The day my childhood friend Emeka vanished with my 150k savings

Two years ago, I get call from Emeka, my guy from PH since primary school. He say he get business opportunity, something about selling secondhand clothes from Cotonou. He say if he get capital, e go change him life.

I trust the guy. We grow up together, we play football together, we steal mango from same neighbour yard. So I give him my whole savings, ₦150,000. Na money I save for two years for that sales job. I tell myself, this na my brother, e no go wound me.

Two weeks later, Emeka phone no dey go through. I go his house in Diobu, the landlady say he pack and leave. No address, no call, nothing. I call his mama line, she say she no know where he dey.

I swear, e pain me die. Not just for the money, but for the trust. I dey ashamed to tell anybody. I beg my papa for help, the man just look at me and say, "Na your lesson, you go learn." He still give me money small, but the shame dey follow me till today.

Now, I no dey lend money again. If you want help, I go help you buy food or pay transport, but cash? No o. Some lessons dey come expensive.