Tales of A Keke Passenger from Opolo to Ekeki – Episode 1 | A Joyful Rider Meets Calculative Passenger
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” class=”” width=”12″]Episode 1 of the Victor Oroyi series Tales of A Keke Passenger from Opolo to Ekeki is titled A Joyful Rider Meets Calculative Passenger.[/box]
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his keke, I boarded this sunny Saturday morning from Opolo looks unusual, anyways, I stayed beyond my usual time, so I need to get to the office.
The rider wears a green-branded-church T-shirt with a round hair cut. He never strikes for anything, when I initiately flagged him down. There two passengers at the back seat, I opted to join, as shifted to right side.
Good morning…, I greeted and took my seat. Just a 1-minute drive, the keke was flagged down again, now by a girl wearing black-singlet top with her pointed nipples on jumper trouser entered to join the driver in the front seat.
In this part, due to the nature of the business, most keke riders allow a passenger to join them on the front seat for the extra cash but it has its side effect when there road safety officials on the road.
The lady, looked behind and faced forward without a word. I noticed she had a nose ring. I controlled my thought, not to pass any judgment on her. Everybody has their path, so, this is her way, she choice.
She make ensure, she seats properly and comfortably on the seat. Amazingly, the rider, gave her the needed space because he needed her money. He began to hum beautiful gospel tunes and periodically sings out. As he rides, he nods his head to the melody of the tune and I became amazed.
This time, I allowed my thoughts to flow, why is this rider so happy that sings to glorify God in this uncomfortable situation? I realized praising God, does not come only in good times. As she alighted, he continued until, he picks his next passenger that replaced her in the front seat.
The passenger entered at the popular Hausa fruit market between Otiotio junction and Biogbolo community. The rider’s melodious tunes stopped, as he bargain with the passenger on fare from that point to Ekeki. In the process, they laugh and smile at each other. At the end of the bargain, the rider ‘releases’ new tunes, singing aloud while I looked at him amazed.
So, I am not the only passenger going to Ekeki on this ride.
Indeed, Nigerians are happy people. Despite, the rumours of a possible increase in the pump price of PMS, and turn of event since Bola Tinubu became president in May 2023, the people are still cheerful and excited. The ever increasing prices of goods and services, they still smile, and sing praises to God.
With from his tone, he is from Eastern part of Nigeria. God bless, I wish you success… he says to the two passengers who were earlier in the Keke before me as they alight in front of a popular medical laboratory located at the Otiotio Junction.
Hmm… Okay, he is not only interested in their money but their welfare too, I said to myself. So, the action of this joyful keke rider is commendable, he needs healthy passengers. This action, cancels the thought I refused to share earlier.
He picks another passenger who drops at the Tolda Road, just after Osiri Road located at Ekeki community. The passenger in front, already had a conversation with the rider, he too alighted but the rider turns to me, Oga, abeg, make him carry something from that place, where dem dey sell fruit.
I gave him no reply, as I watch the young man run into the street, far pass the the table where they sell fruit. Indeed, a calculative passenger but again, I was the only passenger and if the Keke rider had a full load, will he afford to that, I reasoned within myself.
Tolda Road is prominent for many reasons in Ekeki community, it houses an hotel beloning to a former deputy governor and retired top military officer. The hotel has hosted several political meetings.
The rider’s joyful attitude and empathy towards his passenger became my consolation to wait; knowing the cost of transportation in this town, this young man is being calculative use the opportunity to get things done. Although, after running the distance, the young man did not find what he was looking for.
Thank you for reading and enjoying this episode 1 of Tales of A Keke Passenger from Opolo to Ekeki titled A Joyful Rider Meets Calculative Passenger written by Victor Oroyi. See you tomorrow for another episode.
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