08/10/2025
Episode 12: The ₦500 Borrower
When Pride Meets Pepper Soup Money
It was a hot Lagos Monday, and Chike’s wallet was as empty as a politician’s promise after elections. The weekend had finished both his salary and his confidence. He came to work with only ₦27 in his account and vibes in his spirit.
By 10 a.m., hunger started to sing worship songs inside his stomach. The office canteen was frying stew, and the aroma alone could raise the dead. Chike tried to distract himself with work, but his stomach kept interrupting with “praise reports.”
At last, he leaned over to his colleague, Bisi, and whispered, “Abeg, lend me ₦500. I go return am tomorrow morning.”
Bisi smiled, adjusting her wig like a generous bank manager. “No wahala, Chike,” she said, handing him the note with the grace of Mother Theresa. “Just don’t forget me tomorrow.”
But by lunchtime, the entire office had heard the news.
“Ehen, so na Chike wey dey borrow ₦500 still dey shout ‘team lunch’ last week?” someone whispered.
Another added, “I hear say e no even borrow ₦500, na ₦50,000! Bisi don invest in am!”
The story grew legs, wings, and even a driver. By 2 p.m., it had reached the HR office. Someone even said Chike borrowed money to buy fuel for his Range Rover. (Note: Chike doesn’t own a Range Rover. He owns a range of problems.)
Chike sat at his desk in silence, chewing his meat pie slowly — one bite for hunger, one for humiliation. When his boss passed by and said, “Chike, if you need financial counselling, HR can help,” he knew it was over.
But instead of shame, he decided to laugh. He stood up, clapped his hands, and said loudly, “Since una like gist, abeg who go lend me ₦500 make I add to the story?”
The whole office roared with laughter. Even Bisi couldn’t hold back tears of amusement.
That day, Chike learned something powerful — never be too proud to ask for help, but also never underestimate how fast a small gist can run in Lagos.
Lessons from Episode 12:
1. Small money can cause big drama — especially when pride and gossip mix.
2. Borrowing isn’t shameful, but it teaches humility and the importance of planning.
3. Learn to laugh at yourself — sometimes humor is the best way to disarm embarrassment.
4. Protect your peace — not everyone who hears your story will understand your situation.
Be honest — have you ever borrowed small money and instantly regretted it? Share your story below!
