daughter and grandchild are alive."

"How dare you speak to me that way," retorted Mma's mother.

"Perhaps I am foolish for speaking the truth so bluntly, but tell me, when you fell pregnant with Mma, were your parents as unforgiving, or did they not welcome your husband when he came to marry you?" Adanne countered.

"At least I was married when I had my daughter, who to this day has not named the father of her child," Mma’s mother responded defensively.

The argument escalated into a near-physical altercation but they were eventually separated.

Upon returning home, Mma's mother lashed out at her husband, demanding he warn his sister Adanne to stay out of their affairs, threatening retaliation if she was publicly insulted again.

Her husband, puzzled, asked, “What happened?”

“I don't have the time to explain. Just make sure Adanne stays out of our business,” she replied dismissively.

Days later, Adanne visited to speak directly with her brother, Mma’s father.

“I was about coming over to your house because my wife expressed some concerns about a recent encounter, though she didn’t elaborate on the details,” he mentioned.

Adanne explained her visit, stressing the mistake of abandoning Mma and their indifference towards their daughter and grandchild’s well-being over the last13 years.

Mma’s father reflected remorsefully on his actions, citing a personal awakening after observing a friend’s loving relationship with his grandchildren, regretting his past decisions deeply.

READ EPISODE 9

THE STORY OF MMA (EPISODE 7)

 The Story of Mma, a Single Mother

Daily Life Experience

Written by:
Engineer Stanley

For Mma and her son, securing sufficient food presented a significant challenge. Yet, she chose not to see this as an opportunity to seek financial support from men. Despite being a single mother, Mma's beauty was such that her smile could brighten anyone's mood, turning anger into joy and sparking emotional connections. Committed to independence, she resolved to support her son, Nkem, on her own. With the little funds available to her, she began selling snacks next to her madam's business, which was slowly declining.

The situation took a turn when Nkem's teacher visited, concerned about his absence from school. Mma explained that she could no longer afford the school fees due to her madam's prolonged hospitalization. In response, the teacher offered to speak with the school administration, asking for an extension for Mma and encouraging Nkem's participation in an upcoming competition due to his intellect.

Mma expressed her gratitude, feeling a sense of relief from the teacher's support. In time, Nkem distinguished himself as one of the best students, securing a place in the competition. His achievements led to him being awarded a scholarship covering his education up to university level, including expenses for feeding and more.

This development filled Mma with immense joy, marking a significant turn in her life characterized by prior rejections from her parents due to her pregnancy. The child who once symbolized rejection had now become her source of happiness and hope. Nkem's scholarship affirmed that he was indeed a child of destiny, providing Mma with encouragement and proving that her struggles were not in vain.

READ: EPISODE 8

THE STORY OF MMA (SINGLE MOTHER)

 THE STORY OF MMA (SINGLE MOTHER)

Daily Life Experience (Episode 6)

Written by: Engineer Stanley

Raising a child was not easy for Mma, but she was determined not to be deceived by any man again. As her son Nkem grew, he became a support for her. Nkem often asked his mother about his father, a question that made Mma very angry. She firmly told Nkem never to bring up the subject again.

Nkem's classmates would tease him for not having a father. When Nkem came home from school crying one day, he was unable to tell his mother the reason for his tears. "Who hurt you?" Mma asked. Despite her questioning, Nkem continued to cry without giving an answer, leaving Mma deeply concerned. She decided she would visit Nkem's school the next day to speak with his teacher about the incident.

"My son returned home crying yesterday and was unable to tell me what was wrong. That's why I'm here to find out," Mma explained to the teacher.

"Madam, I wasn't aware. Perhaps Nkem had an altercation with a classmate. I'll make sure to keep a closer watch on him from now on," the teacher responded.

Mma's situation became more challenging when her boss fell ill, causing the business to decline due to the high cost of medical expenses.

During this difficult time, Mma knew she couldn't abandon her boss. She resolved to stay strong and support her employer through the hard times.

One day, a customer wanted to withdraw money, but the amount he requested was not available. "When will the requested amount be available? I would like to come back and do business with you," the customer inquired.

"Sir, I'm not certain when due to some recent changes," Mma explained.

"Mummy, I'm hungry," said Nkem. "Can't you see I'm talking to a customer? Must you embarrass me?" Mma scolded her son.

