NARRATIVE EASSAY
What is Narrative Essay?
Narrative Essay is an aspect of writing concerned with re-telling a story or series of events that took place in the past. It could be sequencial or unsequencial (i.e. the writer has the prerogative/choice/decision to begin from whatever angle he or she chooses). Conversations can
be introduced into the narration to make it bave a natural flow. Take note that when dialogue is introduced in a narration, it must be put in inverted commas.
A well-organised story must have a beginning, climax, and a conclusion. It must have a good plot and the paragraphs should be well-developed and ideas properly linked. Also, the vocabulary used must reflect the right atmosphere.
A good writer shouid make good use of suspense, and figurative expressions. Generally, the past forms of verbs are required in narrative compositions for they deal with past matters. The present forms are also appropriate especially when reporting participants’ actual utterances which make the composition real.
EXAMPLES OF NARRATIVE EASSAY
Below are collection of Narrative Essay from previous WAEC questions to guide you in constructing your own narratives as you begin preparations for WAEC and other examinations.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2022
Write a story to illustrate the saying: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.
Solution
UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN
Ajewole was a palm wine tapper in a village called Ojaa. Every time he passed at the front of the palace, he always wondered what the king – King Adeoye- was doing with his three wives and nine children. How the king would sleep and wake up on his comfortable bed with numerous slaves at his command. He would think of the fat and delicious food the king had in his kitchen. Whenever other villagers discussed and pitied the king, Aiewole would not be moved but claimed that the king was the happiest and most extravagant person be had knew and that the king did not have any problem at all but to eat, have a meeting with his chiefs and sleep while the chiefs go around doing as the king commanded them.
One day, the king and his servants disguised and went round the village to see how his people lived and their thoughts towards him. When he got to the village square, he met some men playing ‘ayo game. Then, he sat with them and told them that his name was Adeoye. He said he was from the neigbouring village. He further told them that he would love to know about their way of life that he is considering relocating to Ojaa village.
Ajewole was the first to speak, he told the’stranger’ that he bore the same name as the king of Ojaa kingdom. He said further that he would love to become a king and enjoy has their king, King Adeoye. He told him of all his perception of the king.
Then, King Adeoye revealed his identity. The men trembled and was afraid that they may be punished. But the king assured them that would not be punished. Then, the king said to Ajewole, ‘you shall be king for one day’. Ajewoie did not believe his
ears, he thought the king was joking.
The next morning, the king sent for him. King Adeoye told him to sit on the throne. Ajewole’s joy knew no bond. He thought he would be the happiest man on Earth. King Adeoye went away. Ajewole was dressed in royai apparels. He was surrounded by the servants, singing his praises. He saw himself as the happiest man on Earth.
Has Ajewole felt relaxed on the throne, wishing he had more days to be the king, he heard a loud bang just above his head.
It was a sharp sword hanging with a thin thread. He could no longer sit properly and he couldn’t stand. He started sweating profusely begging the servants near him to remove the sword from above his head. No one answered him. He sent one of the
servants to call King Adeoye. You cannot leave the throne until the day is ended; you have gotten what you wanted’ was the reply the servant brought from King Adeoye. Ajewole remained on the throne, trembling. He thought he was the most unhappy person in the world.
When it was dinner time, Ajewole was offered the best dishes in the palace but had no appetite for food. All he wanted was to go back home and enjoy his free life. He wished he could be one of the servants as he saw them moving freely in the palace with smile on their faces. He vowed never to see the king as the most carefree perSon.
Later in the evening, King Adeoye came back into the palace. He saw how terrified and miserable Ajewole looked. He took pity on him and ordered the servants to take the sword away.He then warned him not to think that the king was the happiest
person on Earth. Ajewole fell on his face and seek his forgiveness. He thanked King Adeoye and promised not to say l of the king ever. again. King Adeoye forgave him and let him go.
