IF WITCHES WERE HORSES … Episode 59&60

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IF WITCHES WERE HORSES – Episode 59

Morakinyo could not wait again, he was completely convinced now that the woman he was hearing her voice was not only familiar but someone very close to her. He turned from his seat in the front beside the driver and looked directly at the woman’s face for the first time since she joined them at the park.

Seated comfortably and preaching confidently on the back seat close to the right window and directly behind him was Mrs. Aarinola Paseda, Secretary to the Head, Department of Engineering Physics, University of Ibadan.

Morakinyo could not miss the face. He had met Aarinola as a young staff of the department of Engineering Physics when he took up appointment as a Lecturer 1 in the department. That was the year she lost her husband. It was indeed a tragic loss and the whole department joined to commiserate and sympathize with her. Even when it was announced that the corpse would be buried in faraway Etioro-Supare in the Akoko area of Ondo State, Morakinyo was one of the few members of staff and students of the department who offered to travel in the bus provided by the university to witness the burial.

That incident had brought Morakinyo close to Mrs. Paseda. Although not intimate or emotional, Morakinyo remained friendly with Aarinola after she resumed work following the burial of her late husband. He recalled how he had met her at the corridor on the day he got the final conviction about the Onigba-Iwofa mission. He also remembered the roles she played at the Teaching Hospital when Oyinkan had the fatal accident that claimed her life.

“So what brings you home to Onigba-Iwofa this weekend, a family function?” Morakinyo asked as soon as they boarded the wagon en route Onigba-Iwofa from Shaki.

Aarinola smiled. She knew Morakinyo was not aware of the extent of her current involvement in the mission work going on at Onigba-Iwofa church. She knew Morakinyo was in the Bible College and was expected back in a few weeks’ time.

“Not really Doctor. I have no family function. It’s the church. For some months now, I have been visiting Onigba-Iwofa consistently fortnightly on weekends to join the church. The harvest is plenteous but the labourers are few” Aarinola explained between smiles.

“That’s serious!!! You mean you have joined Pastor Joju and his wife to work at the Onigba-Iwofa Church !!!”
“To the Glory of God Sir”
“Ah thank you Jesus!!!”

A brief silence reigned between them as the wagon sped through the dusty road sending occasional hails of dust into the vehicle.

“God works in mysterious ways. He led me to Onigba-Iwofa, your home town and sent the same dream to the two of us at the same time” Morakinyo broke the silence.

“Funny enough, I didn’t stop having the same dream until recently when I made up my mind to join Pastor Joju and his wife on this mission. I believe God was speaking to me at that time but I wrongly interpreted it to me He sent me to you” Aarinola said, smiling again.

“No, you did not. He actually sent you to me and I am glad you delivered the message at the right time. That dream you had was simply a pointer to where God would have me serve. I would have wasted precious time in confusion and guess games if not for that specific and timely revelation that came as a dream…” Morakinyo took time to explain.

“Yes Doctor. I agree with you. What I am yet to understand is the consistency and constancy of the dream even after you had left Ibadan for Onigba-Iwofa…I don’t understand” Aarinola said squeezing her face. For the first time, the smiles disappeared since the discussion in the Onigba-Iwofa bound wagon started.

“We know in parts and we prophesy in parts…The word of God and His revelations are precepts upon precepts, lines upon lines…We will understand by and by” Morakinyo spoke convincingly.

“Just like the song” Aarinola said and started a song.

“By and by, when the morning comes
When the Saints of God are gathered home
We will tell the story…
How we overcame
We will understand it better by and by”

Morakinyo swung his head and joined as Aarinola sang the song silently; her voice almost subsumed by the loud noise from the engine and the rickety body of the wooden wagon as it made its way painfully towards the town.

Pastor Joju and wife were very excited and pleasantly surprised to see Morakinyo. They were not expecting him but deeply happy that he came. Morakinyo wasted no time in explaining to them that he managed to finish his stay at the Bible College as his spirit and soul had become attached to the church in Onigba-Iwofa.

