03/12/2023
ROADSIDE GROUNDNUT VENDOR
Not long ago I was on my way home at about 09:45pm after a long day work. I was to cross to the other side of the road accessing zebra crossing at Fajuyi flyover Ado Ekiti.
I noticed a little girl. She sat cross-legged under the flyover walkway, tears streaming down her innocent face. With her were several bottles of groundnut, It didn't take long to realize that she was in distress, I think her livelihood hanging in the balance.
Approaching her cautiously, she greeted and I responded and softly inquired, "Why are you crying, little one? and besides this place is lonely and not safe for person of your age"
With a mix of despair and determination in her voice, she sobbed, "I can't go home without selling any of these groundnut bottles. I have been in the street since I returned from school and I wasn't able to sell any of my groundnut. My little brother and I need the money for school supplies"
My heart sank, feeling a deep sense of empathy for this young girl burdened with responsibilities far beyond her years. I wanted to help her, to alleviate her worries and ensure she and her brother had what they needed for school.
"How much is a bottle of groundnut?" I asked gently.
Her tearful eyes looked up at me as she replied, "It's a thousand naira sir."
Without a second thought, I reached into my purse and handed her the money. A smile of relief spread across her face, and for a moment, I saw the weight of the world lift from her tiny shoulders.
But then her smile faded as she realized she couldn't find her plastic bags to pack the groundnut bottle. Panic washed over her, and she anxiously glanced around.
She asked for a minute to get one from Maysuya nearby "Don't worry," I reassured her. "I'll wait right here. In a flash, she darted towards the the other side of the road, she ran to the nearby Maysuya who had already packed his items and about to leave the spot. I don't know what she said to him the Maysuya reached to where he kept his items and got her a plastic bag."
Time seemed to stretch as I patiently waited, my mind filled with images of the little girl and her determination to ensure her brother had what he needed for school.
Moments later, she returned, a plastic bag in hand. She packed the bottle. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude as she handed it to me. The simplicity of this act struck a chord within me, resonating deeply throughout the night and beyond. It reminded me of the strength and resilience found in the hearts of those who work tirelessly to make ends meet.
The groundnut is well sorted, clean and sweet to the last seed. I decided to kept it longer than it should be. That bottle of groundnut became more than just a snack for meβit served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of individuals hustling on the streets to support their dreams, their families, and their future. It reminded me of the importance of supporting small businesses and the impact that a single act of kindness could have on someone's life.
MY PRAYERS
Please whenever you come across those street vendors selling their bottles of groundnut or any other goods, take a moment to remember the story of this little girl under the flyover. Patronize them, Instead of going to supermarket to shop those little items just because of label and name, please get them from Iya Seun, Mama Ebuka, not just for the product they offer, but to offer them hope and the chance to live and thrive. Your small act of support could make all the difference in someone's life, allowing them to build a better future, filled with possibilities and dreams realized.
Happy Sunday
