Against The Tide (Formerly Two Tribes)

91: A Generous Gesture

Najah returned to the corporate affairs commission office after a week, this time feeling more confident. She presented her meticulously prepared documents to the officer.

After a thorough review, the officer informed her that everything was in order. "Your application is complete, Ms. Najah," he said. "You should receive your certificate of incorporation within the next two weeks."

Najah's heart swelled with joy. She had cleared her first major hurdle. "Thank you so much, sir. I truly appreciate your support."

"You're welcome," he replied, a smile gracing his lips. "See you in two weeks."

Najah nodded.

Leaving the office, Najah's next task was finding a suitable location for her NGO. She had gotten a call from a real estate agent the previous day that they had found a place. It was a dilapidated warehouse. She couldn't wait to get to the location and see for herself if it would do. She wanted to rent out a place for a start, but she figured it would be better to start by getting a permanent location.

Arriving there, she was welcomed by the agent and his colleagues who were already there waiting for her arrival. The place looked decent from the outside although it was a bit weathered. It was a large, imposing structure. Inside was spacious. It had the potential to be transformed into a vibrant hub for women and children.

Najah was immediately captivated. She envisioned counseling rooms, workshops, and a cozy community space.

As she walked through the warehouse, a smile tugged at her lips. This was it. Her dreams was finally going to come true.  This was the place where her dreams would take shape.

However, the reality of the situation soon set in. The cost of the warehouse was a hefty twenty five million naira, leaving her with a mere five million naira. Renovation costs would inevitably take up the remaining funds. She knew she would need to explore grant opportunities, initiate fundraising campaigns, and forge partnerships with other organizations to sustain her vision. She wouldn't be able to do it alone.

Despite the challenges, Najah's spirit remained unbroken. She wouldn't give up. Not now or ever. Finally, she requested for their account number and transferred the funds to the agents, then signed the necessary documents.

The building was now hers.

After the agents had left, Najah sat on a bench outside the building, a bittersweet feeling washed over her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered Hajiya. Her unwavering support had made this moment possible. Even though she was no longer physically present, she was still supporting her. How lucky was she to have found such a loving and selfless mother figure.

Wiping her tears, she got up and left the building, making sure to lock it properly.

She was hungry so she stopped at the closest cafeteria she could find. It was an expensive one. She normally wouldn't go there to save money but she was practically starving.

She settled in her chair, her mind still buzzing with excitement and exhaustion. She ordered a plate of jollof rice and a bottle of water.

As she waited for the order, her gaze traveled around and landed on a familiar face.

Fahad.

He was sitting at a few tables away, alone. He seemed to be waiting for someone though. She hadn't seen him since their awkward encounter at the CAC office.

Najah quickly averted her gaze, hoping he hadn't seen her. But it was too late. Fahad had spotted her. He raised an eyebrow and his lips lifted.

Najah felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.