Before he settled down at the Mission House, word had gone round in some quarters of the town that Pastor Morakinyo was back. Although the vehicle, arrived late, some people identified him when he alighted at the motor park with Aarinola.

Accompanied by Pastor Joju and his wife, Morakinyo visited the palace to say hello to Oba Folagbade. Only the Queen was met at the palace, His Royal Highness was said to have travelled to Ibadan to attend a meeting of the Oyo State Council of Obas. He was not expected back in town until Tuesday.

“Kabiyesi wants to use the opportunity of travelling for the meeting of Obas to settle some issues concerning his pension at the Ministry of Justice on Monday before coming back on Tuesday” The Queen explained.

“Thank you so much Your Highness Ma. God will bring him safely and cause him to find favour in all he went to do at Ibadan” Morakinyo prayed.

“Amen” They all chorused.

Morakinyo went round on Saturday to visit members of the church, especially the old ones. He was joined by Pastor Joju, his wife and Mrs. Paseda. When they got to Major Labode’s house, he joined the entourage and followed them to houses of more members. Odewole and Eebudola did the same as they also accompanied Morakinyo to the house of other notable members of the church. By the time they rounded off the visitation session, the entourage had increased to nine persons.

The last place they visited was the home of Labinjo, Aarinola’s father who had become a member of the church. They spent the largest portion of the time with him as he took time to relieve old memories of his evil occult past.

“Thank you Pastor for teaching me about Jesus. The peace I have now is not comparable to anything else. Even if I die today, I am already a happy man” Labinjo started another round of testimonies. Ever since he gave his life to Christ, he had become a regular testifier in the church. He had something to say every time testifiers are called to speak.

“I was born to be a leader of the Awo Opa Cult. As the eldest son, I was expected to follow my grandfather and father into the cult. As part of my training, I saw how my father dealt with the community problems that were brought to him and how even snakes could be called to do his bidding. He was revered in our Afotamodi village near Onigba-Iwofa and I wanted the same for myself. This led me to seek deeper into the world of occultism beyond my father and grandfather” Labinjo began again. He had forgotten he had shared the same testimony more than twice in the church.

“Heeeh… How many times are you going to say these things, Pastor and his wife have heard these stories from you before” Labinjos wife said to caution him

“Don’t worry Mummy, the Bible says, we overcome by the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimonies. We cannot testify too much. The more he says it, the more his faith in The Lord grows” Pastor Joju explained to Mama Aarinola.

“Besides, I am new to these testimonies. I am hearing them for the first time, so allow Baba to share the goodness of the Lord with us” Morakinyo added his voice.

“Thank you Pastors, don’t mind her, she doesn’t know…
The clanging cymbals can never be silenced
The beaded gourd does not go to quiet ceremonies.
The King’s trumpet is never blown in secrecy
The base drum will never suffer silence
Taciturnity is never the portion of the Canary bird
When the lion roars in the forest
All animals must listen with awe !!!”

Labinjo had veered into another world of incantations, leaving his guest bewildered and sprawling with laughter!!!

“Baba, you are chanting incantations!!!” Pastor Joju cautioned playfully.

“Incantations, those are no incantations but mere words…If I should say incantations, terrible things may happen here. Incantations? I dare not chant incantations here” Labinjo explained, smiling mischievously as he did.

Morakinyo preached on Sunday. Pastor Joju had introduced him to the congregation as the father of the church and asked the entire congregation to rise in order to honour him. He also announced to them that Morakinyo will soon return as their Pastor since he had finished the course he went for at the Bible College. Wild jubilation greeted the announcement, especially from old members who had known Morakinyo before. New members, who only heard about him and his exploits during the “Olomoro” saga simply clapped when he was introduced.

His ministration was short, very impactful and touchy. He started by profusely thanking Pastor Joju and his wife for standing in gap and ensuring that the work moved forward in leaps and bounds. He asked the church to also rise and celebrate their pastor.

