Eniola Kwuelum

Lagos, Nigeria.

Onye Mmeri- The one who conquers

As I approach the exit of the Anambra International Airport in Anambra, Nigeria, I see banners of my name waved in the air. Some of them contain my old pictures, and I guess that must’ve been my brother’s doing.

“Onye mmeri!” My brother, Dom, embraces me with so much force that I fear I might break. Yet I do not struggle, and instead bask in the feel of family, the feel of home. When he releases me at long last, I see tears in his eyes, but they are gone the next moment.

While the procession continues to my village, I reminisce over my experiences. Five years ago, I arrived at this airport, accompanied by my parents and brother. Now, the entire village escorts me back home, like a battle hero. How time flies.

My sojourn in the USA was fraught with difficulties. Americans aren’t as liberal as they claim to be, and my academic prowess at the university earned me the dislike of students and lecturers alike. With a measly stipend from a part-time job and handouts from generous colleagues, I was able to make the best of five hate-filled years.

I am Onye Mmeri, the one who conquers.