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Shittu Fowora<br />
Double Promotion<br />
‘Amazing Grace’ the version by Soweto Choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo or lyrics from<br />
Senzenina Acappella. The visiting neighbour left before night thickened.<br />
While it was a tough decision to reach –later in the year, Kpodo and Tinuke left for Glasgow<br />
and promised Mama to remain in touch as much as they could. Sniffles and snivels, teary<br />
eyes and embrace; they left, reassuring Mama she’ll be fine. They will keep in touch.<br />
Kpodo thought, well with some good money in the kitty, what’s the point slaving like some<br />
day-labourer on construction sites in the scorching heat <strong>of</strong> the Persian Gulf. “Tinuke, this thing<br />
is your passion. I’ll be okay monitoring the business front while you work,” he had said, gulping<br />
down some Scotch.<br />
She looked him in the face, almost betraying her suspicion. He, perhaps, thought the proceeds<br />
from the sales <strong>of</strong> his late father’s properties were enough to live on forever.<br />
Tinuke called to check on her mother and her mother-in-law once in a while. Kpodo hardly<br />
did. She’s been more graceful with support and gifts lately. Back in Nigeria, she would<br />
occasionally drive in to drop gift hampers loaded with mugs, beverages, small-chops and<br />
tong ho-green tea. Items she knew Mama Kpodo treasured much.<br />
Kpodo continued, “You choose to validate the worth <strong>of</strong> your certificate. It is fine. For me, I’ll<br />
be fine being at home.” She took a swig from his whisky and sighed. This had remained her<br />
basis for quarrel, sometimes passing into momentary fencing against him.<br />
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