Homecoming (Akara Mama Paul)

I remember my experience at Akara Mama Paul’s, somewhere in Ekeani Market, Ngwo. On a drizzling Saturday night, I had just returned from town and ended up in a queue at old Mama Paul’s kiosk, waiting for the hot Akara. Everyone formed a line, waiting for their turn nonchalantly. Trust my Ngwo people—you can’t take away pride from us. Everyone acted like they didn’t really need the Akara balls, but trust me, that was their only option that night. It was a cold night, though.Mama Paul was bent over the oil on the local firewood stove, wearing her old-fashioned gele that resembled that of Okonjo-Iweala. Mama Paul was a veteran in the business and knew the technical know-how of Akara-making.

Even though her customer service skills had flaws, she still had strong goodwill and made some of the best Akara I’ve ever had. That Akara spot had gained a strong reputation and efficiency without any advertisement, its just an "Ashua oma n'ele onwo nye. Mama Paul was a major contributor to the Ekeani Market ecosystem, holding a significant portion of the town’s economy. she was Just like Mark Zuckerberg, she had monopolized the entire Akara business at EkeUsu (Ekeani) and dominated that line of business. Rumor has it that the late Udeze remained in business for her sake, and she always bagged the "Customer of the Week" award at Udeze & Sons Nig Ltd.

Regardless, the late Udeze once had his market dominance with Ugwu Ochu in their prime. That night, she was frying the Akara balls with one hand while giving instructions to her little sales rep on how to manage their packaging materials. In the middle of her instructions, she called out to someone outside, “Ndu… Nduu eeeh… Ndubuisi!” and Ndu retorted from outside, “Mmaa Paul ka haka mu eka nwaaa.” She muttered, “Mgbum gbu ishi,” and continued frying.

Then her small operational manager crossed to the other side of the fire and reduced the firewood to lower the flame. The little boy sprinkled water on the firewood, and smoke filled the small space. A man from Nsukka, sitting on a bench, echoed, “Oku odu,” highlighting that the smoke and Akara production are intertwined—you can’t want Akara and hate smoke.I stepped outside into the open space to avoid the smoke, and that was when I saw Ike —the almighty Ike, whose mother sold the best Akara in Ngwo. He didn’t seem to be involved in the business at all, and it didn’t look like he had any interest in it, which means the continuity concept wouldn’t apply here. This was my personal observation.

I had heard that Ike had just extended his contract with the Adaeze International Cultural Troupe of Ngwo and had been inducted into the Enugu State Cultural Troupe. Boy, can he drum! His hands are gifted; whenever he picks up an “Nkwa” local drum, he dictates the rhythm of everyone’s dance step. Shortly after, I saw Alpasino carrying some inventory and heading to their shop, and I formed an argument with two premises that led to my conclusion.In the case of Agu NwaOchu vs.

Alpasino, the continuity concept in business was applied. Alpasino has just acquired a degree in business management to continue running Ugwu Ochu & Sons Nig Ltd. He adopted the Thai strategy of sustainability and expansion for the business, and these fresh ideas made them a major market determinants in the heart of my hometown.Just then, I heard, “Bia Nwata Alfredu, Akara ego nee bu ichoru?” and that’s how I purchased my Akara.

Immediately, I headed to Nora Ayalogu’s bread factory, bought some hot Agege bread, and went straight home—food definitely has power over me.The purpose of this story is to encourage you to find dignity in labor. You may choose to be like Ike and diverge from the path your family laid out, or you can be like Alpasino, gaining more knowledge to sustain and expand the family business. Whatever option you choose, make sure you find something meaningful to do, because there’s dignity in labor, and the Lord God Almighty will multiply the works of thy hand.You can be anything, but just don’t be that jollof rice that requires stew. Get busy.