The king taught Ajewole a useful lesson. He learnt that uneasy lies the Head that wears the crown’.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2021
Write a story which ends with the statement: Better late than never
solution
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
The story of my mum is very inspiring. Anybody who cared to listen always ended in disbelief of how it was possible for a woman of 65 years of age to return to school and obtain a degree in Law at the age of 70. My mum had unflinching passion for education and she still does. Ever since she left secondary school in 1949, her yearning for tertiary education had doubled, rather than fizzle out.
My mum had a very humble background, born into an indigent family and being the sixth of nine children, her father had.
She struggled through the public secondary school, hawking and doing menial jobs for the households as tender as the age of 10. I lost my dad at a tender age and started tasting what poverty looked like in my first year in high school’, she often reminded us whenever any of us, her children misbehaved as over-pampered spoilt brats. Poverty taught her some ‘street sense’. She
and other older children of her own mnother-my grandma who was fondly called Iya Gbolahan, by the first name of her oldest son-would always dash home by 2pm after school hour, to pick up goods-bottled kerosene, nylon-tied groundnuts, nylon-tied
water, bread or fufu-and rush to an open market far from home to sell. They would return separately and late in the night. And only then would they scramble for dinner from whatever was left on the trays of food vendors around their ghetto waiting for whoever would buy the leftovers, so they could call it a day.
It troubled mum that, although she usually led the entire class in almost all subjects in spite of her family predicament, Iya Gbolahan couldn’t afford registering her for the West Africa Examination in her last class in secondary school. I burst into
tears when lya Gbolahan told me she couldn’t afford the registration fe, burdened by so many mouths to feed’, mum once recounted. I was lucky to have my mathematics teacher, Mr. Ajiboye Kehinde (now of blessed memory) come to my aid. He sponsored my WASSCE, and I never disappointed; I finished with the best grades’, she added. As life continued to be hard on the family, mum had to abandon her academic ambition of becoming a lawyer. I sadly opted for tailoring. I only paused my ambition; I didn’t lose it’, she said.
Coincidentally, mum got married to Barrister Bankole, my dad-a lawyer who usually encouraged her to get prepared to return to school after, Moyin, the third of their four children, had graduated from the university. I was the fourth and last child.
Mum and I wrote the university matriculation exam in 2014, both of us chose different universities. Today, she isa lawyer. We both graduated in 2019. Whenever anybody asked her how she was able to get back on track at old age, she wouldn’t hesitate to tell them that it is better late than never.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2020
Write a story that ends with the statement: I had never felt so embarrassed in my life.
Solution
I HAD NEVER FELT SO EMBARRASSED IN MY LIFE
I remember how I fell into the horrible hands of pickpockets. It was an incident I’d never forget in a hurry. I left home for
Badagry. I had planned attending the yearly Arts Festival organized to promote arts and culture. As a lover of fictions, sculptures and movies, I wanted to enjoy myself to the brim. I wore the New African Regalia I had been gifted two months before.
It was grandma who brought it from her trip to the outskirts of Nupe. It had sketches of the Nok rofters I had reserved it for the day; it would somewhat fit the tempo of the day.
Mum had warned me to beware of snatchers in Lagos, especially piaces of crowded people-event centres, bus-stops. She had narrated her ordeal – how some unknown boys snatched her handbag at Ojuelegba and vanished into thin air, before she could say Jack Robinson. I had held that lesson tight, but never thought I woulá fall victim somehow. I had never gone about with a bag or pulse, except at school. And I had always moved about suspiciously, particularly when in a strange place.
“Deji, make sure you return early, and use the ATM card on the table io withdraw N80,006 for ne while coming back. You know my usual pin right? Don’t take my money to the festival. You heard me?” Mum had instructed before leaving home that morning. At noon, I left home early enough, but felt I should ignore mum’s warning and withdraw her money before heading for Badagry. I had envisaged the event might end very late in the night. In that case, the ATM would have been emptied. And I did not want to leave in the heat of the show. I thought IIl be careful with the money. No one knows I’m here with something big”. I kept everything on me in the same nylon.
The festival was strikingly enlivening- so many crafts, so many exhibitors, so many recreations. The premiered film was incredibly interesting. I was buried in the movie. I forgot time flew. What jotted me up was the chaos and mayhem that tormented after the first winner of the exhibition claimed a sumptuous prize of two million naira. Before I could realize anything.