For his sermon, he spoke on the Power of God. He espoused to the congregation the mighty works of God and His capacity to deliver from troubles. He used the story of the children of Israel at the Red Sea and how God delivered them to illustrate further. He also told them the story of David and Goliath and explained that God can use the small to defeat the mighty.

He invited a small boy and an adult male to dramatise the story of David and Goliath. That caught the attention of the congregation the more and generated deep interest and rapt attention from them. He thereafter made altar call and prayed for those who stepped out. He promised to return fully the following month.

Morakinyo was highly elated at what he saw in the church. Attendance had increased almost four times! The new church building had gone past the lintel level and was already at the roofing stage. According to Pastor Joju, the men in the church had volunteered to set aside a week for the cutting of all the wood needed to roof the church. They were to be led by a chainsaw operator from Shaki whose brother was a member of the church.

By the time he returned to Ibadan Monday afternoon, Morakinyo was in high spirits for two major reasons. The growth of the church at Onigba-Iwofa was a major reason for his happiness. His meeting with Aarinola at Onigba-Iwofa was another cause for joy. The weekend he spent at Onigba-Iwofa in company of The Dairos and Aarinola had afforded him a first time close range with her. In the department on campus, he only related with her from the professional and academic angle. This time around, he saw a different “Mrs Paseda”

Aarinola was not only good in evangelism and counseling, she was also committed and highly gifted in communication. Morakinyo had watched her minister to newcomers after the service and how she related well with locals as they went round on Saturday, visiting old members. He recalled the sermon in the Station Wagon as they travelled from Ibadan to Shaki, especially the ability to warm herself into the hearts of the passengers despite the ugly episode they had just passed through, via the careless driver and the grammar-blowing old man.

Morakinyo laid on his bed and began to ruminate about Aarinola and the mission to Onigba-Iwofa.

‘If I am to return in a months’ time, is it not wise that I settle this issue of marriage before I go back there…Pastor Joju went with his wife, I shouldn’t lower the standard’ He said to himself.

‘Sister Aarinola…? Sister Aarinola…? Sister Aarinola…? Lord, what are you saying concerning her?’ He sat and walked round his room in Mrs. Durotoye’s house. He must have walked round the room for the umpteenth time. He shuddered as he recalled the events that led to his ill-fated marriage with Oyinkan and sat gently on the bed. His heart missed a bit and began to beat fast. Suddenly, he recalled the words of Pastor Adeboye as he prayed for him at Ikeji-Arakeji.

“The siege of failure is over!!! Receive grace to see right and do right in the name of Jesus”

Morakinyo screamed “Amen” again and jumped to his feet. He spoke in tongues and began to pray.

“The siege of failure is over!!!
I receive grace to see right and do right in the name of Jesus…
The siege of failure is over!!!
I receive grace to see right and do right in the name of Jesus…
The siege of failure is over!!!
I receive grace to see right and do right in the name of Jesus”
He continued the prayer till late in the night.

Reverend Kalejaye took a walk round the church compound that night. It was more of a prayer walk than exercise. He walked and prayed silently. He had developed that habit and consistently prayed that way especially whenever he was troubled and confused. That night, he was troubled. He had prayed over the issue of Morakinyo and his marital life and he seemed not making a headway. Ever since Morakinyo began the course at the Bible College, he had started to pray for him concerning his marital life and hope that he would receive a definite direction to give the young missionary.

The return of Morakinyo to the mission base in a months’ time was his greatest concern now. He knew he made a mistake to have allowed Morakinyo go on full time mission work without settling the issue of marriage first.

‘If it was a mistake the first time, the second will never be a mistake but a deliberate error. Affliction shall not rise a second time’

As he walked towards the parsonage, he rested on a stump and heard His voice clearly; “The siege of failure is over!!! I have given him grace to see right and do right”

Pastor Kalejaye smiled and lifted his hands to worship the Lord. He knelt and sang praises to god for another ten minutes before he walked back home.

The time was 12:45am.

