Table of Contents
Dedication,………………………………………...……3
Acknowledgements……………………………….….…4
Chapter 1: The Genesis................................................... ..7
Chapter 2: Struggle to live,............................................. 10
Chapter 3: Goodbye cruel world,....................................13
Chapter 4: Till we meet again,........................................ 18
Chapter 5: A new life,..................................................... 24
Chapter 6: Bursted,..........................................................29
Chapter 7: Four days at Division F,................................33
Chapter 8: Reasons To Live,...........................................38
Chapter 9: Brand new beginning,................................... 44
Chapter 10: A visit to the prison,.................................... 50
Letter from the Author,................................................... 53
Editorial crews.................................................................56
REASONS TO LIVE
3
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to the amazing men and women
I’ve met and those I haven’t who battle with the dark
days.
You all are the real MVP’s.
REASONS TO LIVE
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To the Almighty God, for his guidance during the writing
process of this book. I realized how true this gift of
writing is for me. With God, I have had the strength to
believe in myself and pursue my dreams.
I appreciate my family members for believing in me.
Much thanks to my sister, Ajagbe Iretomiwa, for being
my first editor. Chuckles.
To Akinwale Peace Akindayo (Philip Peace), I
immensely appreciate you. I can barely find the right
words to express all the wisdom, love and support you’ve
shown towards me so far. I am eternally grateful for that.
Thanks for proofreading and editing this book. God bless
you abundantly.
To Alade Kehinde (KennyBravo), thank you for
arranging the whole book and making necessary
corrections to make it look perfect and professional. I
can’t thank you enough. May God continue to bless you.
To my best friends, Hassan Ayokanmi (PLB, Unilorin),
Adeyemi Feranmi (ZLY, Unilorin), Oladimeji Favour
(PLB, Unilorin), Odu Samuel (PLB, Unilorin), Ayewa
Precious (ZLY, Unilorin), Adebowale Faridah
(PHARMACY, Unilorin), Adegbesan Ebunifeoluwa (PLB,
Unilorin), Adesoye Oreoluwa (AGR, Unilorin), Oladele
Emmanuel (CSC, OAU), Obaijoko Mariam (Social
REASONS TO LIVE
5
Works, Unilorin), Usman Waliyat (Asst Class Rep. PLB,
Unilorin) Oladokun Akorede (PLB, Unilorin), and
Fetuga Oluwatunmininu (Counseling, University of
Ibadan). You supported me even when you didn’t realize
that I needed it. Your jokes and words of inspiration
when I was down got me over many humps. Thank you
for making me drive! Thank you for being good friends.
Special thanks goes to the President and members of
Writers Global Movement (WGM), all members of
ARTmosterrific writing group, Kolawole Queen
(Pharmacy), Adebayo George (National President, Gate
Initiative), Bamidele Oluwatobi Catalyst (EX: Chairman
Unilorin Anti-Corruption Committee), Oni
Oluwashinaayomi (Ex-President NALSS Unilorin
Chapter), Akingbade Ademide (MCB UNIOSUN),
Komolafe John (Uniosun), Adenle Adesola (ENG),
Olalekan Sheriffdeen (BCH), Saadu Abubakar (Anatomy,
Uniosun), Micheal Akintayo, Senator Olugbode Samuel
(OVS, Unilorin), Oke Ibukun (PLB, Unilorin), Odeyemi
Bukola (Nursing, Uniben).
I give special thanks to those who has directly or
indirectly worked for the success of this book who hasn’t
been listed above. Thank you.
REASONS TO LIVE
6
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names,
characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are
either the products of the author's imagination or used in
a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons,
living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 Ajagbe Ayodeji David.
REASONS TO LIVE
7
Chapter One
The Genesis
The office was so empty, you would hear the collapsing
sound of a pin. The Doctor adjusts his sitting position so
as to unveil the nature of my mother’s illness. Fear
gripped me, sweat trickled down my face despite the
chill of the room; an effect of the air conditioner hanging
above the window behind the doctor’s chair. Just as the
tension was becoming almost unbearable, the Doctor
asked where my father was. I had thought to myself
earlier that he would wonder why and how a young boy
like me would stand in place of my father.
“You can talk to me doctor, I’m not a kid.” I said to him
and pressed my face into my palms. “Besides, the man is
in the lane, he died when I was 11.” The addition was
meant to make him share what he was about to, without
consciously belittling me. On the contrary, he said he
was sorry for my catastrophe as if it mattered to me at the
moment. He made the unfortunate gesture; his two palms
behind the head. I shrugged, and asked about mother
again. I was eager and nervous to know her condition as
she has been bedridden for over 4 days.
“Son, I won’t lie to you. Your mom’s condition is quite
critical but I strongly believe that she will be fine Insha
Allah.” His soothing words gave me comfort and I
believed my mother would be fine again, it is just a
matter of time.
REASONS TO LIVE
8
“Please go home and rest son, you’ve been here since
dawn. And kindly bring her something to eat on your
way back here.”
“Alright, sir.” I said, as I walked out of the Doctor’s
office.
Ohh, I haven’t introduced myself... I’m so sorry, Na
situation cause am. My name is Oluwatimileyin Turner,
but you can call me Timmy Turner to make things easier.
I’m a 100 Level student of University if Ilorin. This story
you’re reading is my true life story. I grew up with a
single parent. My Dad passed away when I was in JSS 1
and ever since then, my mother had to take care of my
two brothers and I. Being the eldest son, I know how
hard and difficult single parenting is and a typical
example is a bird using a wing to fly. Almost impossible,
isn’t it? Yeah that’s how it is. Life was so difficult for us
with my mother raising 3 kids. She was a primary school
teacher which wasn’t enough finance to cater for her
boys and put food on the table. My mother still have 3
other side jobs aside being a teacher in which she
engaged in daily, just to make ends meet.
My uncles and aunts from my paternal side weren’t
helping matters at all. I could remember back in 2012,
they accused my mother for his death. They clamoured
that she was responsible for the death of my father. They
REASONS TO LIVE
9
called her a witch and all sorts of mean names. They took
everything away from us. The car, the house, and the
joint company which my mother and father operate
together while he was alive. The confiscated everything
from us.