It was late, something big had been robbed off me. I could not find the nylon. I could not find the pickpocket.I lost everything except me. I regretted taking the money along.
I was lost in thought ‘”how do I return home? Where do I get transportation fare?” I resorted into begging in public places.
I begged for fare to return home. People avoided me. Nobody could believe my story; an able young man begging alms? It was ignominious. I received insults. I felt ashamed of my life. I had never felt so embarrassed.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2019
write a story ending with the statement: I wish I had listed to my parents.
solution
I WISH I HAD LISTENED TO MY PARENTS
It seemed my parents saw the womb of time; they knew that whatever an adult sees while sitting, a child won’t see it even if he climbs a tree. They know what might befall me if I kept being under the bad influence of Yetunde. They knew her case
wasn’t just a youthful exuberance; she was completely wayward. My parents were sure that if I kept being in Yetunde’s company, it was only a matter of time for evil communication to corrupt good manners. But I thought they were only mean, and
didn’t want me to enjoy my adolescence; I miscontained their intention to save me from danger ahead. I though they wanted to keep friends away from me; I though they were over protective.
So, I would sneak out every weekend to Yetunde’s house. We would have luscious fun. we would drink, party and go out with weird boys and girls I have never known before. I attended a school that was a stone’s throw to Yetunde’s. I always looked forward to seeing her, during break, and I wouldn’t return to school to complete my lesson for the day. Yetunde was such a social enthusiast, talker and bad influencer. We would do all sorts of nasty things including smoking. I was naive and inquisitive; I wanted to try everything that would make me free from home.
Although she was two years older than me, both in age and in class, I always preferred to rapport and relate with older persons even much older.
“would you give Uncle Wolexa chance to roll with you? You will enjoy him I swear! Just try him”, Yetunde said. Wolex was a neighbourhood uncle I didn’t know before. Since Yetunde had endorsed him, I started going out with him. His car was enticing, his outlook and fragrance, alluring. We would eat, party, kiss and sex.
The first time my period ceased, I was afraid to call Uncle Wolex. I called Yetunde instead: she informed Wolex and we did something about it in a pearby clinic. My mum, being a mother, almost suspected my restlessness, but I pretended nothing
had happened. My performance in school soon reduced to woes. I lost concentration. It is either my thought was filled with next outing, next fondling with Wolex or how to get rid of another abortion.
We always did something about when it happened. It never occurred to me to question Yetunde why her boyfriend, Joe hadn’t got her pregnant. I was always the one visiting clinic.
The last one I had messed my life up. It was on Sunday evening. My parents had gone for their usual extended family meeting. Wolex and Yetunde drove in to pick me up. We did it but it went wrong this time. I got home feeling weak and dying on the inside. I covered up so my parents wouldn’t notice when they return. I barely slept that night.
Dad drove me to school the next, a Monday morning, though I was in distress unknown to him. Few hours later I passed out while lesson was ongoing. I was rushed to the school clinic from there to a hospital. My dad was contacted. The doctor rescued my life, but I lost my womb. My parents arrested Wolex and Yetunde, but that wouldn’t fix my shattered life. I wish my path had never crossed Yetunde’s. I wish I had listened to my parents.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2018
Write a story to illustrate the saying: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
SOLUTION
A BIRD IN HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH.
Adebimpe is known for her intelligence, persistence and sense of dutifulness. She is undoubtedly a role model to her colleagues as they all look up to her. She is not only focused but determined and would not relax until a task is performed in a perfect manner. While everyone extols her virtues, values and strength, Adebimpe has a weakness, she has a rivalry and competitive spirit and this had a huge repercussion on her.
From high school to college, Adebimpe was always topping the honour’s roll, she devises crafty means to outsmart her competitors. Unfortunately for her, it is a different ball game in the labour market.
In her work place which is a multinational company, she realise that she cannot use the same tactics she used in school. Interestingly, her company is inundated with cluster of brains from different universities in the world. Rather than have a learning disposition, she continues to compete.
