‘KekeLogue’, Captivating Resoluteness

 

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The road looked unusually quiet that afternoon as I stood opposite Bright Hope Junction, along Old Airport Road waiting for a keke. I had stood there for a while with other passengers without any luck getting a keke heading my direction. Then, an empty one came by shortly afterwards. The other passengers standing ahead didn't get in, they just seemed to peep quickly at it and allowed it pass. Their actions appeared a little strange, but I couldn't really place it. I just concluded they were probably heading another direction.

The ridder stopped near me and it turned out he was headed my direction so I jumped in quickly. Not long afterwards, while seated, I figured it all out; the rider looked somewhat

deformed around his lower body; he was crippled! "No wonder," I thought within me, and almost asked to get down, but I developed a sudden sympathy for him (like I always do) and felt it would dampen his spirit, so I remained seated.

I busied myself for most part of the ride observing how he manipulated the keke in his condition. The keke looked well-maintained surprisingly, and had just a few, minimal dents which indicated he had been careful rider. A customized handbrake had been constructed to replace the original foot brake. So, anytime he intends to stop at a designation, he quickly removes his right hand from the throttle and begins tapping on the specially designed brake from a well calculated distance, and finally brings the keke to a halt. I was a little nervous initially, and feared he might lose control and run into others, but after a few successful stops, he looked in control; it was obvious he had mastered it, and it calmed my apprehension.

On our way, a few other passengers beckoned at him at various points but allowed him pass when they noticed his condition. So, I was the lone passenger all through, and I enjoyed the slow, steady and careful ride.

I highlighted at Ogunu Junction, the last Bus Stop, and I handed him a thousand-naira bill and asked him to keep the change (N850.00). His face brightened up immediately and he thanked me cheerfully and appreciatingly. His reaction made me imagine how little it takes sometimes to put smiles on people’s faces. I watched him turn and ride off and saw passengers stopping him and allowing him pass.

I was captivated and highly motivated by the rider's resoluteness, his inner strength and resolve in such a naturally limiting and disadvantaged condition. He could have given up on life; he could have resorted to begging of alms at road sides and street corners; he could easily have resigned himself to fate, but he had chosen not. Instead, he is determined to make the best of what life has thrown at him. I do not know if he would be licensed to ride in saner climes, but I salute is courageous and resilient heart.

Postscript:

I have since fixed my car and got it back on the road (though would have loved it replaced were the means readily available), but I occasionally shuttle around town in the popular 3-wheeler where I get experiences that influence these stories.

© Joel Onojovwo, Sunday, Sept.20, 2020