Life was really tough after my father’s death. Being the
first son, I had to hawk goods for my mother early in the
morning before going to school and on weekends so as to
put food on the table. I was exposed to the dreadful
streets of Lagos at a very tender age.
“Timmy, you’ll become successful one day, and you will
make me and your late father proud. I believe in you.”
My mother would always say to me. Especially when I
make huge sales.
REASONS TO LIVE
10
Chapter Two
Struggle to live
As I exited the hospital, I went home to prepare lunch for
my mother and siblings. While re-arranging the house,
Feranmi, my youngest brother, approached me. He, in his
young innocence asked when his mother would come
back home.
“Soon, she’ll be back home very soon.” I said and landed
a soft pat on his shoulder. I pressed his body gently to
mine. We all ate silently until I broke the silence. “Wale,
I’ll be back soon, I want to visit mom at the hospital.
Please take care of Feranmi.” I carried the food flask
which contained my mother’s food and headed for the
hospital.
On getting to the hospital, I saw some set of nurses
pushing a patient with the aid of a wheel out of the ward.
The figure was covered with a white cloth from head to
toe. I told myself, peradventure, the person is gripped
with cold. I shrugged as I found my way to the ward
where my mother had been admitted. I received the
greatest shock of my life when I didn’t meet her there. I
dropped the flask I clutched tightly in my hands and ran
blindly to the Doctor’s office with tears in my eyes.
REASONS TO LIVE
11
I met the doctor in his office with his hands akimbo, he
tossed around his office higgledy piggledy. He paused
when he saw me. “Oh Timmy, you’re back already?” He
asked. He appeared quite bothered.
“Yes sir, I’m back. I’ve brought her food as you’d
requested.
But sir, I can not find her in her ward when I got there.
Where is she?” I asked. Tears began to stream down my
face like the massive flooding of a shop.
“Oh Timmy, c’mon, you’re a man and you need not to
worry about your mother this much.” He said while
taking me out of his office. We headed towards another
section of the hospital. A completely different part.
The doctor held my hand and squeezed it at intervals till
we got to a big door with a ICU tag on the wall.
Although, I didn’t know what it meant but I was pretty
sure it was a medical term. After a short while, we got to
where mom was laid. I let go of the Doctor’s hand and
ran towards my mother. I called her and held her palms
which I squeezed gently. “Mama, can you hear me?” I
asked in an almost silent tone. After a while, she opened
her eyes gently and smiled at me. Mama held my hands
and said something which sounded more like a gibberish
to me. After a brief moment, her voice was clearer. She
said “Ayomi” which means “my joy.” Mama alone calls
me by that name
REASONS TO LIVE
12
“Mummy mi.” I said midst my tears. I squeezed her
palms together.
“Wipe your tears my boy, you won’t have any cause to
cry by God’s grace.” she smirked and looked away.
“Amen” I said while I sobbed.
“I want you to take care of your younger ones, and also
take care of yourself. I so much believe in you. You’ll
make me and your father proud one day and we will be
pleased with you.” Mama said and let go of my hand.
“Mummy, you’ll be fine. You’re going to take care of us.
You’re not going to die. The doctor has assured me, he
had said that you will be fine.”
My mother closed her eyes and didn’t answer me again. I
started crying bitterly and refused to leave her side until
the securities dragged me out of the room. I had wanted
to touch her more but I couldn’t.
When it was 8:00pm that night, the doctor called me and
told me he’s done for the day. He asked if I won’t mind
if he drove me home which I budged to. The Doctor
instructed me to visit the hospital early the next day.
REASONS TO LIVE
13
Chapter Three
Goodbye cruel world
The next morning was a Saturday, I woke up as early as
5:00am to make breakfast for the family. I arranged the
house and swept the whole compound. When my siblings
woke up, we all prayed for our late father to continually
rest in peace while we prayed for mom’s quick recovery.
After the lengthy morning devotion, I served my brothers
breakfast. I served mom’s breakfast as well. I couldn’t
eat because I had to wait upon the Lord with fasting and
prayer for her quick recovery throughout the day.
I took my bath and headed for the hospital. It was a cold
morning, the sky was filled with dark clouds like it wants
to rain although it had rain earlier, in the night. The sun
was nowhere to be found. The drainages were full to the
brim with waters flooding every part of the street. I was
about to start my journey to the hospital when my phone
rang. I brought out the phone and realized Tumise was
the caller. Tumise was my girlfriend, I clicked the green
button.
“Happy birthday, baby!” one could feel the excitement in
her voice.
I hesitated at first, I later replied her and wondered why
she sounded so excited. I asked myself if the day was
truly my birthday. I asked her in disbelief and she replied
in the affirmative.
REASONS TO LIVE
14
“Today is your birthday, love. Today, August 29th. Do
you intend to play pranks on me?” I greeted her
excitement with silence and she asked what was wrong
with me.
“You’ve stopped talking with me for some days now”
Tunmise added. I agreed with my instincts when it told
me she felt disappointed.
“Oh, yes it’s my birthday.” I said feigning ecstasy. It was
meant to ensure that I avoid her questions. I didn’t
inform her that my mother is terribly sick.
“I’ll call you back baby... I have to do something
important at the moment.”
“But we haven’t fin....”
Tunmise tried to continue the discussion but I hung up
and zoomed off to the hospital.
At the hospital
The hospital environment seemed to change today unlike
the other days. I said to myself as I went through the
security checkpoint. I entered the main building, the
smell of the environment wasn’t inviting at all. It was a
bad a choking smell. I went straight to the nurse on duty
that morning and stated my mission to her.
REASONS TO LIVE
15
“Oh, good morning Timmy” she said. “Doctor Hassan
would love to see you. He is in his office presently.” the
nurse added while she pointed at Doctor Hassan’s office.
I walked towards the Doctor’s office. On entry, I was
surprised to see him seated because he told me he won’t
be coming to the hospital that Saturday. “I’m off duty,” I
could remember he said it while driving me home the
other night. Doctor Hassan greeted me warmly and
offered me a seat right beside him.