On a beautiful Monday morning, the Human Resource Manager announced that some individuals will be sent abroad for a one-year course so as to strengthen their technical skills which they would utilise when they return. To Adebimpe surprise, her.name was not mentioned which embitter her greatly. She stormed into the HR’s office after the meeting.
This is really unfair, after all I have done for this company. You decided to sideline me… Is it because I am a lady’. She said furiously.
The Human Resource Manager who is a female responded ‘No Ms. Adebimpe, you are scheduled to go next year as we need you to train the newly recruit in the art of digital narketing’ she said convincing ‘It is not a matter of gender but the right timing, next year is your time just relax’ she said reassuringly.
Adebimpe was unconvinced, she was enraged and could not imagine her colleagues coming back and been promoted to be her superior. She paced her office for ten minutes and went straight to the Managing Director’s office.
‘Sir, I would like to be considered for the same course with my colleagues’, she said confrontationally. I won’t mind to sponsor myself if the company is not disposed to, I just want an assurance that my job will remain when I return as I can’t stand to stay here while my colleagues blossom, for crying out loud, I am better qualified than them. My appraisals are excellent’, she
Screamed.
‘Ms. Adebimpe, the management has decided you go next year, we want you to mentor the new recruits` the MD said.
Adebimpe decided to resign her appointment and go for the course on her own bill. She thought she would top the class and come back and by then she would be wooed back but things did not turn as planned.
She travelled to the United State of America and to her surprise the fees were tripled. She only paid the first installment, she borrowed to pay the second installment but unfortunately few days to her exams, she heard that her Mum had suffered an heart attack and she had to forfeit her studies and money, which was not refundable.
By the time she cane back to Nigeria, she was totally insolvent as she had sold all she had. She went back to her company for reconsideration but she was refused bluntly. She then realised the saying that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2017
Write a story ending with the expression: At last we arrived safely.
solution
AT LAST, WE ARRIVED SAFELY
Myself and my little brother Ope, wëre full of adventure. When Aunty Tosin came visiting, rather than burying ourselves with our respective house chores we were busy eaves-dropping. We heard Aunty Tosin describing her house to Mummy and we decided to pay hera visit unannounced.
After Mummy left for her shop by 9:30am on this fateful Saturday morning, myself and Ade set out for the day event. No money, no phone, no description. All we knew was Clinton Street, a yellow bungalow at the extreme left.
We trekked miles away from home, we kept asking for Clinton Street, no one seemed to know where it was. Until a young boy decided to play trick on us and pointed a huge house to us as the house we were looking for.
Happily, we went straight to the gate and knocked and the gateman opened. We introduced ourselves and without thinking twice, he opened the gate and ushered us in. We said we were Aunty’s big sister children. The house helps treated us to a warm reception of fried chicken and jollof rice which we consumed hurriedly. We felt at home and was seeing the television when the owner of the house entered.
Who are you? You this young rascals’ she asked terrifyingly. We were too shock to respond.
You have been trying this your luck on people, today you will learn your lessons.
She called the gateman who beat us mercilessly. We were restored to the kitchen where she brought out empty dishes for us to wash. As we were washing, she continues to shower courses at us. After the washing of the dishes, we swept the whole compound and fetch water into all the big containers inside the house. She shoved us out of her gate. We could not cry but walk tiredly and aimlessly.
We were completely exhausted and we regretted our decision of going on a journey without adequate preparation. My little brother was already endearing and I was stranded as we could not afford to trek back home. I encouraged him and we continued trekking. I summoned courage to beg people for transport fare back home but received cold attitude. We resigned to fate and we sluggishly walked our way home.
A car parked right before us, lo and behold it was Daddy Pelumi, Aunty Tosin’s husband. He asked us where we were going, decided not to wait for our response, told us to enter the car and took us straight to his house. We later saw the big sign post of Clinton Street and the yellow bungalow which was their home. At last, we arrived safely.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2016
Write a story to illustrate the saying: Pride goes before a fall.
solution
A STORY ON HOW PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL
She carried her shoulders high as she walked past the man and went straight into her class. That wasn’t the first time she would be walking out on teachers whenever she was corrected. Neither was it the second time. She wasn’t going to let herself be intimidated by anybody.
