January no doubt has been a very
long month. It is the only month with 40 days and 40 nights. It is the only
month with a century. You see how the December season just bolted by, a seven
month old baby actually crawls faster than this month. I've heard mind-blowing
news of a lady who did unprotected 'distins' with her boyfriend on the 31st of
December 2016, and by the 9th of January, 2017, she delivered a bouncy baby
boy. You see, in January, a day feels like a month. Maybe the reason why the
month's slow is because destiny wants Agbovi Joseph to get a girlfriend before
the 31st of it.
To 2016 university graduates who
are doing national service in the various regions (both in the land of the
known and unknown), our germinating loathe for this annoying month is rooted in
a general kind of expectations. We were there minding our own businesses,
managing our skinny allawa of Ghc350 when a certain outgoing government
endorsed some increment in our monthly pay.
The news, no doubt, was received
with sincere joy which was void of political affiliations, and was also
welcomed with celebrations. I heard some boys took another shot of akpeteshie
to celebrate the increment. And so, budgets were remade to suit the financial
increase. We would save more (perhaps buy some foreign currency notes), supply
our barns with bags of rice and cans of processed food, repair or replace that
damaged gadget, get a new pair of shoes, pay off some petty debts; debts that
were unavoidable no matter how hard you try (for more information, ask Yaana).
My landlord watches the evening news every day and so I'm aware he's aware of
the increments. Even if he isn't, he may see it in the newspapers (he's an avid
reader). Even if he missed the news, his wives' okro mouths may spill the beans.
I mean, I had no excuse to be miserly when it comes to the payment of my rent.
The increase in the allawa also
shapes some of our relationship goals because it means we'll have some extra resources
to visit our ever-supportive girlfriends who are in the (Teacher or Nursing)
training colleges. Those whose sweethearts are in the training colleges would
admit that, the training college girls are bae. Those who don't agree with my
hypothesis can go and drink a gallon of diesel...
Some parents understand that the
Ghc350 or even the much expected Ghc 559, is so paltry for them to expect much
financial commitments from us. However, you should've seen the sheepish look on
Abyna Millicent's face when her father asked, "I heard they've increased
your allawa?"
When you objectively analyze all
these realities, no matter which political party you voted for, you'll
understand that indeed the Ghc 350 is very small.We waited and waited, prayed
and prayed, fasted and fasted. The month mustn't end fully before we're paid.
By the 23rd of last month, allowances were paid, and we needed that same grace
to be replicated in this frustrating time.
But the longer we waited, the
longer we were frustrated. I gave up; continuing my hustle whilst relying fully
on divine intervention and favor, being steadfast in faith, encouraging myself
with the word of God on daily basis. A couple of spiritual friends remembered
me in their daily prayers, and so life moves on.
Then on one evening, I log on to
Facebook and then, hallelujah!, January allawa has come!! ALLAWA N'ABA OOH!
Good Lord, how excellent is your name!
My countenance fell when I
realized it wasn't the Ghc 559 that I'd budgeted for. IT WAS THE SAME OLD
SKINNY, MEAGRE, PALTRY GHc 350...
Doesn't the Good Book say we
should be content with what we have? All those who pushed and endorsed pay
increases this month aren't very much aware of contentment I guess.
The hustle of national service
personnel continues I guess. If you're a national service personnel, show
yourself some love; take yourself out this evening, then later, go and get that
usual olonka of gari, rice, bottle of shito, pay off some debts, save some
coins regardless, get a cup of sugar, toothpaste... That gadget that needs
fixing, rent, debts, Vals' Day visit to the training college, that carpet that
we need to buy, family commitments, superbet, etc etc, would have to be
friendly with their expectations for the coming month....Thank you!
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| The look on your face when you realize the allawa is Ghc350 instead of ghc559. |
