STRUGGLING STARS
© Kikelomo Fadugbagbe
EPISODE 12 (Final)
“The Governor?”
“Yes He is inviting you for a dinner tonight.”
“Oh my God!” He collected the invitation letter from him.
“The securities will be here to pick you up by 5pm”
“Ok thank you” Imma was so excited.
Hon Raymond left with his aides while Rebecca’s mum stayed behind she apologized to Prof Sophia and Gladys.
“We are now family” Imma told her as they made plans to visit Jubril in the prison.
Imma met the Governor as planned. And they get talking.
“Raymond told me about you, I thank God for your life dear. So many people in your condition could not survive it. When he showed me your picture, I cried. As from today things will become easy for you.”
“Amen, Thank you sir”
“I’m not praying is what I will do. So tell me what are your ambitions”
“I want to be an Advocate for Peace sir, joining people and nations together. I’m processing my admission to study Peace and Conflict Resolution.”
“Wow that is a good one. Hmmm let’s start somewhere, how about making you the Peace Advocate of this state”
“Ah sir, I don’t have any certification or qualification for now sir”
“And I’m not asking for one, congratulations” He shook him, everyone on the table congratulated him as well. Imma opened his month in disbelief.
“Raymond will show you your office and every other entitlements”
“Sir, I’m grateful” Imma said in tears. Imma was given an official car and a driver. His feeding and medical allowances were in millions.
A mini party was made for his first day in the office. “Imma you have a surprise” Prof Ime announced
“What surprise?” He asked curiously.
“Please close your eyes”
“Now open it”
Imma screamed as he saw his mum standing right in front of him. It was an emotional moment as mother and son shed tears of Joy.
“Imma your life is not just a testimony but a lesson as well. I remembered when your mummy begged me to pay Rebecca’s mum the 12million naira so you can come home. And I told her to leave you that God has a purpose of taking you to her house. We must learn to interpret the happenings in our life.” Prof Sophia said.
“The truth is that there can not be a breakthrough without a breakdown” Raymond added.
The party ended, days later, Imma, his mum, Rebecca’s Mum, Gladys and Prof Sophia visited Jubril in the prison. Imma’s Mum happened to be the woman who sent Jubril to prison.
“So she is the woman you blackmailed?”
“Yes, she is the one” Jubril answered.
Mrs Davidson faced Rebecca’s Mum, “He is your father?”
“Yes” She nodded.
“Wonders! I forgive you Mr Jubril. Though you almost ruined my marriage then, but I’m letting go because of my Son Imma. He told me how you prayed fervently with him when he was here, I will compensate you with your freedom.”
“Thank you ma” Jubril leaped for Joy. They were all excited.
*********************************
Hon. Raymond advised Imma to pursue his academy, He introduced him to a private university. He went for his O’level result and the result came out that he was absent.
“Absent? I was present all through” He confided in Hon Raymond who helped him in investigating. They informed WAEC office, his principal and the supervisor was called upon. Imma remembered the pencil drawing Rebecca did for him. He went for it and presented it as an evidence. After thorough investigation, the supervisor confessed and submitted the papers.
“I’m sorry, I was so envious of him” He cried.
He brought the papers. Imma was declared as one of the best performances in the exam.
Things began to go well for him he organised TV shows where he settle dispute among people. He also reconciled Gladys and his husband; Mr Simon, he established them and they both renewed their wedding vows
“To the love of my life, forgive me for my days of ignorance. I Simon Jeffrey promise you Gladys Obi to love you with all I have and all I am” He kissed her as the whole congregation cheered them up.
Imma lived fulfilled, moving from one county to another. Many people living with one disability or the other took off their challenges because of him.
He was in his office one day when he got an invitation as a guess speaker for the next Star Conference.
“Yes I made!” He screamed joyfully in his office.
The day finally came, many came to the conference to see Imma.
The moderator mont the podium and announced his arrival. Imma wheeled his chair happily to the podium, he collected the mic. “This is a dream come through, though it look like it never going to happen.
I must tell you, hold firm on your aspirations don’t throw them away in the storm.
I wasn’t born with muscular dystrophy but it came to silence me but thank God I didn’t listen.
Don’t listen to voice of failure,
Don’t listen to the voice of rejection,
Don’t listen to the voice of defeat.
Don’t be a mediocre,
Don’t feel inferior,
If there’s a scar, then there’s a star.
Your Scar should not be the reason why you are hiding your Star.
Rise up and Take off the challenge.
Don’t be a struggling star.
You are stronger than what you think you are, if I can do it, then you can.” He dropped the mic.
The congregation could not hold their Joy but screamed his name IMMA DAVIDSON
THE END.
If the Scar is on then be the Star