She entered her class, smiling in triumph as her classmates, who had apparently been watching the scenario the whole time shouted in excitement, “Another crushing!”, “Shade, the big girl”, someone hailed from the back of the class. She smiled in return and resumed at her space at the back of the class. That was her favourite spot. Only big girls like her would prefer sitting there.
Shade was the ‘biggest’ girl in school and would not hesitate proving that to anybody. She would not take any nonsense from any teacher, and would readily punish any junior student who crossed her path. Every student feared her, including her classmates, who would do anything to win her favour. If being proud would assume any degree, she was an emblem of it. She was a storyteller too, crooking stories that accentuate her pride. She told anyone who cared to listen how her father worked in an oil company and owned fifty gas stations across the country. “My father is so rich that the government often called to make business dealings with him,” she told Lola, her friend, one siesta afternoon. Everybody who listened to her story seldom doubted it. They were all boarders, and hardly would anyone attempt to investigate the veracity of her claim. Only Lola once questioned her. “Really? But why does he not allow his driver to drive you down every resumption? I noticed you come down to school through public transport struggling with your loads all alone”, “Well, my dạd once saidI would know the value of wealth and know how to manage it when I’ve experienced what suflering feels like,” she replied.
Now, it was time for their third term examinations, and Shade had spent her time playing and gisting with the so-called ‘big boys’ in the hostel, instead of taking much time out to read. The next day was Maths, and she had not prepared well. She
decided to write the formulae of some Maths equation on her laps before entering the exam hall.
As the exam was going on, she started copying the equations from her thighs. All the while, she was oblivious a teacher was paying attention to her. It was Mr. Balla, the teacher she walked out on some couple of days eariier.
“Shade! Stand up!!” he exclaimed. Shade knew she was now in trouble. She was caught red handed.
She was suspended indefinitely from Divine Touch College and was publicly disagraced on the assembly. It was ignomitious. Her parents were notified. The shock that rocked the students the next day when her parents arrived was protound. The dad pleaded with the school management to reinstate his daughter. He was just a driver to a wealthy man, whom out of his (the rich man’s) magnanimity decided to sponsor his driver’s daughter. What would the rich man say if he heard that his driver’s daughter had been unserious in her studies, wasting all financial efforts put on her education?
Her mun was a mere petty trader. Obviously, Shade was from an indigent family.
She felt as if the ground should open up and swallow her. She really learnt it in a hard way; a lesson that pride goes berore a fall.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2015
Write a story ending with the statement: We apologized to each other and reconciled.
Solution
WE APOLOGISED TO EACH OTHER AND RECONCILED.
Paul, a forty years old handsome and well-to-do man but had continued to be a source of sorrow to his parents when he failed to get married. “They wonder why would a man with a good job as a civil engineer af the Ministry of Works refuse to marry. Pressures were mounted on him, subtle persuasion from his mother, coercion from the father, all failed to make Paul tie the nuptial knot.
On a sunny aftermoon in the month of July, Paul drove into a shopping mall to buy groceries as that was his usual practice for the past 15 years after he had secured employment with the ministry of works. He walked into the provision section and stopped to pick Bournvita, sugar, etc. there he bumped into me, his first love. He was speechless. As though he was dreaming,
Paul walked towards hrme and said. “Hello” she turned to reply the greeting but was stunned and words came out of mouth slowly: Paul, I’m sorry, I’m really sorry”, I hurriedly went my way when Paul took me by my elbow and said: ‘why, as old friends can’t we at least talk, there’s a restaurant in this mall, we could just go there to catch up on things we have lost’. She nodded and they went to sit. In reminiscence, our past love life resurfaced. I and Paul had been lovers since our secondary school days, We used to be inseparable love birds whose love marvelled everyone that we came in contact with.
The beginning of disaster in our relationship started when I went for my National Youth Service at Calabar, Paul who was studying a five-year course still had to wait a year before NYSC mobilization, I emerged Miss NYSC, and the Comimissioner for Youth and Sport who was the Chair of the occasion could not keep his eyes off me. I was taken to the city of Calabar unknown to me was the bait the commissioner used to lure me as I thought it was part of the incentive for being the winner.
