Fiction: You Win some, You Lose Some

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Amubiaje festival is around the corner. It is a means for daughters and sons of this town from the nook and cranny of this country, and the diaspora to showcase the African culture, and through that, the richest person in our town will emerge.

“Ah! Jide, how are we going to do it and make it memorable? Just like previous years.” Ajanlekoko asked.

Jide cut in.

Hmmm, you don't need to panic my friend. “You know what I did last year and it works for me. Let me quickly prepare my farm land for the forthcoming event.” Last year, I made a lot of money from pepper and cocoa. No one realized that I could boast of millions of Naira. This year’s festival, everyone is going to bow for me as usual.”

“Oh! You are right, I also learned that people are making it big time, but what do I have to do? As for me, I don't know how to do the farming business.” Aja-nlekoko lamented.

“Jide said, " The farming business is not as tedious as you think. You can venture into the pepper farm business, and I will hand over to the people who will guide you properly. Because you need technical know-how to do it better to enable you to succeed in the business. I believe that we are going to excel on the job.”

“Alright, I will be happy with this,” Jide appreciated.

Soliloquy.
“Hmm, I have to outsmart my friend to enable me to get more money than him. What do I have to do? Oh, alright. I think I know what to do.” I will solicit financial support from the bank at any interest rate, so that I will get more funds.

Jide went to the bank for a loan to expand his farming business as he planned.

As time goes on. Everyone was busy with work and finding every means of living a better life.

One day, the King of Amubiaje’s kingdom called his cabinet to say that he would like to reward a hardworking person with the chieftaincy title during the forthcoming celebration. “I want to add it to what we used to give out to the people.” Said the King.

Overjoyed among the chiefs.

Chief Adereti was dancing. “So our chief has a plan for everyone. It is a good thing. Thank you my lord. You shall reign, live long, and witness more years on the throne. It is our happiness to hear this.”

“Yes, this is our king. Igwe. You are different from all other kings we have had before. Despite the economic downturn, you still deem it fit for this. Chief Ayelaagbe praised the King.

The King was also happy with what he heard from his cabinet. “I am so delighted. Many things are still on my agenda. I promise you that you will continue to see positive changes during my time.” The King submits.

Igwe! Everyone took their bow, and the meeting was adjourned to another time.

At Aja-nlekoko’s residence.

Aja-nlekoko sat in a chair and started a series of joyful melodies when he heard what was going to happen during the Amubiaje festival. Knock! Knock!! Peace unto the owner of this house. Jide entered the house sluggishly. Jide my good friend. It has been a while since I heard from you. How is your farm? Is everything fine with you? Aja-nlekoko asked.

Jide said that things are difficult for him now. He was on my farm yesterday. With the look of things. He doesn't think that he can make as much money as he did last year. Because the cocoa price has dropped on the world market, with the suggestion that our neighboring countries are producing as well. It makes the price decline gradually. And the pepper crop that he was still expecting to yield a huge amount of money. The pepper price has also dropped beyond normal now. And there is also climate change. The farm is overflooded with water and it has affected its production.

Exclamation.

“Hey! What did you just say? Bank loan! Bank loan!! Debt done entered.” Aja-nlekoko grumbled.

Jide cuts in.

Something is not clear to me. Aja-nlekoko my friend. When did you borrow money from the bank that I don't know? Ah! You should have discussed with me first before you made your decision.

“Aja-nIekoko was busted into uncontrollable crying. Hey, I don't know that it will be like this, I thought that if I could get the money. It will facilitate the expansion of my farming business for more profit.”

“So nothing has happened to me yet.” You are the ones who are in hot soup. What are we going to do now? Now, the bank will collect money. The market is not favorable to the farmers. Jide concluded.

Chaos happened in the bank. The time bank expected Aja-nlekoko to start paying back was over. The bank sent more than three reminder messages to Aja-nlekoko. Nothing has changed. He found it difficult to raise the money.

Jide suggested that Aja-nlekoko should leave the town because of pressure. Now, don't bother yourself about the forthcoming Amubieje festival. It is not for you again.

“Thank you my friend. I appreciate your support. I will do as you say.” Aja-nlekoko said.

The following morning. Aja-nlekoko has parked all his luggage. He was about to leave the town. Two police officers and a bank official met him at his doorstep.

Drama scene.

“Oh, you want to run away with our money. No way, officer this is the criminal we are talking about. Summon him to the station now.” Said the bank officer.

Aja-nlekoko was sober.
“No, I am not trying to run away from my debt. I am trying to visit my uncle in the neighborhood. I will come and pay very soon.”

Hmmm. We have tried for you a lot, but it is as if you don't want to pay. Officer Jengboro, do your job. This is not why we are here. When you get to the station, you will explain yourself. The bank officer accused him.

When they got to the station. The Director of Police of the station, said Mr. Man. I was told that your name is Aja-nlekoko. “You borrowed money and you don't want to pay it back. You are lying. Now, let me hear your side of your story Mr. Aja-nlekoko.” DPO commands.

Aja-nlekoko flanked by Officer Jengboro. Thank you, Sir. I am trying my best to raise money, but all my expectations were futile. I ventured into the farming business which failed me. Sir, I was told that the farm pepper business is lucrative. Now, things are not in good shape for me.

DPO cut in.

“Oh, no wonder. Because you heard that people made it from the pepper farm business last year. You now went ahead to get a loan to execute the business.” You know what, in business, you win some, lose some. It is a game of luck. You can try it next time and experience a breakthrough. Life is up and down. It is my advice to you to start doing something that will make you pay back or else your guarantors will face the music.

            The End