“Timmy, I don’t have to keep you in darkness anymore.”
He paused for a while before he continued. “Your mother
is affected by cancer, leukemia, to be precise.” It
appeared that it was as worse as he had concealed the
true illness from me before this time. I repeated after him
softly. Leukemia. Leukemia. Leukemia.
“Leukaemia!” I yelled and gripped the shoulders of the
the chair I sat on.
Leukemia was something I had read about in magazines,
I had watched programs about it on TV and I had been
taught in school. It was said to be a very dangerous kind
of cancer. I never believed and I never thought, even for
once, that my mother would battle a life threatening
sickness like it. My heart shattered and felt pity for my
mom for the first time.
REASONS TO LIVE
16
How can this be true? When did she start her battle with
leukaemia? Why didn’t she tell us about it? I asked
myself a lot of questions in the few seconds of silence
and I couldn’t conceive a clue to answering them.
“She has been battling with it for four years now.”
Doctor Hassan added. Aside that, “your mother wished
you a happy birthday and she wanted you to have this.”
He stood and walked towards his table. He brought out a
box which I recognized instantly. It was her necklace box,
her most prized possession. According to her, her mother,
which is my maternal grandmother, gave it to her before
giving up the ghost. It was a real gold jewel.
I collected the necklace from Doctor Hassan and kept it
in my pocket.
“Can I see my mother, sir?” I asked, as I licked the tears
on my face with the edge of my cloth. He sighed and
shook his head for a moment before he finally opened up
to me.
“You do not understand yet.” He paused and stared at my
face. “We lost your mother to the cold hands of death
this morning, we could not save her.”
“You lost who?” I screamed at him. I intended to be at
ease but I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.
REASONS TO LIVE
17
The next three hours of my life that day wasn’t the one I
would love to experience again. The pain of seeing
someone you love die slowly right before you and you
couldn’t help it was the worst pain one could feel. After
much pleading, I was allowed to see her corpse. She had
been covered already. I walked towards her. She laid
there lifelessly. I gently removed the white robe from her
face. She looked just beautiful and radiant like ever. Her
brown skin glowed as if she just took her bath. Her body
was cold.
I screamed. I could remember that I slapped and pinched
her body but she didn’t wake up. She would not answer
me. I called her name and her father’s, she didn’t wake
up.
“Mummy, it is my birthday. My birthday is today.”
“I still want to take you to London, mom, I haven’t
forgotten my promise of buying a 4matic Benz for you,
mummmmy” I said and wailed bitterly but she would not
move an inch, nor lift a finger. I fell to the ground and
wept. That day, I wished tears could bring our dead
people to life, and perhaps, my mother would come back
to life.
REASONS TO LIVE
18
Chapter Four
Till we meet again
Life hasn’t been the same ever since the death of my
mother. Home hasn’t really been home when the loved
one is gone. After my mother’s death on my birthday,
August 29th, I wasn’t myself. I was rather a shell of
myself. I often saw her smiling at me. Sometimes, she
talked to me and pet my brothers. I told Doctor Hassan
about it and he moved us out of the house to his
residential house where he lived with his wife and
daughter.
Her burial ceremony was scheduled to hold on a
September 5th, a week after her death. Friends and
families were present, distanced relatives also found their
way to the burial ground. Each tried to do one thing or
the other. Few of my friends from UNILORIN also
graced the interment, I was actually surprised when I saw
Ayewa Precious, the lady in Zoology, whom I had a
misunderstanding with during schooldays.
At the graveside, dark clouds covered the surface of the
sky, then it started drizzling. The pastor preached about
living a good life. Afterwards, people said their good
words about her when she was alive. I was called upon to
REASONS TO LIVE
19
read a poem in honour of my late mother, I read it with
tears in my eyes.
“When I lay there beside you,
Would you feel me there?
My arms were wrapped around you,
And I was stroking your hair.
I was talking about all the good times,
For me they were every single day.
I wanted you to feel love and comfort,
And happiness in some way.
I watched your every breath,
And prayed that each won't your last.
The time we got to share together,
Went by too quick...Too fast.
I wanted you to wake up,
Please Mum...you can still open your eyes.
And tell me this is a nightmare,
REASONS TO LIVE
20
And not our goodbyes.
As your last breath drew closer,
We lay silently together.
My heart continually breaking,
Because I wanted you forever.
Then there it was,
Your final breath of air.
I didn't want to believe it,
You were so cruel and unfair.
I held your beautiful face,
And prayed you'd breathe again.
I wasn't ready for you to go,
I couldn't admit that this was the end.
But then I realized that you were now in peace,
And you would not suffer anymore.
You were beginning the life of an Angel,
And your body would no longer be sore.
REASONS TO LIVE
21
I held you close and squeezed you tight,
And tried to say goodbye.
I've lost my Mum and my number one best friend,
All my heart could do is cry.
I slowly got up,
I wanted so much to stay.
I leaned over and gave you a kiss,
It was so hard to walk away.
Mum, you are my entire world,
And I miss you very much.
I wish I could feel your lovable cuddle,
And your soft and gentle touch.
But for now I have to wait,
Until we meet again.
You will always be in my heart and thoughts,
My dear Mum and best friend.
REASONS TO LIVE
22
Always and Forever,
Our hearts will always touch.
Always and Forever,
Your baby boy loves you so much.”
I finished the poem with a heavy heart that I didn’t know
when I gave myself into a loud cry. My immediate
brother did the same too except for Feranmi who wasn’t
aware of what was going on at the moment.
I watched as my mom was lowered into the grave.
Darkness hovered around her coffin as the sands poured
on it. The Pastor said his memory verse, ‘ashes to ashes,
sand to sand…’ and eventually prayed for the family.
After the interment, I sat right beside my mom’s grave
which has now been covered with sand. She was buried
right beside my late father’s grave. I could remember she
once brought me to the particular spot and warned me
about the dangers of smoking and how injurious it is to
health.
“Your father died of lung cancer due to his high intakes
of cigarettes. His lungs were damaged when he died.”
