Okemdi ran past my kiosk with joy. He had just received a phone call from The Golden Film Making Agency, Ikeja, Lagos. The aspiring actor was made to understand that he was selected alongside other nine people among the fifty-seven people that auditioned the previous month. His happiness knew no bounds as he halted and daydreamt of becoming a superstar.
“Thief! Thief! Thief ooo!!!” a fair lady shouted, while grabbing Okemdi by the wrist. “Somebody help me oo! This idiot just stole my 2k,” she added. The innocent young man stared at her with shock-filled eyes. Soon, the youths of the town gathered around them. They searched Okemdi and found two one thousand naira notes by the side pocket of his trouser. That was the money he planned to celebrate his victory with, part of his savings. Nwoke mmadụ tried to defend himself but before he could say a word, three hot slaps landed on his face. It was not up to five minutes and Okemdi, his talents and his dreams went into flames. This happened on the 13th of April, 2006. Who knows, someday, somehow, his death would be avenged.
“Chai! Okemdi nwanne m oo! A victim of circumstance. Such is life, dear Chioma, with beautiful and ugly sides.”