I got this story from a Whatsapp group and couldn’t resist sharing it here. Its lessons are invaluable considering the bitterness, hate and animosity that has today plagued many Nigerian hearts.
Yesterday in Gwarinpa (Abuja), I dropped my car at a carwash and decided to use the opportunity to do some little shopping. I flagged down a Keke NAPEP and directed the driver to Bakan Gizo store on 1st Avenue. Done with my shopping, I flagged another Keke NAPEP and asked him to take me to 3rd Avenue. He said he was not taking that route, but after some seconds he said I should get in and he would drop me somewhere close. I did and he zoomed off.
On getting to the T-junction by Drumstix he stopped and said I should cross the road and take another keke to where I am going. I then dipped my hand in my pocket and brought out money, but he said no. “I just wanted to help you,” he said in Hausa. I was shocked and I said, “no, take your money.” He said no again and then added: “It is not because I don’t need the money but I have decided that from time to time, I will help some of my passengers by not collecting money from them, that’s why I said even though I wasn’t going toward where you are, I will shorten the distance for you.”
I was speechless. He drove off and left me beside the road still holding the sorry-looking N100 meant for him. This guy would probably go and sleep in one uncomfortable room (if you know how and where most Keke NAPEP drivers sleep in Abuja) but yet he insisted on helping. He probably doesn’t eat the quality of food I eat, or has what I have, but he is richer in good deeds.
And the icing is that he doesn’t select who gets his good need. He is a Muslim and I am a Christian but what matters to him wasn’t my religion or ethnicity, but just to help a fellow human being. He is not the richest man around but he is still helping out of the limited resources with him. In his lack, he is still showing kindness. He is not using his lack as an excuse not to help, no. He is not waiting until he gets millions before he helps. At the end of the day he would sleep with a peaceful heart full of satisfaction for such selfless acts. God bless him!
I have been so challenged and my views toward kindness to others have further been redefined and strengthened by this simple Keke NAPEP driver.
There are still good Nigerians out there. A lot of unsung heroes and patriots with good hearts for Nigeria and humanity.