She always told me, when she was alive, “Son, even
when you become successful in life, don’t ever think of
REASONS TO LIVE
23
cigarettes and alcohol. Smokers are liable to die young.”
Her words are now memories.
While thinking about my mother, I received a text. It was
from Ayewa Precious, my friend in school. It read:
“I’m sorry about your mom’s death, may her soul Rest in
Peace. I’ve gone back home when I didn’t see you after
the interment... take care of yourself.
Xoxo
Precious”
When it was some minutes after 7, Doctor Hassan came
to where I was sitting and said words of motivation and
encouragements before taking my siblings and me to his
residence.
REASONS TO LIVE
24
Chapter Five
A new life
Night turned to days, days turned into weeks. Weeks
turned into months after we moved into Doctor Hassan’s
house. Everything went on smoothly. We lived in
harmony. Doctor Hassan treated us like his kids. He
made us the kids he never had. He registered my siblings
in one of the top private schools in Lagos State. We went
for picnics on the beach and also went shopping
occasionally. Doctor Hassan made sure we weren’t
lacking anything at all. To me, Doctor Hassan is the
definition of a father I never had.
Tough times doesn’t last forever. They say, but good
times does not last forever too. The mixture of both is
what we call life. My happiness soon turned sour one
evening when Mrs Hassan got a call from an unknown
caller who later told her that Mr Hassan was involved in
a ghastly motor accident and he was, at that period,
battling with his life at Zenith Care Hospital. Mrs Hassan
screamed and broke down in tears. She was disorganized
totally. By the time we got to the hospital, Doctor Hassan
was in a state of coma. The accident was indeed a fatal
one: his vehicle was crushed beyond recognition and
Doctor Hassan on the other hand suffered lot of bruises.
Some of his bones were broken. I wondered how he
survived the accident.
REASONS TO LIVE
25
Around 8pm that night, Doctor Hassan kicked the bucket.
He was buried the following day according to the Islamic
rite. It was indeed a black week for us. The following
week after Doctor Hassan’s death, his wife attitude
changed towards my siblings and me. She would raise
her voice at us at any given opportunity. She would hit
me with any object she could lay her hands on at the
moment. Mrs Hassan accused us of bringing bad luck
into her family which was responsible for her husband’s
death.
Things turned from bad to worse every day. Mrs Hassan
turned me to a sex toy so as to satisfy her sexual desire.
She would have sex with me at any given opportunity. I
could remember the first time it started, it was the same
day she deflowered me and took my innocence away.
It was a Friday night, I was in the kitchen doing the
dishes we had used for dinner. My brothers were fast
asleep as I was the only one awake. Mrs Hassan who was
in her early thirties crawled up to where I was with a
transparent night gown which clearly revealed her
bosoms and her thick thighs. Mrs Hassan had a big,
round and robust breast which appeared perfect for her
body. She had a glowing, fresh brown skin which made
her very beautiful and attractive alongside her gap teeth
and dimples.
REASONS TO LIVE
26
“Timmy, come over to my room when you’re done. My
waist is aching me seriously, you’ll help me to apply this
balm on it” Mrs Hassan said while waving the balm at
me so as to get my attention.
“Alright, ma.” I said with a bit of shock. Mrs Hassan
hasn’t called me for such thing before. I said to myself
almost loudly that she could hear me.
Mrs Hassan left the kitchen as soon as she delivered her
message. I went to her room after I finished doing the
dishes. Little did I know that Mrs Hassan had other plans
for the night. By the time I got to her room, she had
removed the night gown which she wore earlier and was
only putting on a bikini pants and brassiere. She laid flat
on her chest with her ass faced heaven.
I wanted to go back and tell her that it wasn’t appropriate
seeing her unclad but she told me to do just as I was told.
“I believe I know what is right and what is wrong.” She
said and looked at me scornfully. She added that I should
apply the balm on her waist. She tossed the balm over to
me. I knelt down on the mattress right beside her and
gently applied the balm on her body. I kept glancing at
Mrs Hassan fresh, brown skin, spotless and her
protruding bosoms while applying the balm on her waist.
REASONS TO LIVE
27
My joystick was gaining momentum gradually but Mrs
Hassan couldn’t notice it because she faced the other side
of the bed.
“Lead me not into temptations, oh lord” I prayed silently.
I continued with the back rubbing and massage still
maintaining the waist region not until she was giving out
a moan. She adjusted her pants and shifted it downwards
a bit.
“Rub it down a little” she commanded, she sounded
trembled, I was quite shocked with her weird requests.
“This isn’t right.” I hesitated and held my hands back in
doubt. When Mrs Hassan noticed that I wasn’t doing as
instructed, she gave me a hot slap and pulled me over
herself. She started undressing herself that moment, she
removed her hands and bra. I opened my mouth in
disbelief and wanted to force my way out of her room.
“Where do you think you’re going to you son of a
b**ch?” Mrs Hassan said as she pulled me back. She
took off my clothes and tore my undies like a hungry lion
who haven’t had a prey to feed on for years. She pushed
me to the mattress and played with my dick till it got
hard then she sat on it and started riding it like a cowgirl.
Mrs Hassan continued like that for about thirty minutes,
she was moaning loudly and jerking seriously than
REASONS TO LIVE
28
before, she released some sorts of juices on my dick and
slept on me.
During the whole process, I tried to plead with her but I
couldn’t over-power her, she seemed to be more
powerful than I was. I couldn’t help but to cry.
Mrs Hassan got up after she finished satisfying her
selfish sexual desire. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you’re
still a Virgin. But you look grown and mature and you
have a very good dick.”
“Timmy, it’s been years since I had a great fun like this.
Mr Hassan is such a boring man when it comes to things
like this and he’ll always get tired after 2 minutes of
fucking me.” I felt that she only tried to justify her
action.
“But you must not tell anyone about what happened
between us tonight, not even your brothers. I’ll surely
kill you if you do!” Those were Mrs Hassan’s
threatening words to me that night.
REASONS TO LIVE
29
Chapter Six
Busted
Ever since the night Mrs Hassan deflowered me, and
took my innocence away, she has been coming back over
and over again for it like as if it’s her human right. Mrs
Hassan would have sex with me at any given opportunity.