The chauffeur-driven Mercedes Benz S-Class 1979 model, popularly called Shagari style drove smoothly into the premises of a high brow and thickly populated private school. The famous Shagari Style Mercedes Benz was the official model of Nigeria’s Head, Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979 when he became president. The car had remained popular amongst the rich in Nigeria since then. Gbayike stepped down from the owner’s corner of car and walked towards the imposing building clearly marked “Administrative Building”

She walked straight to the front of the building where the students had converged for the usual morning devotion and assembly. The teachers greeted her promptly as she walked past them to the podium and addressed the students who numbered about one thousand.

“What holds us back from our goals is fear. It is common among us. When too much fear gets in the way we end up doing nothing. Fear stems from the lack of confidence and irrational thinking. You have to understand that fear of what might come out down your way does not increase your chances at succeeding” The voice of Gbayike sounded loud cymbals across the length and breadth of the school as the student listened carefully to her as she spoke.

“Sometimes we are afraid to take risks because we think the odds are against us. We become so consumed by fear to the degree that we become irrational. To break out of your comfort zone is to have courage. Courage, you must remember, is not the absence of fear but acting despite your fears” A loud round of applause greeted that portion of her speech.

“While we cannot dismiss fear totally, we can increase our chances of winning by being rational in dealing with our circumstances as they are in the present moment. They say it is all in the mind.…David killed Goliath because he believed in a big God and saw Goliath as a small problem… Moses led the Israelites to cross the Red Sea because he heard a big God speak… Esther said if I perish I perish because she had great faith in a big God…She never perished!!! The door of success opens only to those who push hardest… Give your life a push, strive for success…Who is the next Success Story?” All the over one thousand Students raised their hands and screamed “Meeeeeeeee!!!!!”

Gbayike prayed passionately for them!!!

IF WITCHES WERE HORSES – Episode 60

“While we cannot dismiss fear totally, we can increase our chances of winning by being rational in dealing with our circumstances as they are in the present moment.

They say it is all in the mind.…David killed Goliath because he believed in a big God and saw Goliath as a small problem… Moses led the Israelites to cross the Red Sea because he heard a big God speak…

Esther said if I perish I perish because she had great faith in a big God…She never perished!!! The door of success opens only to those who push hardest… Give your life a push, strive for success…Who is the next Success Story?” All the over one thousand Students raised their hands and screamed “Meeeeeeeee!!!!!”

Gbayike prayed passionately for them!!!

She walked towards the car with a few of the staff trailing behind her while she gave them different instructions.

At last, she finished giving the instructions and returned to the car. She bent towards a male occupant of the car who embraced her and gave her a k!ss as the driver moved the car out of the compound again. The security details at the gate of the school gave salutes.

Gbayike woke from the dream!!!

“No, this is not a dream! I was not sleeping” She explained to Sister Wonuola. “I was writing lesson notes here when I felt dizzy and laid my head on the dining table…”

“If I may ask, who was the man in the revelation who k!ssed you? Apparently, he must be your husband in that revelation” Wonuola asked.

“I think you are right, he must be, because we wore the same fabric and sat together at the back seat. He behaved like my husband”

“So, who is he? Did you see his face? Is he someone you know?”

“Yes…He is someone I know very well…Yes, I know him…I know him” Gbayike was becoming emotional now. She had started sobbing. Wonuola mover closer to her and grabbed her by the side, drawing her nearer.

“Is he the one…?” Wonuola whispered silently to her ear.

“Yes…He is the one…Brother Morakinyo!!!”

“I know…I know he is the one” Wonuola rubbed her hand on Gbayike’s head. “Sister Gbayike…this is God speaking!!! He is personally assuring you of a bright tomorrow with him…The speech you gave to the students of the assembly ground in that revelation was meant for you…He knows your passion about education, so he used a private school to speak to you”

“I have always desired to have a private school of my own… I love education. I can’t imagine myself doing any other thing apart from teaching…I can’t. I wish to impact live through education”

“He got you there…Finally, Sister Gbayike, will you say yes to him”

“I don’t know…” Gbayike’s lips were shaking as she spoke.