That night, the commissioner forces himself into me and was shocked to discover that I was a virgin. He apologised and poromised to marry me. Seven days before the end of the camping, we traveled to Dubai and got married.
Paul I’m sorry, I didn’t want to break your heart that is why I refused to see you’ Ada said. Paul looked at her and said: ‘You did but I just have to move on although I promised myself not to marry anyone until I hear from you’
We apologised to each other and reconciled.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2014
Write a story to illustrate the saying: The devil makes work for idle hands.
Solution
THE DEVIL MAKES WORK FOR IDLE HANDS
With tears streaming down my face. I moved slowly following other ‘newly-admitted’ inmates to the prison. This would be my new home for the next three years. What about my dream of studying Medicine and Surgery? What about my dream of being the youngest African dermatologist? Have I destroyed those dreams by my own carelessness?
I can only imagine what my mum will be doing – crying and gnashing her teeth. My father has no need to worry because he has so many great sons so he could afford to lose an unserious black sheep child like me. I have brought shame to my mum. I just pray she would forgive me and do not harm herself because of my shameful act.
A tall man with a baritone voice brought me back to life as he begins to address us. “This is not a prison, it is a reformation center where the broken pitches are fixed and are made something out of nothing”. This is a juvenile home meant to straighten
the lives of young minds which have been twisted’. He concluded with a smile, “feel at home and live by the rules”.
The next day, some counselors visited us, although some are social workers. There were series of sessions for us, the ‘newcomers’. As I walked fearfully into the counseling room, I was received with a warm pretty smile from this pretty young counsellor. She should be in her mid-twenties. Her appearance is simple. She nodded me to sit down and I complied sheepishly. She
brought some chocolates from her bag and handed it over to me. I took it reluctantly because of her persuasive non-verbal clues.
“I am Ronke Ajayi, I work with Jeroboam foundation. I am here to make friends with you. We might not say much about you today. Is it ok?” She asked I nodded shyly. She went further “Can I ask you a question?” I nodded involuntarily. “What is your career ambition?” With this question, I burst into tears and the memories of what brought me to this place came forcefully.
We just concluded our S.S.2 third term examinations. My mum being a missionary had travelled to Kenya for missionary works and she entrusted me to the care of her younger sister. I lied to Mummy Dammy, my Aunty that we were compelled to return to school after one week for full intensive coaching for our WASCE and NECO examinations and that we were to stay in the school hostel all through the period. She complied because there were no reasons to doubt my sincerity because I had always been a ‘good boy’.
I moved to Tade’s house, the oldest boy in our class who is twenty-four years old. Tade took interest in me because of my brilliance. Tade provided me with all that I needed, introduced me to smoking, cigarette and watching of pornography. We played cards, games; listened to music, danced from morning to night. We did nothing serious.
On this fateful day, Tade brought a girl to the house, he drugged the girl and raped her and told me to do likewise which I did since I saw it as a cheap and free opportunity. The girl woke up deflowered. She screamed and Tade threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Unknown to us, the girl’s father was a soldier who raided Tade’s house the next hour after she left and beat us mercilessly. Tade was sentenced to five years imprisonment while I was taken to the juvenile home because I am still an underage boy of fifteen years.
She touched me and say “all will be well Ayo, it is only a mistake due to peer pressure and wrong companion and I believe you have learnt from it that the devil makes work for idle hands”.
PAPER 2, QUESTION 5, WAEC 2013
Write a story ending with the statement: Indeed it was the biggest lesson of my life.
solution
In fact, it was the biggest lesson of my life.
As I boarded the taxi home, I was wondering why father had to call for all of us. He was just sixty-six years. What was so urgent that couldn’t wait? My two elder brothers came from their respective abode to answer the fatherly clarion call. I entered
the house quietly and went straight into my room. The solemn knock at my door told me I had slept for long. It was my mum, she opened the door and told me it was time for the meeting.