In the morning before the morning devotion, in the
afternoon as well, and mostly at night. I started losing
weight and my legs started hurting so bad due to Mrs
Hassan’s heavy weight and pressure in which she exert
while having sex with me.
It got to a point I got tired of it all as the assault became
too much. Became unbearable.
I have to end it all. I said to myself one night. I was
overwhelmed with ideas on how to get myself out of the
mess which Mrs Hassan had got herself interlocked with
me. The first idea which came to my mind was to stab
her to death before daybreak, and escape with my
siblings afterwards. That would be before dawn. I then
remembered the Lord’s Commandments in the book of
Exodus, one which state that “thou shalt not kill.”
The second idea which came to my mind was to file a
serious allegation against Mrs Hassan. But I thought to
myself, who will believe me? This woman suffering
from malady is blessed with money, tables might turn
REASONS TO LIVE
30
against me and I might be jailed for wrong accusation. I
may even have to pay for stress, for defamation of repute
or calumny. I yawned and tossed around my room idly.
During this process, I conceived another idea which
seemed to be the perfect one on my mind at that moment.
The plan was to take my brothers to a Motherless Baby
Home while I move out of the house so as to start a new
life elsewhere. I made plans ahead and it seemed perfect
to me. I picked a date which appeared convenient for me,
a day I am very sure Mrs Hassan would not be around.
Some days after, I started executing my plans by packing
my clothes, as much as my sibling’s gradually. Unknown
to me that Mrs Hassan had been monitoring my
movements and was aware of the whole plan I had in
mind. At least, it eventually appeared that she knew the
basics.. On the day I was supposed to leave Mrs Hassan’s
house, the unexpected happened.
I was on my way out with my siblings, we were heading
for the Motherless Baby Home. It was around 9:45 am in
the morning. The giant black gate at the entrance of the
mansion flung opened and a troop of armed policemen
came into the residence with their pistols and AK47 guns
pointed at my siblings and I. “Hands up.” One of them
barked the order.
REASONS TO LIVE
31
I dropped all my bags instantly, my siblings did the same.
I was surprised and frozen with shock when Mrs Hassan
came in at that particular moment in company of another
police officer.
“Yes, he is the criminal.” Mrs Hassan announced, she
positioned her hands akimbo.
“I am not a criminal.” It was hard to raise my head, but I
tried. They could tell, my voice was timid, let alone me. I
only made attempts to justify myself. I pointed at the
direction of my baggage, “Here are my loads.” I stooped
down and started to remove my clothes from the
Ghana-must-go-bag which contained them.
“It will be better if you keep your mouth shut Mr man, or
anything you say will be used against you in the court of
law!” Another policeman added. I froze, honestly, scared
at the uncertainty of their next action. I have seen movies
about Nigerian police brutality. I knew I would wear the
same trouser with them – while they seek a truth that
does not exist.
I was handcuffed and led into a black Toyota pick-up
vehicle they brought. I couldn’t stop them, but I begged
that my siblings be kept save from this. They would not
hearken after all. They are the men of the Police Force,
Nigeria.
REASONS TO LIVE
32
I was arraigned before the DPO that same day where I
was questioned.
“Is it true that you stole some goods which belonged to
Mrs Hassan Olasunkanmi in her apartment and intended
to abscond with them? The DPO who seemed to be more
reserved spoke to me. He asked this question calmly. I
answered in the negative. “No sir, I am not a thief.” I
stammered. “I ha..ve ne..ver been one.”
“Hmmm, although you don’t look like someone who
would do such... but those who do it don’t write it on
their foreheads.” He shook his head in disagreement.
“You’ll have to remain here with us until we finish with
our investigations” the DPO added.
The DPO’s words were short and simple... he spoke as if
he will be arrested for the numbers of words he say.
“Sergeant Adeyemi!
“Shan sir!”
“Lock this young man in Cell Fourteen alongside Kesari
and those internet fraudsters we arrested earlier.”
“Alright Oga” Sergeant Adeyemi dragged me by my
trousers. He took me to the counter where my shirt was
removed and my mobile phone was taken away before
being transferred to Cell Fourteen.
REASONS TO LIVE
33
Chapter Seven
Four days at Division F.
I spent four days at Division F Police Station before I
was finally released. I spent most of the days either
weeping or brooding. Dark thoughts occasionally crossed
my mind about my siblings, I’d asked unanswered
questions about their welfare. I bothered most, with the
uncertainty that they had been locked up as well. I also
asked myself where they would be; I worried about what
would be happening to them.
Sometimes, the other inmates would make fun of me and
call me names. Names like “mummy’s boy” or “omije
oju…” I wasn’t bothered because I knew that most of the
inmates were mean by default. I knew because I had seen
movies about them. It was only a boy of my age who
showed interest in me. We would always try to start a
conversation. Maybe he’s one of the internet fraudsters
the DPO spoke about. I couldn’t ascertain that reality.
The second day I spent at Cell Fourteen wasn’t a day I
will love to remember for the rest of my life. A young
man came to meet me behind bars that evening. “hey
man” he called at me and tried to force out a smile.
I did not even turn to look at him as I continued
humming the Rock of Ages hymn. He tapped me on the
REASONS TO LIVE
34
shoulder a number of times before he decided to leave
because I didn’t give him the required attention.
I stood at the same spot, behind the cell bars till night
time. I probably expected a miracle or whatever you may
deem fit to call it. Another guy walked up to me.
Actually, a far older man. He appeared to be in his late
thirties, or early forties.
“Hellooooo, Omo mummy.” He said and stretched the
words. He spoke like our Nigerian comedian, Broda
Shaggi.
“I don dey notice u since yesterday and I no fancy d way
u dey do like fowl wey pikin die for hin hand. “u gaz free
yourself and forget about everything. This place na place
of joy... if u no happy for here, gbagbe you no fit happy
for anywhere.” He said to me. I asked myself what was
there to be excited about, and why particularly he was
excited. But it wasn’t for me to bother about. I cast my
eye on his face, I could not utter a word.