“You don’t know what…!!! Sister Gbayike stop being childish…The Lord has spoken…Don’t allow Brother Morakinyo go astray again…!” Wonuola was annoyed and almost shouting now.

“Sister Wonu, please take it easy with me…Please…I said I don’t know if he wants me again…after all I made him go through” Gbayike said, her voice cracking.

Wonuola held her two shoulders and looked straight into her eyes before speaking to her. “Sister Gbayike, one step after the other, when we get to that bridge, we will cross it…Is that okay?”

Gbayike shook her head and managed to say “Okay” although only her lips moved. She was barely audible.

“Now, talk to me, will you marry Brother Morakinyo?”

Gbayike stared at Wonuola as if unsure of what to say, then she smiled at her and said slowly… “Yes, I will marry him”

Pastor Kalejaye stood, walked to the dining table and picked his Bible before returning to the settee where Gbayike knelt waiting for him. She was drenched in tears as she waited for the revered man of God. Pastor Kalejaye pulled her up, got her seated on the sofa and handed over the Bible to her.

“Sit…Now open to Genesis Chapter 2 verse 15 and read aloud” Pastor Kalejaye commanded.

Gbayike collected the Bible and started to read. Her voice shook as she read. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”

“Stop there…” Pastor Kalejaye commanded again. “Hear me, the Garden of Eden and the assignment therein was what qualified Adam to have a wife. Every man who claims to need a wife must prove he has a garden of Eden from God…A visible assignment from God to man” Kalejaye paused and watched the reaction on Gbayike’s face. Gbayike stared blankly at the Bible in her hands, waiting for the next instruction from the man of God.

“Now the question to ask is if the brother we are talking about has got a Garden of Eden in his hands…The answer is Yes!!! He has the conviction of a definite call of God upon his life and he has responded appropriately…Now read verse 18”

“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” Gbayike read further.

“Good, take a pause again…That is the situation in the life of this brother…Ministerial loneliness. He needs a helper in his Garden of Eden but…proceed to verse 19”

“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” Gbayike finished reading verse 19 and paused.

“Go on, read the next verse” Pastor Kalejaye instructed again.

“So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found”

“Stop there…in all his searching, our brother has not found a suitable help because the help appointed for him by God has chosen to play hide and seek… Hear me, your delay has led Morakinyo to commit serious blunders which you are not unaware of…but am glad God has chosen to spoken to you by Himself” Pastor Kalejaye bowed and stayed in that position for another minute. When he lifted his head, his eyeballs had become red.

“So, what do you want now?” Pastor Kalejaye asked slowly and firmly.

Gbayike opened her mouth to talk but she could not find the right words. At last she managed to speak out amidst sobs…

“I will marry him”

The wedding was held within a month. Pastor Kalejaye convince the marriage committee to give express approval for the marriage. For him, Morakinyo and Gbayike had been in unofficial pre-courtship in the last one year and so had no reasons to wait any longer.

“Besides, the two are matured and ripe adults” Pastor Kalejaye explained to the Chairman of the Marriage Committee, Deacon Femi Olugbenja.

Only few members of the church attended the wedding which was held within the office of the Senior Pastor in addition to Gbayike’s parents and Wonuola, her Chief Bridesmaid. Morakinyo and Gbayike had requested for a low-keyed ceremony. His Royal Highness, Oba Folagbade Lagooku (Ogajafowomeke II) The Adigbaare of Onigba-Iwofa and his Queen were also present to attend the occasion. Mrs. Durotoye and Lanre stood for the groom’s family. Aarinola and Mrs. Joju took care of the welfare and hosting of all the guests while Barrister Wole Olaoye compered the event.

That weekend, Gbayike and Morakinyo returned to Onigba-Iwofa quietly. The circumstances surrounding the death of his “former wife” and the “loud marriage ceremony” held less than a year ago made it difficult for another lousy ceremony of any sort to be held. Pastor Kalejaye had also counselled that the couple avoid any lousy ceremony.

