The D-day was here.
Nasir got up and whistled a cheery tune to the bathroom. Absolutely nothing could mess with his day. He was Nasir the invincible, protected by the prayers of Alfa Toheeb himself. Who exactly is Alfa Toheeb? Only a lastman will ask that. Alfa Toheeb was the one who predicted Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the last election. The powerful alfa from Eko Central Mosque drew his faithful from far and wide. His Friday teachings at the mosque attracted all sorts of politicians and big men. Rumour has it that he was the one that even fortified MC Oluomo. Anyway, Alfa had already assured him that the job was his when he went to visit him with Big Mummy. That was all the confidence boost he needed. He got dressed and took his CV as he exited the house to find his way to the interview venue.
“Eku ise o, Mummy Suliat!”, he waved with a wide grin at the ewa agoyin seller as she fanned the flames from the firewood and set up her pot to cook. Nse, the girl from the Calabar Kitchen, looked up and smiled at the sound of his voice. “Oga Nas well done o!”, she shouted and blushed shyly as he passed her with a wink. It was such a good day; he could feel it. He flagged down an okada and haggled with the driver about the price. You see, these Lagos people will rob you blind once they see you are dressed nice. Why else will the okada man ask for 500 Naira from Obalende to Broad Street? He reached the venue and was among the first few to arrive. That was a good sign. He could position himself to snatch the attention of the interviewers before anyone could leave a lasting impression.
As the Secretary called the person seated before him in the hallway, Nasir squeezed his eyes shut and tried to fight the wave of nausea that hit him. His hands were clammy, and he just could not stop sweating. All his preparation over the past week boiled down to this moment. Any second now, his name would be announced by the secretary for his interview slot. This marketing role was what his dreams were made of. It was going to be a life-changing opportunity, a big break in the industry. He was so sure he was going to get it. After all, he had done everything required of him plus some extra. He smiled slyly to himself.
When he got out of the conference room, he was too certain he had gotten in. The result would be sent to the chosen applicant at 6 pm that day. The panel was so mesmerized by him, and he could have sworn that he had charmed their socks off. His name block on the wall would read as follows.
“NASIR ADIGUN, HEAD OF MARKETING, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION”
The first instalment of his salary would go to Alfa Toheeb for a job well done, then the second one would go to Big Mummy for all her help and effort in this period. After that, it is an apartment in Lekki Phase 1, straight! A department head like him could not be caught dead living in the slum that is Obalende. Maybe he would even consider buying one jeep after 6 – 8 months. Life will be soft or so he thought while daydreaming and planning with his “unofficial” new job. His mind roamed and travelled so far and wide with so many possibilities of the perks his new job could offer.
He heard the beep on his phone, alerting him to a new mail.
“Dear Nasir,
Thank you for taking the time to interview for the position of Head of Marketing, Media, and Communications at Bergoff Consulting Agency. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the requirements of the position and learn more about your qualifications.
We wanted to let you know that we have chosen to move forward with a more qualified candidate who aligns with our company’s vision…….”
He read the mail again in confusion. Ah Alfa Toheeb,! Wetin be is this?