“Na me dem dey call Kesari. A.K.A. you see me, you die.
I see you, you die... I be robbery gan. Dem talk say I be
notorious armed robbery. But I sabi English o. I go
school. I was apprehended last week while on an
operation with my gang members. Na poor info we get,
guy. But we gather dey my brother. We gather dey”
Kesari said. He grinned and showed his yellow set of
teeth.
REASONS TO LIVE
35
I looked at him with so much displeasure that I didn’t
know when a loud hiss escaped my mouth. Before I got
to know what was happening, Kesari landed a hot slap on
my face and rained punches on me. It took a while before
the police officer on duty that night could intervene. I felt
sharp pains on my body that night. I had dislocations as
well, my waist hurt so badly that I couldn’t stand nor
walk. I crawled to a corner of the dark cell where I sat
and wept quietly for the rest of the night. Kesari and his
accomplice, Skye, were laughing wildly at me. The
young guy of my age who had come earlier did not laugh.
He came to sympathize with me.
“I’m sorry about what happened. I wish I could help but I
couldn’t. If I dared, we would get beaten together” he
said, while he tried to stretch my legs.
“Thank you.”
“By the way, I am Samuel” he stretched his hands
forward, towards me.
“My name is Timmy” I bone-face like someone who just
fired bazooka. I refused to shake his hands. Disappointed,
he withdrew his hand. “What brought you here, Timmy?”
Samuel asked. He sounded like an inquisitive woman.
“Theft related issues.” I replied him and looked away.
REASONS TO LIVE
36
“Wow! So you’re a thief?” Samuel asked looking at me
straight in the eyes and glancing at Kesari secretly like
we had something in common.
“I am not a thief” I fought back Samuel’s allegation
“things just had to turn out this way.” I added.
“Well, mine is just a case of straying.” Samuel coughed
then continued. “I was on my way to my place of work
that morning when a SARS van pulled over beside me. I
was dragged into the vehicle.” Samuel paused for a while,
then he continued. “I was apprehended with thirteen
others who were also on their way to work or home. We
were told to pay a ransom of a hundred thousand naira or
we would be detained although we did nothing wrong.”
Samuel coughed.
“Those who could afford it were freed as soon as the
money was transferred into the officer’s account and
those of us who couldn’t afford it were detained. I tried
to explain to them that I work in a junkyard and I have to
walk miles every day while I push a cart around to gather
used and condemn metals, but they turned deaf ears to all
my pleas.” Samuel sighed. I instantly felt sorry for him.
We were here by accident.
Samuel and I became friends that night and we were both
freed the same day. Samuel had a similar story as mine,
REASONS TO LIVE
37
the only difference between us is that he never knew who
his parents were, or what they looked like.
Samuel lived with his uncle in Egbe, Kogi State, until his
uncle told him that he could no longer fend for him. He
left Kogi, afterwards in search for a greener pasture. He
said he heard that Lagos has work for people. He met
himself in Lagos for such reason. He is a neat guy, one
would not suspect he pushes cart to gather used metals.
He told me he still dreams of becoming something better
–
When I was freed from the police station, I dropped my
siblings at the Motherless Baby Home as planned earlier
while Samuel and I hunted for petty jobs so as to get
engaged.
REASONS TO LIVE
38
Chapter Eight
Reasons to live
No matter what storm you face in life, always remember
that God loves you and he will never abandon you. That
has been the watchword that had been motivating me
since I was young. It had kept me alive at each worse
moment I face. The Lord is the refuge for the oppressed,
a strong hold in times of troubles. Those who know your
name trust in you, for you have never forsaken those who
seek you diligently.
Psalm 9: 9-10 had been my watchword. I can proudly
claim that it has been God since my family had deserted
me. Since they’ve been stripped from me.
Samuel and I got a petty job to engage ourselves in so as
to raise money to further our education. Samuel wanted
to become a surgeon while I wanted to be become a
lawyer. I wanted to advocate for people and fight for
their right.
Samuel worked in a cafeteria as a manservant. He was in
charge of washing the dishes. He ensured that the
cafeteria is neat and well-kept always. Sometimes,
Samuel would work overtime and serve as a delivery
man.
REASONS TO LIVE
39
I on the other hand, continued to hawk soft drinks in
various streets of Lagos. I always made sure that I wake
up as early as 4:30am so as to get the best goods and ice
to keep the drinks cool.
My selling point was mostly on the dreaded highways
with the congested often-experienced traffic. At times, I
would stay at a crowded market. I hawk for ten or eleven
hours in a day depending on the sales made before.
Samuel and I would retire into an uncompleted building
where we squat with Hausa motorcyclists. At the end of
the day, I often gained a sum of three hundred naira. At
times, I made up to five hundred naira. Samuel on the
other hand receives a constant wage of two hundred and
fifty nairas daily. Aside from feeding.
Things went on so well between Samuel and me. I did
not expect that we would get along so well.
Day after day, week after weeks, months after months.
Years scurried quickly. It passed us by. Samuel and I had
saved quite a lot of money which could possibly see us
through our first and second year in the university. When
it was time to obtain UTME forms, Samuel began to
exhibit irrationality. His behavior towards me changed
drastically.
REASONS TO LIVE
40
Samuel would go out for days without coming back
home. He would not bother to call either. I, at that time,
visited his place of work hoping to see him there but I
was told he no longer comes to work and no one knew
his whereabouts. All efforts to reach Samuel proved
abortive until I saw him one day while hawking.
I almost couldn’t believe my eyes as I dropped the cooler.
“Samuel!” I yelled. “Where did you get all these?” I said,
pointing at the D&G T-shirt he wore and the Rolex
oyster wristwatch he wore which would definitely cost a
fortune.
“Samuel, where have you been all these while?”
“Where did you get the money to buy these expensive
things on you?”
“C’mon, Timmy. Don’t create a scene right here. We are
in the middle of the road.” He tried to keep his calm
amidst all my incessant pull on his clothes.
“Let’s go home” I said... and headed for where we used
to stay together.
* * * * * * * * * * *
REASONS TO LIVE
41
“I can’t continue this way.” Samuel said, refusing to
enter the uncompleted building where we once lived
together.