I greeted my brothers warmly and sat next to my mum. My father though still agile in his ageing physique said:
“I am sorry for the stress I must have made you go through but I deemed it fit to tell you this because we don’t know what lies in the gold box of tomorrow. My children, what I want to tell you I want you to keep it and never lose it”.
He preceded, “Myself and Tade had been friends since teenagers, we attended the same secondary school and university, worked in the same establishment. We married at the same time”. I could see hurt in my father’s eyes. He continued; “We kept no secret from each other as we constantly watched each other’s back”. I come naked before Tade and Tade always did likewise. There is nothing hidden. I loved him as my heart beat and that was my greatest mistake, as no one who is not your blood deserves more of your trust. He looked up to stare at each of our eyes.
“After twenty years of hard service, we were paid our gratuity. Tade approached me that he wanted us to start up a business and that would require me giving him all my gratuity. I consented since he is my intimate, loyal and sincere friend. He came
again that the money is not enough and would still require more. This made me to sell my other properties except the house we live now. I saw this as a rare privilege to be a business partner with my trusted partner. I gave him everything without a second thought or even informing my wife, your mother”. He turned quickly to my mum and whispered “please forgive me”.
“Unknown to me, Tade never invested in any business as he used my money, my hard-earned money to relocate himself and his family off the country to save his face from the scandal of embezzling company’s funds. Unknown to me, Tade was dismissed one month to oar gratuity payment.
My sons, no one, I mean no one”, his voice groaning in anger, “deserves your trust, no one deserves your transparency except your blood-brothers. I was able to rise again because of the helpmate God gave me in your mother who kept these things to herself and shoulder the responsibility of the family since that ugly incident”, he concluded. Indeed, it was the biggest lesson of my life.
PAPER 2 QUESTION 5: WAEC 2012
Write a story to illustrate the saying: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Solution
WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY
My name is Nwankwo Joseph. I am twenty-six years old. I am the ninth son in a polygamous family of twenty sons and thirty daughters. I grew up in a village where the virility of a man is determined by how much sons a man can produce. While the man keeps testing his virility on any available woman, he is not perturbed about the welfare of the child as the mother is saddled with the responsibility of taking care of the children.
My mother is the second wife of Obi, the village warrior I am the fourth child of seven from my mother’s side. My mother was just a petty trader who sells soap to the villagers.-Survival has been tough right from childhood. I learnt to fend for myself and not to rely on anyone since there is no one to rely on. I followed my friends to the forest to hunt small animals and sell to
the village market woman for proceeds to keep body and soul together. I have never been to the four wall of a school before since I have no one to pay for ny tuition. But as fate would have it, some people came to evangelise to us in our house and I was fortunate to be there. The main speaker who preached took interest in me and asked my father wby I was not in schoot I was twelve years old by that time. My father smiled and said:
“No money, my good friend but he is quite desirous of learning. I have watched him envy school children, peep into their books and admire tneir school uniform when they spread it but not all dreams come to pass, “abbi” my dear friend”.
The main speaker who by the name Mr. Peter said he would be willing to pay for my schooling but I would have to be his houseboy.
Learning in Mr. Peter’s house was hell, his children scared me, tormented and bullied me for my initial ignorance. I started primary one at the age of twelve. I was the ridicule of the class, I was tortured by my class mates and mocked by my teachers because I could not understand what they teach me. However, I have made a resolute decision that I would return back to my village educated and better.
I finished primary six at the age of Eighteen and gained admission to a public secondary school while Mr. Peter’s children attended a private school. But my determination saw me through. I maintained a rare academic feat, teachers took notice of my exceptional brilliance and this attracted special coaching from them.
By the time I was in SS2, I wrote G.C.E. and I had 4A’s and 5B’s but what brought me to limelight was my JAMB examination in which I scored the highest mark nation wide. I was given an automatic scholarship to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Calabar. I am currently in my third year and have been a recipient of six different scholarships. Money is never an issue. I am now the envy of others and people want to associate with me.
I look back to that local poor young boy at the village with tears streaming down my eyes. I truly believe that where there is a will, there is a way.
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