Description

The story, "The Unseen Threads of Koko: Hajia Fati and Professor Enyonam," centers on the profound, unspoken bond between Hajia Fati, a beloved koko seller at Central University, and Enyonam, a diligent communication student. Hajia Fati is more than a vendor; she's an institution, offering not just nourishment but also quiet wisdom and maternal care to the diverse student body.

Enyonam, initially a creature of habit, finds herself overwhelmed by her thesis, financial struggles due to her family's poultry farm crisis, and the general pressures of university life. Hajia Fati, with her keen observation and empathetic heart, notices Enyonam's distress. She offers comfort, extra portions of koko, and gentle words of encouragement, often refusing payment, understanding the student's unspoken burdens. This unwavering support creates a deep, unseen connection between them.

When Hajia Fati falls ill and her children temporarily take over, Enyonam feels her absence keenly, highlighting the extent of their bond. Upon Hajia Fati's return, Enyonam's aunt visits to express the family's profound gratitude for Hajia Fati's motherly care during Enyonam's darkest times.

Finally, as Enyonam prepares to graduate, she gifts Hajia Fati a beautiful kente cloth as a token of her immense gratitude, acknowledging that Hajia Fati was her anchor and a mother figure. Hajia Fati, in turn, expresses her pride and encourages Enyonam to always remember kindness and pass it on. The story concludes with Enyonam, now a "Professor Enyonam" in Hajia Fati's eyes, resolving to embody that same compassionate spirit in her future, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and supported.