“I found a new work which will benefit us, Timmy.” He
paused and looked at me in the eye. “See, we’ve been
working so hard all these years with nothing to show for
it. We need to work smart.”
He paused again, and continued. “While I was away, I’ve
been working as well. I met some guys who introduced
me to it. And I’ve made thousands from it in just a few
weeks. All you need to do is to chat with clients and do
some stuffs. That’s all. No big deal.” Samuel said.
“What stuff?” It was the only clumsy word from his
illustration, “what stuff, Samuel? You’re now into
internet fraud and you feel it is the best thing for you is
to introduce me to me as well, right?”
“Whatever you call it Timmy, but you need to join me ....
Let’s make some cool cash, man.” Samuel said grinning
wildly. “Look at me, man, look at me and look at
yourself. Get a mirror, things are changing. Join me, bro.
it’s easy.”
“No. No. No. I can’t do that!
REASONS TO LIVE
42
It is illegal, and you know, bro.”
Samuel hushed me with a cunning grin. “Don’t tell me
about illegality or legality. I believe I am more of a
specialist than you when it comes to things like this. And
all I am trying to do is to change your life for good, and
that’s all.” Samuel said while walking towards a
motorcycle opposite the building. He waved at a cyclist.
I could hardly believe my ears. “Samuel, what has come
over you? Are you going to throw away all our dreams,
your dreams, Samuel – do you want to throw it away for
nothing?”
Samuel responded “it is not for nothing Timmy, we are
driving towards the same destination. Mine is just in a
different way. Before I’m smarter than you are.
Remember, the goal is to be rich” he added “after all,
you do say that you need to work smart, not hard. It is
what I am doing.”
“Yes, I said so, and this isn’t the kind of smart work I
spoke to you about.... stop misquoting my words” I
yelled back. He was no longer beside me.
REASONS TO LIVE
43
Samuel appeared to be already irritated at my concern.
“Well, no problem. If you would rather labour and work
so hard for something you could get easily, that’s your
choice. I only want to show you the good life because
we’ve struggled together before now.”
“At least I will be satisfied that it is the reward of my
labour. I am not interested in your fraudulent good life
and I am warning you, Samuel be carefu....” I couldn’t
complete my statement. The motorcyclist zoomed off.
REASONS TO LIVE
44
Chapter Nine
Brand new beginning
It was a new morning, the sun peeped behind the dark
clouds. It will rain any time soon. I told myself. The
environment was busy with activities as usual; students,
traders, businessmen and women roamed the streets.
“Agege, Agege” a bus conductor barked as he tried to fill
in the empty seats of the bus with passengers. I said a
quiet word of prayer as I entered the commercial bus
with my goods rested on my laps. The bus zoomed off as
soon as the seats were filled up. When I got to Agege. I
bounced out of the bus with care, with my goods. As if
they were eggs. As I walked the busy streets of Agege,
thoughts of Samuel came to my mind. But I had given up
on him. He had finally made up his mind to continue
with the ‘yahoo yahoo’ he was doing. He has got himself
fixed. I told myself.
Life moves on, with or without Samuel. I consoled
myself. I still had him in mind. I was concerned he
would see the light but it may be too late. I was worried
he would be arrested and imprisoned. I wanted to cross
the road to the other side but I could not hear the honk of
any car. I didn’t look at my left nor the right. The women
at my behind attempted to drag me. They said they called
REASONS TO LIVE
45
me but I didn’t answer them. I walked along the road and
clutched my bucket of cold water and soft drinks in my
hand. I do not know what happened but I knew I fell.
And I could not see anything. My eyes was opened to the
dark in daylight.
I gained consciousness some hours later after being in a
state of coma. I tried to sit up from the bed where I was
laid but I felt a sharp pain in my head. I laid back.
“Hallelujahhhh.” A woman screamed beside me. I
realized someone had been siting there overtime, seeing
to my movements.
“What happened?” my voice muffled. The woman came
near me when she realized the movement of my lips. I
asked her again.
“It’s a long story dear... you should rest now. Let’s thank
God that you’re awake.” The woman responded. “You
had an accident. You could not open your eyes when we
came to your aide; I and some market women.” She
talked gently and rambled on. I realized I had fell
suddenly. I realized I had closed my eye and saw
darkness just that morning.
“Where am I?”
“Do not worry.” She laid her palms on my shoulder.
“You must have been bothered about something heavy
REASONS TO LIVE
46
on your mind. You could not take caution because you
did not know a car was heading toward you with a great
speed. Thank God I slowed down before I reached you.”
She held my hands and rubbed it against hers. ”It would
have been worse.” She said, and looked away.
I felt sorry for her. I began to tell my story. My father’s
death was I was eleven. My mother’s death of leukaemia.
How I tended for my siblings before Dr Hassan’s death
and how I went to the police cell. ”I have to hawk goods
daily so as to provide for my brothers in the Motherless
Baby Home and also save for my university education. I
am sorry I bumped into your car –“
“So you have plans for the furtherance of your
education?”
“Yes ma, I do. I was already in my 100 Level before my
mother passed away and I could not further my education
since then. I was advised to withdraw by the university
management after being absent in school for 7 months” I
said. Drenched in my tears now.
“Ohh, that’s sad. May your parents rest in perfect peace.
Where do you live, boy?”
“I live in an uncompleted building. I squat with
motorcyclists till I can sort myself out.”
REASONS TO LIVE
47
“That’s serious.” she sighed.” Would you mind coming
home with me when you’re eventually discharged? At
least, for the night.”
I looked at her eye and I withdrew my hand. “You will
be fine, boy. Will you stay with me?”
I knew I would stammer. I was not afraid, but I was
worried I will not be accepted. Or I will be made to go
through the same thing I passed through at Mrs. Hassan’s
house.
“Alr…ight, all right, ma,” I said those words one after
the other.
Later that evening, the Doctor came to check on me. He
gave me a few drugs to use and I was discharged
afterwards. He added that I must be brought to the
hospital after 3 days till my wounds are healed.
