The date is March 15th, 2022; I got the text from Ema. We hadn’t spoken in years but somehow, she still had my number. Our story began in Domus Transit, an off-campus hostel at the University of Benin (Uniben). I was in room 21 and she was in room 22. Ema was a young mother studying to become an engineer, while my friends and I were studying to be the women and professionals we hoped and probably did not know we were going to be.
In those years, the saying “women supporting women” had no popularity but 19-year-old me watched over Ema’s young son, David, at different times during our school journey. As schoolmates and friends, David automatically became our son, our very much-loved responsibility. We thought nothing much of it. It was just natural that we assisted where we could; everyone needs a helping hand.
If you know me, you know I never shy away from talking about my early days in school. You cannot argue that the University of Benin has one of the strongest and most notable alumni networks. During one of my International Women’s Day speaking engagements with the Women’s Network in Shell Nigeria, it was a pleasant surprise when numerous ladies chanted ‘Greatest Uniben’ in the chatbox to show affiliation. It made me even happier to learn that the President of the Women’s Network and the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria are Uniben Alumni.
I digress…
Many years have certainly gone by, it’s been about 23 years and ambitious 19-year-old Owen, is now Owen Omogiafo, President/GCEO, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria. So on March 15th, 2022, when Ema wrote me, it shook me, but in a good way; I cannot explain the feeling…
“Hello Owen.
Hope you & your beautiful family are fine.
This is Ema @ Domus Hostel Uniben.
Just realised I still have your Number.
Guess what? Little David just left NYSC Orientation Camp Today.
David will be Proceeding with his Master’s degree soon.
I remember you, Og Obaseki & others were also David’s Uniben Moms back in school.
I told David about All his Uniben Moms.
God Bless you All for being so Supportive in Uniben @ David.
Enjoy the rest of your day.”
Reconnecting with Ema and receiving her text message was heartwarming and nostalgic wrapped up in one. Time flies and life had indeed come full circle for all of us. At that moment, I was transported back in time to Domus, a 19-year-old girl again, rocking baby David to sleep in my hostel. I was once again reminded of the importance of treating people kindly and maintaining bridges, along life’s journey, for you do not know where the road may lead.
The lesson of kindness and being my sister’s keeper has lived with me till this day and will transcend me. On my flight back from a recent holiday, history may or may not have repeated itself. I met a young mother and her adorable 2-year-old. The text she sent me a few days ago reinforced the ‘women supporting women’ mantra for me. It read;
“Hiiiiiii! Oh wow, I figured. I’ll say it again because it needs to be said- thank you so much for your care, concern and kindness on that trip- I barely made it without your help. You were literally a God-send and a prime example of women supporting women when no one was watching. Thank you very much. ‘A’ is fine- she’s her cheeky self! Hope your little one missed you enough?! I’ll stay in touch. Have a good week ahead.”
And truly, I’ll stay in touch…
