A NEW DAWN FOR SEGE... Oh, but for the power of love! I reminisce, with nostalgia, over a certain factual experience that occurred in my university days (as recounted by a notorious cultist who later became a good friend of mine) - Sege Bad Man! So infamous was this character that his legend spread as far as many distant universities in the different parts of the country. He was said to have carried out a few ‘hits’ and he spent the greater part of his time in the Students Union Building gambling and smoking “Reefers”. He was dreaded by his fellow cultists and no “Jew Man” ever dared approach him for any reason whatsoever. He had spent a great number of years in school, had several ‘carry overs’, and was getting fed up of the entire thing. His whole life was a mess and there seemed no escape from the bondage that had become his reality. Thus, in despair, he resigned himself to the futility of his coming experiences… He was easily identifiable on campus and his looks readily betrayed his activity. Charred lips, cold eyes, an unsteady gait, and the cigarette that perpetually burned like a chimney from his lips… He was avoided like a bad habit! On a certain morn however, to his greatest horror and consternation, albeit also to his surprise, he was approached by a certain innocent and gullible pretty young “Jambite”, who was finding it difficult manoeuvring around campus. “Excuse me brother” she blurted out to the “Bado” naively, “I’ve been having a horrible time doing my registration. Can you please assist me. I am also finding it frustrating moving around this big campus.” The audacity and sheer effrontery of this “rat” saw the cigarette drop from Sege’s lips who scowled at the young lady with much disdain: “You no dey look face?” See this girl o!” But the young lady was very much undaunted and pleaded still; “Brother please! I am so stressed!” Sege was at once embarrassed and confused. For the very first time during his stay on campus, a “chick” had walked up to him without being fearful of him. She even had the guts to call his bluff. The Sege every one knew would easily have “Sounded” the girl a dirty slap. But he didn’t. And to his own greatest surprise, he even asked her where she was going and agreed to take her there. That walk, that sight, that spectacle, instantly became the campus gist of the day! Was it his younger sister, or who could she possibly have been?? Sege B in the company of a Jambite??? A pretty looking one at that too??? Wetin happen? It didn’t seem as if that guy had siblings or even came from this planet… To cut a long story short, at the close of day, the young lady promised to pay Sege a visit at his abode and thanked him for assisting her. But she was going just too far and Sege walked away without responding! The Don Tutu Cappi received the shock of his life when he found her a few days later at his boys quarters where she excitedly blurted : “I knew I would find you!” Thus did the transformation begin in Sege B’s life, and in a relatively short time, everything about him changed. He quit smoking, started dressing responsibly, attended his lectures diligently, and even eventually graduated! Today, he is a CEO in a blue chip company, is happily married with kids (to her), and evangelizes on the occasion. In handing me the mangled piece of paper, he tells me frankly with a telling soberness, which seems to remind him of his yesterday, “Ayo, I really liked your poetry book. Thanks for allowing me have a copy. I thought to share this piece with you. It’s the first and only poem I ever wrote …” She was morning I was night time. But they woke up to find her lying inside my bed, She softly said; “Come play me!” You are the sun I am the moon. You are the words I am the tune. …”Play me!” Till this very day, it still is one of my favourite poems!
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 04:51:23 +0000