20/01/2025
In a quiet village nestled by the riverbanks, there lived a humble farmer named Chibuzo. Known for his diligence and kindness, he spent his days tilling the soil and providing for his wife, Ngozi, and their three children. Yet, one fateful year, a drought struck the village. Crops withered, and Chibuzo found himself unable to provide for his family.
In desperation, Chibuzo approached Obinna, a wealthy trader in the village. Obinna was known for his shrewdness, but he had a reputation for being fair. Chibuzo begged for a loan of ₦500,000, promising to repay it once the next harvest came. Obinna agreed, handing over the money after drafting a written agreement. Chibuzo was relieved and vowed to keep his word.
Months passed, and the rains returned. Chibuzo's farm thrived once again, and he made a decent profit. However, with money in hand, he began to enjoy the pleasures of life—lavish feasts, drinks at the local bar, and even gifts for friends. Whenever Obinna approached him for repayment, Chibuzo made excuses, saying, "Ah, my brother, next week. I’m working on something big."
As time went on, Obinna's patience wore thin. He reminded Chibuzo of the agreement and even offered leniency. But Chibuzo laughed it off, claiming, "What can he do? He’s just a trader. Let him wait."
Obinna, feeling humiliated, sought justice. Since the village had no formal court, he turned to the traditional shrine, renowned for its spiritual authority and swift judgment. The shrine priest, an elderly man with piercing eyes, summoned Chibuzo to appear and defend himself. Yet, Chibuzo scoffed at the summons, mocking, "What can a shrine do? They’re just trying to scare me."
The priest performed rituals and invoked the gods, declaring that if Chibuzo did not pay his debt, he would face their wrath. Days later, Chibuzo began to feel unwell. It started with a mild headache, but soon his body was wracked with pain. Doctors in the city could not diagnose his ailment. Fear gripped Chibuzo’s heart as whispers spread that the gods had struck him.
As he lay on his deathbed, he confessed to Ngozi about the debt he had ignored. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with him to apologize and settle it, but Chibuzo was too weak to act. By the following morning, he was gone.
Left with nothing but grief, Ngozi and her children were ostracized by the villagers. Obinna, though deeply hurt, approached Ngozi with compassion. “Your husband wronged me, but I don’t want your family to suffer. If you can repay me in installments, I will forgive the rest.”
Ngozi, out of respect and guilt, worked tirelessly. She began selling vegetables at the market while her eldest son helped with odd jobs. Over time, they repaid the debt. The process was grueling, but it restored their dignity.
The villagers learned a harsh lesson from Chibuzo’s fate. They spoke in hushed tones about how debts, if unpaid, could bring ruin not just to one person, but to an entire family. Obinna, despite his loss, emerged as a figure of patience and justice, while Ngozi’s resilience became a source of inspiration.
Lesson: A debt, no matter how small, is a matter of honor. Ignoring one’s obligations can lead to shame and unforeseen consequences. Always respect your creditors, for their trust is a gift, not a right.
Ijide ụgwọ, kwụọ ụgwọ iji👌🏼
Story by
Monsieur Ugoo Noble
Music & Dance