The wedding was conducted on a Wednesday and the couple travelled to Onigba-Iwofa on Friday morning. Dasofunjo, the church driver assisted to move their belongings especially the gifts collected during the wedding, using the church bus. Barrister Wole Olaoye and a few other members of the Evangelism sub-group joined them on the journey using another bus belonging to the church. Morakinyo and Gbayike were conveyed with Barrister Olaoye’s new Shagari Style Benz car.

As the car drove out of the Church premises where the couple had lodged in the Guest House for two nights, Gbayike recalled the dream she had about the big school and the car that she saw in the dream. She recalled the name on the signpost of the school she saw in the dream was His Glory Model High School, Onigba-Iwofa, Oyo State. She closed her eyes tightly and fell into Morakinyo’s chest and prayed silently.

“Lord Jesus, I have obeyed you after several months of stubbornness…I have surrendered finally and obeyed your will. Here am I Lord, use me as it pleases you for your own glory…” as she prayed silently, stream of tears ran down her eye sockets. Morakinyo saw the tears and used his hand to wipe the tears off her eyes. He placed a k!ss on her forehead and she relaxed completely on his chest.

The journey of the bridal entourage to Onigba-Iwofa was the shortest Morakinyo had embarked on since the first time he travelled to the town. With Gbayike beside him, he felt a renewed strength and vigour for the assignment ahead and journey seemed like a few minutes. As the vehicles cruised the dusty road from Shaki to Onigba-Iwofa, he kept staring unbelievably at his wife. He couldn’t believe his eyes that at last Gbayike had become his forever.

His mind raced back to the troubles Gbayike made him pass through while it all lasted. He touched her again to be sure he was not dreaming. Gbayike was sleeping on his laps now. He smiled again and lifted his head satisfactorily like an athlete who had just won a game.

As the vehicles made it closer to OnigbaIwofa, Morakinyo closed his eyes and payed: “Lord Jesus, here am I, returning to the work you sent me. With my lack of wisdom and unbridled zeal, I made a mockery of the first phase of the assignment. I have returned with my wife; Sister Gbayike to resume the assignment. Please Lord, glorify yourself in our lives and make this second phase a most successful one for us to the glory of your name…in Jesus mighty name I pray” As he prayed, streams of tears rolled down his cheeks. He bent towards his wife and spoke to her ears “Welcome to Onigba-Iwofa”

Gbayike smiled and woke gently. She lifted herself just as the vehicle moved past a signboard with the inscription; “WELCOME TO ONIGBA-IWOFA” She looked at her husband and smiled again. Morakinyo held her hands and they began to pray.

Pastor Joju, his wife and Mrs. Paseda had travelled ahead of the bridal entourage the day before to prepare grounds for the new couple. They had gathered a few of the leaders of the church, including Odesola, his wife, Major & Mrs. Labode and Madam Mobiyiina Ajanaku, from Awofolaju village to welcome the new couple to Onigba-Iwofa. A small reception ceremony had been put in place at the palace of the King unknown to Morakinyo and Gbayike.

As the vehicles drove towards the parsonage, a guard of honour was waiting to receive the couple. The Mercedes Benz conveying Morakinyo and Gbayike stopped at the gate. Shocked, Morakinyo stared at the wonder amusement of the church leaders forming a guard of honour at the gate of the Mission House. He grabbed a piece of white handkerchief nearby and quickly wiped tears from his eyes.

As the couple stepped out of the car, a loud noise of “Hallelujah” rented the air. What was supposed to be a quiet welcome glee was gradually becoming a carnival of some sorts. Some members of the church who passed by had wondered what was going on at the Mission House when they saw some of the leaders gathered in waiting and talking in low tones. A few had stayed back or hanged around waiting to see the essence of the gathering. Their waiting had paid off when the robust Mercedes Benz car had arrived bearing the former Pastor and his new wife!

After some minutes of praying, dancing and rejoicing, the church leaders escorted Morakinyo and Gbayike to the palace so as to pay homage to the King and have a brief reception ceremony organized by His Royal Highness. Morakinyo was stunned at the level of preparations that Pastor Joju, his wife and Aarinola had made to welcome him and his wife to Onigba-Iwofa. Although, he didn’t want any elaborate ceremony, he was pleasantly surprised and happy at the display of love by the church leaders. He was most happy to see Odesola was back in the church and Major Labudanu now doing well as a leader in the church.

