Whatsapp Story 2 : Memories
Monday. 04:30 am. Somewhere downtown Lagos.
From the moment you open your eyes, you could almost wish it was something you could skip. I always wondered how and why Mondays always felt different.
The air is different. The food tastes different. The traffic is different.
Even in the times of the ever-rising dollar rate, the funny new taste of “Agege Bread” and the unforgettable taste of cold Ribena…
…I figured it is a good time to give you some hot takes.
So here goes…
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to host an event.
Don’t let your mind wander. I’m here to give you the full jixt.
I never tried the whole “MC” thing. I’m a really shy person, who just knows how to mask it very well. However, I was willing to do this one. Why? I was gonna host the event in front of people I knew (we were in camp together a few weeks ago). So ofcos, I could talk a lot and enjoy myself.
I think this new phase of who I am just wants to do things just because!
So I arrived at the venue looking like a true Lagos island boy — Classy and on time too. Nigerian events never start at the said time unless Ayoola Jolayemi is the one that planned the event.
And then it happened. They gave me the mic.
If only they knew. They wouldn’t have.
It was the after-party that happens after every Solid foundation campout, just to calm some nerves and have a lotta fun. Ofcos, there was plenty Jollof. Any gathering without Jollof is a meeting.
I never gave you the end of the room gist from part 1, did I?
Alright.
Remember how I told you that they woke me with their shouting yea?
Day 2 of the camp was much better.
We went about the normal day full of lotta activities, from prayer to bible study to different kinda games and ofcos food. The Camp Director for 2021 Camp will always have a place in my heart, she just knew how to make things tick.
Her smile is so warm, it could melt you and your emotions. Soft-spoken, very intelligent, driven for results alone. Deola Akinyemi — you have a special place in my heart.
At lunchtime, everything went well and it was time for siesta. I was gonna attend some funny meeting during the siesta — then I remembered that I needed part 2 of the gist that woke me up.
Ladies and gentlemen, the race was on. I jogged to the hostel just because of the gist — HEY! I know I’m shameless. (Are you are done judging me? Thank you. Lemme complete this gist)
So I got there and unfortunately, the parties were really siesta-ing. Yes, I was heartbroken. However, when you’re in doubt of what to do, Proverbs 3:24 says it all — “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Evenings in camp are always better. They just come with a lot of peace, great breeze and enough laughter. When you can weather the early morning drama of camp, the rest of the day is usually “cruise”.
At the end of every day, we have this monitors meeting. This meeting is where we discuss challenges and proffer solutions so as make life easier for the campers. The interesting thing about this meeting is those of us who sit behind everyone when they are talking; we’re just there for the vibes and the after-hours meal. Sophia and Onome (Welfare) — the best.
After the monitors meeting that morning (1 am-ish), we still had a few things to sort out, so I was up till about 3 am. Walking back to the hostel, I had company this time, I think it was Fayo and Korede. Sisters. Weird people but sweet like Ribena with ice cubes.
I managed to close my eyes after a little bit of TikTok at almost 5 am. Hope you didn’t forget that the Monitors prayer was 5 am? To Jesus be my Glory.
Voice 1: Good morning my neighbours.
Voice 2: How are you doing?
Voice 3: Not all of us feel okay oooooooooooooooooooooooo
*Loud laugh*
And then a still small voice spoke to me “it’s time”. EMI, Omo Ologo?! I adjusted well to hear the gist.
Voice 1: Why are you throwing stones in the market? Ko da ooooooooooooooooooooo
Voice 2: Wait, at least let him wake up properly before you crucify him
*another set of laughs*
From story 1, remember (the person that said “we go run am”)?
Like a knight in shining armour, he appears again to defend his friend. Prov 18:24 “…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”.
Mr “We go run am” came in and gave a detailed explanation of what went down and then there was me…*adjusting his pillow* listening to the gist of a lifetime.
Mr Prov 18:24 goes “I understand why you guys are talking this way. But he tried his best. I walked up to her and told her my friend likes her and wants to be friends with her.”
Sis Prov 31 Bebe responds “I can’t be friends with someone who doesn’t have the *censored tone* to come talk to me”
Hold on. I got confused.
Do people still use Nipost to deliver love stories? Ewe eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh. Inside this same 2021?
Anyways, it is with great sadness that I write that the love quest of the fellas in the room I stayed ended in premium tears. However, the morning we were leaving camp, Mr heartbroken woke up early, with a guitar in his hand and sang the famous words of that song by Maroon 5
“Here’s to the ones that we got
Cheers to the wish you were here, but you’re not
’Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we’ve been through
Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way
’Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
And the memories bring back, memories bring back you”
Honestly, it was sad for me too. I had such a great time in camp. I definitely will do it over and over. Solid Foundation Camp 2021 was Fantabulous.
Back to the event, I did try my best to make sure everyone had a little bit of a laugh. I even got the seal of approval from MC Kajoe that I did a good job (Nkechi too must be proud). So, I really didn’t disgrace my Lagos Island people.
It was a good time to see everyone again in a more relaxed mood. We had a lot to eat drink and laugh about. Before I forget, they gave us certificates. So yes, my September was great.
DJ play me Earth, Wind and Fire — September.
P.S
September 27th — Happy birthday Inimfon.