The Unforgettable Journey: A Sudden Twist of Fate

Approximately three decades ago, an incredible journey began for Professor Moyo Okediji, a prominent figure in the field of Art History, when he embarked on a life-altering adventure. The tale is a compelling narrative of determination, resilience, and the unpredictability of life, revealing the stark realities of a past era.

The journey commenced at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, where Professor Moyo Okediji found himself in an unimaginable situation. His intended destination was the United States, a voyage he had meticulously prepared for, even securing a Nigeria Airways ticket for his one-year sabbatical leave. Little did he know that this venture would take an unexpected turn.

Upon his arrival at the airport, Professor Okediji was confronted with a bewildering revelation. Although he had a legitimate ticket, the Nigeria Airways officials did not acknowledge it. Each time a plane was scheduled to depart Lagos for New York, the manifest list posted at the airport omitted his name. He was repeatedly instructed to wait for the next list, initiating a heart-wrenching saga that would persist for four days.

Trapped at the airport, Professor Okediji faced a perplexing dilemma. He had bid farewell to his home in Ile Ife, and his family and friends anticipated his arrival in New York. Yet, the elusive manifest list precluded his departure, leaving him marooned by the Nigeria Airways office with hundreds of fellow passengers. The airport of that era contrasted starkly with its modern counterpart, characterized by a lack of security officers and organized chaos.

Food hawkers traversed the bustling crowd, offering a smorgasbord of delectables, from hot dogs to sandwiches, puff-puff to moin-moin, gala to meat pies, hamburgers to rice and dodo. Sodas such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and malt drinks were vended, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant market. Pickpockets and swindlers lurked among the travelers, taking advantage of unsuspecting victims. Professor Okediji, hesitant to part with his dollars due to the unfavorable exchange rate, eventually succumbed to hunger and exchanged a portion of his currency.

As the days wore on, Professor Okediji refused to engage in bribery, resolutely adhering to the belief that his ticket entitled him to fly. By the fourth day, he was weary, reclining on the floor with a handbag serving as a makeshift pillow. Nearby, a young woman, who had been stranded for almost a week, shared her harrowing ordeal of bribery propositions from Nigeria Airways officials.

It was in this state of desolation that a familiar face emerged—a football legend none other than Segun Odegbami, celebrated internationally for his contributions to the sport. Professor Okediji had crossed paths with him through a mutual friend, Tunde Fagbenle, during social gatherings in Lagos. The thought of Odegbami recognizing him was a surreal experience, for he was a star known nationwide, immortalized in a hit song by Ebenezer Obey.

Odegbami's unexpected presence stirred disbelief within Professor Okediji. Following a brief exchange, Professor Okediji narrated his ordeal. Driven by empathy, Odegbami decided to intervene. He entered the Nigeria Airways office, returning with two young men who swiftly facilitated Professor Okediji's imminent departure. With profound gratitude, Professor Okediji bid farewell to the airport, embracing an unforeseen resolution.

The journey continued as his luggage was loaded into a Peugeot 505 waiting on the tarmac. Professor Okediji was chauffeured to the aircraft, a brief ride that transcended the dramatic shift from an inconspicuous traveler to a VIP. Upon reaching the plane, his luggage was directly loaded without any stringent checks, a striking contrast to the ordeal of those left stranded at the airport.

However, the plane's emptiness cast a shadow over the elation of his impending departure, as numerous individuals, having paid their fares, were denied the right to fly. This poignant experience left an indelible mark on Professor Okediji's heart, as he contemplated the inequities and heartbreak experienced by those less fortunate.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he pondered the plight of the woman who had shared the floor with him during their time of despair. Determined never to return to the tumultuous environment he had endured, Professor Okediji vowed to cherish his newfound opportunities and recognize the significance of empathy and privilege.

The voyage undertaken by Professor Moyo Okediji serves as a poignant reminder of the vagaries of life, where an unexpected encounter could transform one's circumstances from despair to triumph.