Epilogue: Independence as a Young Nigerian
It has been nine months since you moved out of your parents’ house and now, it feels like you’re getting a hang of this adulting thing.
You’ve been able to tackle life’s obstacles head on and come out whole. You’ve been through a lot and a lot has been through you. Lagos has proved to be the valley of the shadow of madness but you’ve been able to keep your sanity and your mental health intact.
Your parents now respect you and call on you for advise when dealing with your siblings and to get your insights on issues plaguing the country (as per the odogwu that you are now). Even your dad that you thought would keep on giving you the cold shoulder has turned around and calls you often. Your siblings respect you more and have turned you to their personal micro-finance bank(water is wet). Your wardrobe and personal effects become boutiques during their mini vacations to your place.
The job situation has also improved for the better. You’ve upgraded from hustling for buses to working fully remote for a foreign company that values your work ethic and your income has more than quadrupled. With that, you’re now able to afford some of life’s luxuries and you are now on the look for a more comfortable apartment in a conducive environment.
Who ever said money is not everything should definitely be thrown into the lagoon because the peace of mind that comes with it is unmatched and don’t get me started on the audacity that comes with it too. You remember when you got arrested on the island for breaking the 11pm curfew because you went to see your favourite artist perform. You remember how you smiled when the police chief asked you to explain yourself and how you managed to not only get his number on speed dial but get an escort back to your apartment.
Things have not really improved in your building however. Your landlord is still the same and your co-tenants still annoy you. It does not bother you any more like before. You are already looking for something better now that you can afford it.
It’s been a bumpy ride so far and you’ve surely learned a lot and can now appreciate life and how fortunate you’ve been. You’ve made and lost friends along the way and all you can do is be thankful.
The end…
