Our Gogo is getting married!
When the news broke out that Gogo would be getting married, it was one of the best pieces of news in the universe. Not to sound hyperbolic but it is what it is. Every corner of Ilorin, the wedding is the talk of the town. I am a big fan of the bride. Apart from the fact that we grew up together, several people have spoken about her and you wonder how she’s being able to live a life larger than life itself.
Let me take you down memory lane, I hope we can reminisce together as you read this.
Dear Gogo;
Do you remember the bicycle race?
We (the triplet) saw a movie and the kids therein had a fine bicycle, it was a beauty to behold. It was right from the movie we told our dad the need for a bicycle, life was much easier then, so we got the brand new bicycle in a jiffy. Fast forward to Gogo’s birthday, Alhaji got her a replica of our bicycle too. Mind you, Gogo’s birthday is an exclusive party, if Hajia didn’t invite you, please stay clear of “kaalarin” as dem boyz won’t even allow you to smell the dishes. As for my brothers and me, we get automatic invitations every year. We were among the first to break the news of Gogo’s bicycle (arrival). Brother Kehinde Otelu was her certified instructor cum chief driver, once we were back from school, they started their training while Mahmoud, our star boy, was already a Pro in riding. To cut the long story short, Gogo’s driver organised a competition between his trainee and our own starboy. Guess who won? Let’s save that for another day!
Gogo, do you remember those nights when you sneak out to play games with us and you would bring along eclairs sweets?! The first night you gave me 2 eclairs sweet, I licked one the entire night and took the 2nd one to school. Then one night we were playing games that involved colours and you mentioned indigo, my brothers and I got home and asked our mummy if indigo is indeed a colour, guess what my mummy said? Let’s also save that for another day!
Do you all know that cookies biscuit in a tin container? The Danisk butter cream biscuit. All my life, I thought it was used to store needles, thread, buttons, necklaces, and other irrelevant items until the day Gogo brought it downstairs while we were playing at the palatial Alhaji parlour. She opened it “live and direct” and to my utmost surprise, I saw biscuits with ‘white clothes’. They were so sweet and surreal, I couldn’t contain my joy that night, and guess who took the blue container home? Let’s save that for another day as well!
Fast forward to when I started playing tennis at the Kwara stadium, one day I was coming back from training and was to deliver a message at Ikokoro, coincidentally, I saw Gogo and I think she got attracted to my racquet. She promised to join me soon and she did. We started playing tennis and I was always looking forward to every training day with her. She’s either coming along with snacks, fruits or a new set of balls. Then one day, I went to the stadium alone, I was training and one of the coaches who has always been looking at us came to meet me, to enquire about Gogo. He said someone saw her and said she’s the daughter of so-so. He needed me to confirm if it was right or wrong. I compounded his woes and said I don’t know! He eventually got his answer elsewhere and was baffled about your simplicity and humility which you’ve eschewed at every point and place in your life.
There are numerous memories of you that I can still remember but for now, we can reminisce over this and laugh about the good old days. As we all are preparing to give you the best and memorable day of your life, we pray the Almighty grant you a blissful home, good life and bestow upon you blessed offspring who will be the coolness of your eye. Amin!
Dear brother Abdullahi, take good care of our aunt, she is God’s own and a treasure to us all. We know you are capable and we pray Almighty continues to be with you (both) and the family at large.
Happy Married life, Habibah Adenike Kawu!
Your brother, friend and coach,
Ahmad Oba Aluko
