Post by Udeh Maduabuchi (@UdehMaduabuchi)

Good morning, Ndi be anyi!

THE BLESSING OF MONDAY — THE 042 WAY

I know not everybody in the world starts work on Monday. In some countries, work starts on Sunday. But for us Nigerians, and for us Ndi Enugu, Monday is our first step. Monday is our market day for hope.

Let me tell you what happened last Monday in Enugu.

It was raining small small by 7am at Holy Ghost. Buses were blowing horns, people were rushing to work. Under the bridge, close to Ogbete Main Market, Mama Okpa was sitting with her basin covered with nylon. Her okpa was still hot, but nobody was buying.

A small boy in a school uniform, maybe Primary 3, stood there looking. His socks were wet. He had no money. He just swallowed and looked away.

A young guy who sells airtime and recharge cards near the park saw him. He is a typical 042 boy. He did not shout. He just walked up, bought two wraps of okpa di oku and pure water, gave it to the boy and said, "Nwanne, eat first. Monday must not meet you hungry."

Mama Okpa saw what happened and her eyes filled with tears. She carried four wraps of okpa, gave it to the young man and said, "My son, share am. Because you remembered this child, God will remember you this whole week."

In less than ten minutes, that place changed. Keke drivers started buying okpa for conductors. Market women started buying for load carriers. Strangers were feeding strangers. Everybody was laughing under the rain.

That is the 042 spirit. Peace. Love. Helping one another. We rise by lifting others.

This is why we must respect Monday. Monday is like the first child in an Igbo family. The first child sets the standard. If Monday stands well, Tuesday, Wednesday and the rest of the week will follow with blessings.

Our biggest enemy is not Monday. Our biggest enemy is fear of starting. Once we defeat that fear on Monday morning, the rest of the week becomes light.

So this Monday, as a proud Onye Enugu, do something. Buy okpa. Buy bread. Pay for someone's bus fare. Let a stranger feel the love of Coal City.

Let us show the world what Ndi 042 is made of.

Happy new week. May this Monday bring you open doors, hope and prosperity.

God bless you. God bless Enugu State.

Akuamia n'Ngwo
I am proud Onye Enugu. 042 for life!

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