The reception at the palace was brief and also attended by all the traditional chiefs of Onigba-Iwofa. His Royal Highness, Oba Folagbade Lagooku (Ogajafowomeke II) The Adigbaare of Onigba-Iwofa, welcomed Gbayike into the land and assured that she will enjoy her stay. He also prayed that she will experience the blessings of matrimony and the fruits of the womb which will start coming in the next nine months.

From inside the palace, loads of different dishes began to be served to the amazement of Morakinyo and his wife. The King had made arrangements for a sumptuous for all the guests who attended the brief reception in honour of the couple. The Queen was everywhere supervising the palace staff and other volunteers and ensuring that all went well.

EPILOGUE…. January 2021
The entourage of the Cowbell Mathematics Competition officials from Lagos drove through the thick traffic at Adigbaare round about toward the premises of His Glory Model High School, Onigba-Iwofa. As they approached the gate of the School, the security men politely requested they all disembark to wash their hands and walk through a sanitizing chamber before returning to their cars for onward movement into the school compound.

The gentlemen and ladies in the cars all complied and spread themselves to the about twelve points of wash-hand basins designated for the sanitization process. They all adorned their face masks.

The School Administrator, Prince Olapade Lagooku, followed by the Vice Principal (Administration) Mr. Basanwo Ajanaku and the Registrar; Mr. Bayonle Olabode walked towards the guests at the sprawling car park. After a few introductions they led the guests towards the administrative building.

The guests marveled as they walked with the School team towards the administrative building.

“Prince Lagooku, you have wonderful and beautiful buildings here. We commend your school” The head of the Cowbell team commended.

“Glory to God. Thank you Sir” Prince responded.

At the corridor of the administrative building, they were met by the Director of the School; Pastor Ipegbemi Olagunsoye, the Principal; Mrs. Kanyinsola Paseda and her mother in law, who is also the School Counsellor. They welcomed the team and led them to the office of the Executive Director.

The office of the Executive Director was large and expansive. There was a dark walnut bookcase lining the entire left side wall. A leather sofa settee with a fur rug over the back and an Indian blanket draped over the arms laid majestically at the centre of the shinning, Italian tiled floor. The right side wall has two large bookshelves lining it. On the two right shelves were two antique clocks and a painting of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye with the inscription: “The siege of failure is over!!” A 74-inch flat screen television hung on the left wall in between the two book shelves.

A huge Macintosh laptop sat on a corner of the big table, hooked to a laser printer on a small end table beside it. In between the second wall was a large life-sized picture of Morakinyo and Gbayike on their wedding day. Another picture of Pastor Kalejaye and his wife hung on the wall directly behind the executive table. A first visitor into the office cannot miss the imposing picture of the Senior Pastor and his wife.

Seated at the end of the executive mahogany table was the Executive Director of His Glory High School, Pastor (Dr) Morakinyo Olagunsoye, now sixty-five although he looked quite younger than his age. His wife, Pastor Mrs. Gbayike Olagunsoye now sixty-one-year-old, but cuts the appearance of a thirty-nine-year-old damsel. The two rose to welcome the Cowbell team and offered the seats immediately.

The only white man amongst the Cowbell team who appears to be the head, rose and explained their mission.

“My name is Richard Blimey, a Briton. I stand on behalf of Mr. Bruno Gruwez who has just been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor Nigeria Limited and resumed office on January 1st 2021 to congratulate your school. For the fifth time running, His Glory High School, Honiggg- bba-High-wo-far has won the National Cowbell Mathematics Competition…That is a record no school in Nigeria has ever achieved !!!”

A few journalists clicked away as Richard Blimey spoke. Gbayike smiled and exchanged glances with Morakinyo who squeezed her hand and smiled back.

… For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry…. Habakkuk 2:3

THE END 5:19PM
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