I remember the first time I saw him; he must have been 8 or 9 years old, judging by his looks. His mother had just dropped him off with his father, who had suffered an auto accident, and Chibuike was guiding him as he walked with crutches. His mum didn’t seem like she cared much from her countenance, and I thought to myself, “He looks too young to handle such responsibility”.

His name was one I heard daily, from his father, neighbours, the newspaper vendor, and neighbourhood kids with whom he played. He was the little boy who always hurried down the stairs and would greet you a million times a day if that’s the number of times he saw you. He moved with a sense of urgency, and I understood why. 

Realisations and Reality

Chibuike loved to read, and I knew this because he went to the newspaper stand in front of the building every morning to read the headlines and flipped through the pages if he had the time. It wasn’t a surprise when I heard he was top of his class. 

The lack of motherly care at home was obvious. His father was too busy trying to make ends meet and didn’t notice the little things that a mother’s eyes would catch. Neighbours offered foodstuffs, including cooked meals and clothing items, at intervals. He had a lovable personality which endeared him to people. I just wish he had a more normal childhood without so much responsibility and lack.

It was July 2024 and Chibuike was awaiting his Common Entrance exam result. However, he had another entrance exam that same month, and his father took him to the examination center that morning. I remember that week vividly because it was the peak of the rainy season – it rained every day that week, and the air was chilly. I was in the kitchen when I saw Chibuike’s father walking past with Chibuike on his back like a baby. “Hmm…that’s strange”. A part of me was concerned because I wondered if something bad had happened to him.

The next thing I heard the following day broke my heart.

Life Happened

Chibuike died.

My sister inlaw broke the news to us when she returned from work that evening, and my heart sank. I was in disbelief because I had seen him in front of our kitchen door 4 days ago when he was trying on a pair of sneakers that my brother wanted to give him. It didn’t fit because his feet were too small, which made my brother tease him and we all laughed. I never knew that would be the last time I’d see him on his feet. I broke down in tears.

How? What happened?? Why, God, why??? 

He was just a baby, not more than 12 years old.

What happened to Chibuike? Well, he had a stomach ulcer and it had eaten deep. Going for days without a proper meal had resulted in this, amongst other reasons I’m unaware of. His father carried him on his back searching for help in different hospitals and eventually got referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he passed. 

His scholarship letter arrived 3 days after his passing.

Chibuike, you were a star. You had a bright future ahead of you, but the Nigeria healthcare system failed you. I don’t have the full details of what exactly happened, but the fact remains. I kept imagining how your tiny, lifeless body was buried that cold, rainy day. How you were alone, 6 feet deep in the ground, buried with all your dreams and aspirations. It’s another July and I can’t help but replay everything that happened this time a year ago.

Life.

Daniel, the newspaper vendor, also passed on 3 months after you did. I wonder if you’ve seen him on the other side.

Rest In Peace, Chibuike and Daniel. You both remain in my thoughts and prayers.