The customer offered Mma a1000 naira note, insisting, "Buy something for him." However, Mma politely declined. "Don't worry, sir, I'll take care of it myself," she said.

Nevertheless, the customer persisted, leaving Mma with no other choice but to accept his kind gesture.

A few days later, the same customer returned with gifts for Nkem. Mma, however, refused to accept them. The customer, undeterred, left the gifts and his business card on Mma's desk, advising, "Call me if you need anything," before departing.

Mma was deeply distressed, knowing all too well that Nkem couldn't attend school due to unpaid fees.

READ: EPISODE 7

 The Story of a Single Mother

Daily Life Experience (Episode 5)

Written by:

Engineer Stanley

Mma is a beautiful girl from a village named "Umuazu". The majority of Umuazu's inhabitants are farmers, including Mma's parents. Being the only daughter, she received immense love and care from her parents. Growing up, Mma was rarely allowed to venture outside without her parents' permission. By the age of eight, suitors had already begun asking for her hand in marriage, but her parents declined, wishing to spare Mma from too early a union.

Mma's closest companions were two friends named Adaora and Eriana, who were equally beautiful. The trio's presence was known to distract boys and even older men who admired them greatly.

Following her secondary education, Mma's uncle brought her to the city. However, life in the city turned sour as her aunt began to mistreat her.

At times, her aunt would deny her food. Despite Mma's pleas to her uncle, the mistreatment persisted.

One day, while purchasing groceries, Mma lost the money her aunt had given her due to an encounter with four boys who harassed her. The situation escalated until the sound of a police siren scared them off, saving Mma from further harm.

Returning home in tears, Mma recounted the incident, only to be met with violence from her aunt, who then expelled her from the house, demanding the return of the lost money.

Mma's uncle appeared to be under his wife's influence, showing indifference to Mma's ordeal when he learned about it later that night.

A kind gatekeeper encountered Mma crying that night. After listening to her story, he offered her food and wanted to help her return home, but she feared worse treatment from her aunt without the money.

The next morning, rumors of Mma's disappearance spread throughout the streets.

Eventually, Mma was sent back to her village and to her parents.

Weeks later, it was discovered that Mma was pregnant, leading to her parents' regret for sending her to the city and their subsequent rejection of her due to the shame her situation brought upon the family.

Left with no choice, Mma began looking for a job to support herself and her unborn child. After saving some money, she went to thank the gatekeeper, only to find him replaced. Unable to locate him, Mma faced even greater frustration.

While wandering, she noticed an advertisement for a POS attendant position, which included accommodation. Seeing it as a significant opportunity, she applied immediately. The job owner, seeking someone to work late hours, asked if she needed to inform anyone about her new employment.

"Madam, it's a long story," Mma responded, hinting at the complexities of her predicament.

Mma's pregnancy almost cost her the job when her employer found out. However, impressed by Mma's diligence, the employer decided to grant her an exception.

She grew to treat Mma as if she were her own daughter.

Nine months later, Mma gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she named "Nkem".

READ: EPISODE 6

 Time and Season

(Episode 4)

Daily Life Experience

Written by: Engineer Stanley

The persistent rain seemed endless, compelling me to wait for Favour to purchase an egg roll, a task that became unexpectedly prolonged. Despite my growing hunger, I persevered. Ironically, I found myself short on cash yet decided to remain true to my principles.

The dilemma of parting with the last bit of cash in my pocket for someone else’s need was incredibly tough.

Visiting my younger brother's house, we engaged in deep conversations, nostalgically recalling memories of our late father, an esteemed farmer in his prime. Remarkably, the current state of Nigeria's economy would have been advantageous for him had he been alive.

It was challenging to seek any financial assistance from my brother, given the general expectation for me to be the benefactor within my circle.

Encountering a man on my way home turned intriguing when, upon approach, our greeting turned into a humorous exchange about lending him five thousand naira. My joking response about future money was met with his unexpected seriousness on the matter. Realizing the irony of my situation—debating how to ration my own scant resources for a meal—left me to politely deflect with a promise for the weekend, before departing.

In a nearby shop, I found myself purchasing a cup of rice for five hundred naira, a situation I found mildly embarrassing due to my usual status but was necessitated by circumstance.

The myth that wealth is a constant companion is misleading; even the affluent face periods of financial strain. The essence of endurance becomes vivid, knowing that although hardship may last through the night, morning always heralds joy.

READ: THE STORY OF A SINGLE MOTHER