By Tony Okafor
In the small village of Umudioka, a young boy named Maduike was born to a family struggling to make ends meet. His parents, despite their poverty, were overjoyed to have a son, and named him Maduike, meaning “human capital is strength”. Little did they know, their son would one day embody the very meaning of his name.
Growing up, Maduike’s family couldn’t afford to send him to school beyond the primary level. But despite this, he had a thirst for knowledge and a natural intelligence that couldn’t be ignored. As he grew older, villagers would seek him out for advice and guidance, amazed by his wisdom beyond his years.
As a young man, Maduike tried his hand at boxing in Agbo, but soon realized it wasn’t his calling. Instead, he turned his attention to entrepreneurship, determined to lift himself and his family out of poverty. With hard work and determination, his business flourished, and he became a respected figure in the community.
As the only son, Maduike was expected to marry early, and he did, settling down with a loving wife who supported him every step of the way.
Together, they had children who were blessed with good health, intelligence, and a strong sense of values.
But Maduike’s success wasn’t just about his own family. He had a heart for the community, and his philanthropy knew no bounds.
He built a private house in his village and commercial buildings in the city, creating jobs and opportunities for others. People would come to him with their problems, and he would listen with empathy and offer guidance.
As his reputation grew, so did his influence. He became a leader in the community, a role model for young and old alike. His children grew up watching their father make a difference in the lives of others, and they too developed a passion for helping others.
His direct opposite in the village was Ezenagu who was so diabolical that he poisoned his own wife. He was known not for his cunning and snatching of people’s wives. .
Ezenagu was a poor and bitter man . He was consumed by jealousy and resentment towards those who were more successful than him, and he often used underhanded means to get what he wanted. Despite his poverty, Ezenagu was cunning and manipulative, using his wit and charm to deceive others and get them to do his bidding.
As Maduike’s business began to flourish, Ezenagu grew increasingly resentful and jealous. He began to spread rumours and lies about Maduike, trying to tarnish his reputation and undermine his success.
Ezenagu’s wicked acts did not go unnoticed, and soon the villagers turned against him. They saw the evil in his heart and rejected him, and Ezenagu was left alone, his schemes and lies exposed for all to see.
Despite his success, Maduike never forgot his humble beginnings. He remained humble and kind, always willing to lend a helping hand. His story inspired countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.
Years later, as Maduike looked out at the thriving community he had helped build, he knew that his name had been a prophecy. He had indeed become a symbol of strength, a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a heart for others, even the poorest of beginnings could lead to a life of purpose and meaning.
The villagers would often gather to hear Maduike’s story, and they would leave with tears in their eyes, inspired to make a difference in their own way. His legacy continued to grow, a reminder that the power of the human spirit could overcome even the greatest of challenges.
Maduike’s children grew up to be successful in their own right, but they never forgot the values their father had instilled in them. They continued his philanthropic work, expanding it to reach even more people. The family’s name became synonymous with kindness, generosity, strength and wealth.
As Maduike grew older, he looked back on his life with pride, knowing that he had made a difference. He had proven that even in the darkest of times, there was always hope. And as he passed on the torch to the next generation, he knew that his legacy would live on, inspiring countless others to come.
The story of Maduike spread far and wide, a reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but about the impact we have on others. He had started with nothing, but had built a life of purpose and meaning, inspiring others to do the same.
In the end, Maduike’s name had become a symbol of strength, a reminder that the human spirit could overcome even the greatest of challenges. His story would continue to inspire generations to come, a testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and determination.
Maduike’s legacy continued to inspire others, a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. His story was a beacon of hope, shining brightly for all to see. And as the years went by, his name became etched in the hearts of the people, a reminder of the transformative power of the human spirit.
But tragically, Maduike’s life was cut short when he died suddenly one afternoon without any symptoms of ill health.
The community was devastated by his passing, and people mourned his loss deeply. They had never imagined a future without Maduike, and his absence left a gaping hole in their lives.
Despite their grief, the community came together to give Maduike a befitting farewell. They organized a grand funeral procession, with traditional dancers, musicians, and elders in attendance.
They shared stories of his life, his achievements, and his impact on their lives. They celebrated his legacy and honoured his memory with tears, smiles, and praises.
Years went by, but Maduike’s memory never faded. The community continued to tell stories of his wisdom, kindness, and generosity. They remembered how he had lifted them up, inspired them, and made their lives better.
In contrast, Ezenagu’s wicked acts were forgotten, and he was left alone, a footnote in the history of the community. His jealousy, bitterness, and deceit had consumed him, and he had missed out on the love, respect, and admiration that Maduike had earned.He died on song like a cock that suffered Coccidiosis.
