What stories are hidden in transit?

I’m a product of a transit meet-cute.

I, for one, believe transit times are interesting times. And I think my dear parents would agree. For one, they met in transit. Shall I go there?

My mom, ever the better storyteller, recalls the day clearly. She was about to alight from the bus she’d boarded from Ikeja to Iju-Ishaga when she stretched out her fare to the conductor. But before she could hand over the money, the conductor told her, “No need, the oga wey dey ya back don pay.”

Surprised, she turned around to thank him—a tall, dark-chocolate, slim figure with a polite smile. But that was it for her, another quick exchange.

Although what had caught my dad's attention wasn’t just her looks or the fact that he’d done her a favor—it was the way she said thank you. There was a warmth and sincerity in her voice that struck him. He recalls that he thought to himself, “Ọmolúàbí ni ọmọ yìí (loose translation - she must be responsible/well-bred)

On the other hand, my mom, not thinking much of it, arrived home, only to find the man, my dad, standing by the gate minutes after her arrival. Stalker, much?

Being no-nonsense, she quickly set him straight: “If this has anything to do with paying for my fare, you can forget about it.” Yet, nearly three decades after their first encounter, they are still together, still in love.

I took them this picture a few months ago🌚.

Moral lesson: You could be one act of kindness away from your “will of God” or one “thank-you” away from the love of your life. It’s one of my favourite “how we met” stories. But that's not what today's letter is about, so enough about them. Maybe I could feature more of their story some other time.

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Transit in Nigeria. . .

Is wonderful. Hilarious, even. From the moment you step into a cab, danfo, keke, train, shuttle, boat even a motorcycle, you're bound to leave with a story. Every ride, a different cast of characters. Some of us can pinpoint the craziest moments we've experienced to being in transit, with so many things going down your short or long trip.

Like the time I had grand plans for a quiet, meditative ride. But how could I possibly have done that, with this guy sitting next to me whose ears were plugged, singing Akon’s “Mama Africa” out loud like his life depended on it? He couldn't hit a note to save his life, but did that stop him? No. Even more, he was oblivious to my not-so-subtle side-eye. Just great. Bucko!

Or this one time where I was sitting next to this bright-eyed beautiful girl who was using the privacy screen guard. But somehow, I caught her side-eyeing my screen so many times, I almost handed her the phone and said, “You want to take a better look?”

The stories are endless. But let's have a few more.

The reckless driver who is supposed to drive passengers to let's say Benin, but chooses to drive them crazy instead. Familiar? Of course. They are the kinds that make you question the existence of traffic laws.

Or is it the preachers of the “gospel” who talk about how women who wear trousers are going to a place where there'll be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And oh! The ones who lie about being close to a venue but are actually miles away or in a different city altogether?

Let's not even forget the ones who would argue over politics and democraZy.

Sigh.

What how about the food carriers? I once sat next to someone transporting kpomo, or was it locust beans? It wasn't well sealed, so every bump in the road sent the scent wafting through the air, making my nose tingle.

And, of course, there’s always that person who breaks the wind—slowly, deliberately, praying that it doesn’t linger. But it always does. I bet someone had cautioned them about their weird food combo earlier but they failed to listen. But flatulence is a part of life, innit?

How about the one who wants to relieve themselves in the most inconvenient places? It’s never in the right spot—it’s either too crowded, too public, or downright dangerous. The insecurity in the country doesn't even help. Or the one who dozes off the entire trip. I see you, Dozie.

Then there’s the woman with a crying toddler, screaming at the top of their lungs, and the mother—clueless, pleading, or bargaining—doing her best to calm them down while everyone else either offers unsolicited advice or shoots annoyed glances.

Amidst the frustrating moment, there are life changing ones too. The chance encounters that lead to great connections, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and yes, the occasional romance. The cute guy or girl you had a moment with but might never see again, or, if you're lucky like my parents, the one who shows up at your gate.

Let's not also forget that people have been reminded of God's love by the preaching of the true gospel in transit. How about the funny moments that brighten up your day, or learning moments where you gain access to valuable information? Transit can also reunite you with people you haven't seen in a long time, like bumping into an old friend or relative.

Again, transit times, interesting times.

How can you make transit worthwhile?

• Cater to your soul

Mutter a prayer to the Lord. Meditate on what you’ve been learning recently. Go ahead and plug in some worship instrumental, sermon or podcast, especially if it's a long trip. Just connect with the God in you, and by extension, yourself.

• Be graceful and kind to people

Offer help to the young, old, nursing mother…anyone, really. Nigeria is hard, they say, but don't wear the look of irritation everywhere. This is something I'm working on, because I'm not even half as mean as I sometimes look haha.

• Get creative

Is it just me, or you get those prompts, too? From something someone says. Or the billboard. The music playing in the background. Something. Anything. Don't only tuck those thoughts in your mind. Write them down, if you can.

P.S: I've only traveled by road. Air, water? Not yet. And well, by the Spirit, too. For example, Elisha outran the chariots of Ahab. You think say na skit? It’s real, man. I’ve outran a few things too haha.

What stories are hidden in (your) transit? I've shared a bit of mine, now it's your turn :)

Yours in Quality Time,

Adebola🦋.