We headed out of the hospital while the doctor saw us
off the park. The woman drove me to her house. It was
quite a long drive but the woman made me feel
comfortable. She chatted with me, she asked me about
girls and made me laugh to her jokes.
REASONS TO LIVE
48
The woman introduced herself as Mrs Adebowale. She
was a single parent raising a child. Her husband left her
for another woman and she hasn’t remarried afterwards.
We got to her house at around 8:30pm in the night. It
was a mansion situated at Lekki Phase Two. I met with
her daughter who introduced herself as Ayokanmi. She
was almost the same age as mine. I’m only four months
older than her. She is beautiful. I told myself when I saw
her.
I found out – after about a month – that she was an
aspirant of a university. She wanted to study Plant
Biology. We started attending UTME lessons together....
we spent most of our times studying together. We played
video games often too.
Ayokanmi and I sat for the UTME examination and
passed in flying colours. Ayokanmi had a composite
score of 270% while I scored 272%
Ayokanmi and I were admitted into the university, I was
admitted to study Law while she was admitted to study
Plant Biology.
*************
REASONS TO LIVE
49
Days in the university went quick. When Ayokanmi was
in her final year, I was in my penultimate. She wrote her
final examinations. And while she graduated, I was in
my final year.
On her convocation ceremony day, I proposed to her. I
was actually afraid that while she go for her service year,
someone would take her from me.
She was before her friends and my friends. A lot of
things rushed through my mind. I had always consoled
myself that she liked me, not until she introduced me to a
guy she referred as her boy lover when she got to her 200
level. It was at the middle of her penultimate year that
they ended things and I became her shoulder to lean on. I
remember the first time we kissed. I smiled and wanted
to kiss her again.
I eventually brought out the rings. I said the words. She
pressed me to her breast and said yes.
I lowered my hands to her waist and pressed her body
into mine. Her mother said I wanted to squeeze her to
death. The gathering roared with laughter.
We eventually got married 3 years after my Law School
year.
REASONS TO LIVE
50
Chapter Ten
A visit to the Prison
There is a light at the end of every tunnel although I
reached a point in my life that I searched desperately for
that light but I could not see any. It was totally out of
sight. Indeed, life takes us through dark tunnels and
sometimes we aren’t sure if we’ll even see the light.
Despite all the challenges, against all odds, always find a
reason to live.
Everything worked well for me eventually. I am
definitely one of the best lawyers in Nigeria and my wife,
Ayokanmi is a scientist and an international
businesswoman. She established big shops in about 4
states in Nigeria and had many more in diaspora. She
sold fabrics, clothes and jewelleries. Everything
eventually fell into place.
I was overwhelmed with sadness when I realized that I
would be going to Agodi prison in few days. I had tried
my possible best in court but the charges against my
client was more than I could appeal for. Samuel had lost
at the Federal High Court. I thought I could take up his
case for appeal but I realized he cannot win. All
investigations proved him a criminal. The 3rd of
REASONS TO LIVE
51
September would be his birthday. Which was also the
day I would be visiting him in prison.
I had not missed visiting him on his birthdays for the past
4 years when I heard his case. Samuel was always eager
to find out if things were going on well for me. While I
was ecstatic to tell him about the new improvements and
the achievement my family made, I felt bad that he was
in seclusion. And I wished he had listened to me many
years ago.
We didn’t plan to live like this. Samuel had wanted to be
one of the best surgeon in the country. He wanted to be
my bride’s man although he wanted us to get married on
the same day. He said we would switch turns when we
need to take the vows. I liked him. I missed him.
He had met with bad friends and they had changed his
path. He is now unfortunate. He was engaged in an
illegal deal with a business he and his secret friends
created. The business duped a big company and they
were eventually caught. This opened other reports they
had not been prosecuted for before. The case was judged
together with previous offences. It was tragic, when the
judge announced, that he will be jailed for years with
hard labour.
REASONS TO LIVE
52
I had promised Samuel to always be there for him. It was
the promise I made to him the first time I visited him in
prison. It is that same promise that will make me visit
him again.
THE END
REASONS TO LIVE
53
Letter from the Author
Why I’m Happy Despite All The Challenges I’ve Faced.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you
react to it”- Charles R. Swindoll.
For those of you who have followed my blog and articles
for some time now, you may know that 2018 was one of
the most difficult and challenging years for me yet.
Nothing, and I mean… nothing went according to plan.
My plans to move forward and progress came to a
screeching halt for reasons beyond my control.
I dealt with failure and rejection both personally and
professionally. I began to question what I was doing with
my life.
I’ve spent some time speaking with various people who
have made comments to me such as “Great to see how
happy you are despite the difficult road you’ve been on.”
or “How are you so positive despite everything that
happened?”
Well, let me tell you that in this past year I’ve truly
learned the meaning of happiness is an inside job. I’ve
also learnt that it’s not so much what happens to us, but
how we choose to respond to it, that matters.
So, you might probably be wondering how I’ve managed
to stay happy and positive, regardless of all the
challenges I’ve faced?
REASONS TO LIVE
54
Well it is simple. I managed to adopt a positive mindset
towards life.
I tried my best to be consciously aware of my thoughts.
When I’ve put an excessive amount of energy into what
others have or what others are doing, it has been one of
the easiest ways for negative energy to enter my life. I
have learned that one of the best ways to remain positive
is to focus on the things I do have as opposed to what I
don’t have. Focusing and comparing yourself to others
serves no purpose and is one of the easiest ways to allow
negativity into your life without even realising it.
Another thing is I ended all toxic relationships. I tried
to surround myself with positive people, whose passion
and energy will have a positive effect on my life.
The most important thing I did is that I love what I do.
And it turns out to be one of the best and most effective
ways to get rid of negativity. If your job no longer brings
you joy perhaps it is time to move on. If you apply these
methods to your life, I believe things will get better for
you too. Just keep on believing. There are countless
reasons to live.
You can follow me via the following social media.
Twitter: the_ayodimeji
Facebook: Av Ajagbe
Instagram: the_ayodimeji
Ajagbe Ayodeji David
REASONS TO LIVE
55
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