Her Little Secret (Prime)

O N E

Haleemah, 2023

EVERYONE IS incapable!

The reason why we try so hard to impress is to hide our incapability. Financially, physically, morally—anyone.

And yes, the reason I immerse myself so much in work is neither because I'm passionate about it or because its my calling. It's so I can hide my incapability.

I don't know what defines the life that is Haleemah's. Endless struggle and loneliness or successful career and contentment?

It's so hard to decipher.

But I'm sure at the end of my story, I'll come to realize. And if I never got the chance to, those that live will tell the tales of how I lived.

"Right on cue Journalist" The airing director smiled my way as I stepped in and I nodded politely. Something shinkafi is his name, I don't remember what.

"But that's fine."I mused. "My duty is to fire from that seat," I eyed the seat with BBC wallpaper behind it as I settled in it. "and burn everyone."

Turns out I wasn't the only one thinking the same because I heard a giggle and when I turn, a colleague of mine was telling two interns that they were lucky to see me perform magic live behind the camera.

I'm aware of the sensation that comes with my name these days. I knew when I announced my name as the host, people stop to listen. Whether they think positively or not, my name makes head turn.

Maybe that was my gratification because it gives me the sense that I was capable. Despite my incapability.

It was a mere success in hiding the incapability that is Haleemah.

The cheers, the gifts, the compliments were all a reminder. I'm painfully aware of it.

"Journalist Haleemah" Deejah smiled as she handed me some papers and I'm double checking how I didn't notice her coming towards me until she caught up with me.

"Good Luck today too" She stated before she left.

I was being evaluated today. That is because everyone believed the contrast between Leemah Ali on seat and Leemah Ali off seat.

Because if that's not it, there's no need to doubt that I can pull off the demands of the program I was about to launch.

The demand was simple; Make it fun to draw the attention of the young adults.

Simply put even though it seems like a program, my contestants are the content creators that makes their ways to the screens of young adults in milliseconds. Will I capture their attention as quick as they did or not? That's it.

"Assalamu Alaikum Habib and his Habiba," I began at the green signal. " Assalamu Alaikum Adnan, Baffa, Hafiz, Farouk, Muhammad and every Khalifa. Assalamu Alaikum Daada, Hamma, Yaya, Ummi, Nana, Layla and her Majnun. Every other name not on the list should still answer, it's a salam.

Good Evening Nigerians, I welcome you all to the launch of the long awaited program 'A RECOUNT OF NIGERIAN HISTORY' and I'll bask in all of your attentions as I take us through the tales of what Nigeria was Yesterday, a year ago and even a hundred years ago.

My name is Haleemah 'Aliyy Kamal, and I'm your host.

Before I take a break quickly to invite in our esteemed guest of today, I'll pose a question to everyone.

Do you think the British anticipated independence when they colonized Nigeria? Could the British have actually instigated independence themselves because they foresaw something Nigerians have no idea about?