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The announcer, with his jaw wide opened, looked at me with a mix of fear and dis-
belief as he moved to the edge of his seat almost as if he was ready to bolt for the door.
Through his body language and facial expression, I took it that he never saw the movie.
The next thing I said shocked him even more. I publicly thanked the guards at the Benin-
Nigerian border for their kindness and hospitality when I arrived in Nigeria (those same
guards who had such an infamous reputation.) I sensed that my host, throughout the entire
interview, was very uncomfortable with me and only became relaxed when the interview
finished.
When we were done, I was driven to UNICEF's office and then went to visit one
of their projects. I met a very charismatic woman, Arit E Abasie Kong, who took me on a
tour of a shantytown. She explained the area's history which involved both a devastating
fireandbeingbulldozedbythemunicipalgovernment.Sheshowedmethewatercollection
points and how she organized people in the community on health and sanitation issues. (In
the photo below, she is sitting on the far left.)
As we drove back to the office, Arit shared a story about a Catholic priest who ran
for state governor. The Vatican did not support him for they did not want any clergy in
politics.However,thepeoplevotedhiminandwereoverjoyedwiththeamountofworkhe
haddoneforhisconstituency eventhoughpreviousgovernorsarguedthattherewasn'tany
money. (I'll say more about this priest later on.)
AfterreturningtoUNICEF'soffice,Ithankedherfortheeducativetourandwalked
backtothehighcommission.Ieventuallyreturnedtomyroomattheofficialresidenceand
prepared for the next day's departure. At the dinner table, I informed the family of my in-
tentiontoleaveLagos.Mr.HararesuggestedthatifIwanted,Ishouldleaveaftermyslated
television interview on Nigeria's morning television show and then I would receive a car
escort to the outskirts of the city to make sure that I was on the correct road to Cameroon.
It sounded like a plan and that was what transpired.
Iwoke upthe next morning ready forthe interview.Itwas difficult tosay good-bye
to the Harares and their staff for they were so kind to me over the past few days. I left their
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