One of the most unforgettable experiences in my agricultural consulting journey happened many years ago in a community under Nsukka Local Government Area.
I received a call from a former Commissioner for Health from one of the Eastern states. He had acquired about 90 hectares of land for a large cassava project and wanted me to handle the farm establishment.
Before work could commence, he asked me to visit the community, meet the traditional ruler, and familiarize myself with the people.
I immediately called my neighbor, Muhammad, an okada rider.
“Muhammad, do you know this place?”
He smiled and replied, “Oga, I know I’m well. We will pass through Obale and cross the Egabada River. We will get there.”
Early the next morning, we set out on the journey.
My people, that trip was an adventure on its own. Rough roads, rivers, forests, and countless villages. But eventually, we arrived.
The king welcomed me warmly. He offered me kolanut as tradition demanded. I respectfully collected it and quietly slipped it into my pocket. Anybody who knows me knows I am always careful about what I eat whenever I enter a new environment.
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After introductions, I explained that I had been sent by the doctor based in the USA who owned the project.
The king confirmed they had already spoken with him.
We were then taken to inspect the land.
As we moved around, some elders were discussing among themselves in a language they assumed I didn’t understand.
Unknown to them, they were speaking Igala.
I later discovered that the community had strong Igala roots before administrative boundaries placed them in the East.
As they spoke, I heard one of them say:
“This one should not be rushed. Let us give him some time before we deal with him.”
I kept a straight face and smiled.
Immediately, Muhammad pinched me from behind as if to say, “Oga, you hear wetin I hear?”
I simply nodded.
After returning home, I informed my client and arranged for a surveyor to carry out the measurements and beaconing.
A few days later, we returned to the community and completed the survey work successfully.
That night, as I was preparing to sleep, my phone rang.
It was the king.
He spoke softly.
“Omaye…” (which means brother in Igala).
“Please don’t handle this project. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
The moment I heard those words, fear gripped me.
For a king to call privately and issue such a warning meant things were happening behind the scenes that I did not fully understand.
I thanked him sincerely and immediately informed my client about everything that had happened.
To my surprise, he simply laughed and said,
“No problem.”
Not long after, he made a decision that probably saved everyone a lot of trouble.
Instead of proceeding with the farm project, he sold the land to one of the sons of the community.
The matter ended peacefully, and everyone moved on.
He later bought land in Kọgi state and started his plantation
Looking back today, I remain grateful to that king.
Leadership is not always about power. Sometimes, it is about quietly protecting a stranger who came into your land with good intentions.
Till today, whenever I remember that late-night call, I thank God for His protection and for the people He places in our path at the right time.
Not every opportunity is worth pursuing.
Sometimes, walking away is the greatest success.
Picture attached during survey..with my broda, the Xpensive surveyor Ibrahim Ocheja Ismaila Achimugu
Umaru Ezekiel Esude
