Into Africa - Part 6

Wednesday 9^th September Ankpa Part B

We spent a lot of time with the mums and babies in the Clinic, we were really enjoying the chance to speak with them at length but then the call came from HRH the Ejeh of Ankpa that we were to present ourselves at his Palace at 4.00pm to receive our titles and awards. Sister Bridget whisked us into the convent and presented us all with new African outfits. Many of the people we met on the Monday wore these outfits as they were designed for all members of the Parish of the Sacred Heart. This is the parish for the Clinic. Sister told us that we had to be suitably dressed to meet the Ejeh and she was determined to give the Clinic and the Parish a high profile. We were happy to oblige and proud to represent them all. The police arrived to escort us and we were all excited to find out just what was in store for us. The audiences with the Ejeh were not scheduled in our original programme but we were delighted to assist in the political process especially if it would assist Sister Bridget and her staff to help mums and babies.

The Ejeh’s stallion was tethered outside the Palace ( he was in dire need of a square meal ) and we were greeted by the body guards and a group of musicians who “played us” in to the Reception Room. The drumming was amazing and there were film crews and photographers and quite a crowd had gathered. We were guided to another throne room and we were greeted by a young lady we had met at the Local Government Offices. She explained that she was the MC for the ceremony. After waiting for just a few minutes, the Ejeh and his entourage entered, we had learned the greeting “ Agagoo “ and all stood and loudly greeted the King. After opening prayers this time led by Father Simeon the ceremony began.

In turn we had to approach his throne on our knees ( Margaret and I wondered if we would ever be able to get up again!) Megan, Katie, Kimi and Isabella were greeted very warmly by HRH, he explained that they were too young for a title, but he and the Tribal Council had awarded to each of them a Certificate of Commendation. The same applied to Tim Sowula, the King obviously thought that Tim was very young too but again he had special words for him asking him to take the message to the UK that the people of Igalaland and Nigeria were grateful for the support and friendship of the British people.

For the girls he told them to tell their parents that they were honoured in his kingdom and loved by him and his people for their work for mums and babies. He hoped that they and their families would be blessed by God. He complimented them on their ability to communicate and their poise in dealing with completely new situations in a strange land. He also showed great respect for Peter Nanle who had been one of students and he gave him a special title which roughly translated meant “ Beloved of the King “ The response from the audience gathered in the Throne Room indicated that this was very special and a boost for CAFOD.

It came to Margaret’s turn and it was so clear that he had listened to every word each one of us had said on the Monday. He thanked her for working with us and providing the foundation of the partnership between CAFOD and St. Joseph’s. He gave her the title “Mother of the People“ and her own greeting. He then asked Margaret to sit opposite him to be presented with the robes signifying Chiefdom. The ladies present proceeded to apply the head dress and Margaret was installed as a local dignatory.

I was quite relieved that Margaret went before me as I had the advantage of knowing a little what to expect. So it was my turn and duly summoned forward, I knelt before the King. His words to me were for the whole school. He said that St. Joseph’s College must be a very special place to produce such wonderful young women who were able to achieve so highly. He said they were brave and that this was because they felt safe in the arms of their teachers. He asked me to tell you this and to convey his thanks and gratitude to all of you for allowing me and the girls to visit his kingdom. He also asked that we would find ways to help the girls to continue their work, he was sure that we would and he was confident that they would achieve their best in all that they had to do. He said there were two professions crucial to development – teaching and health care and after some personal remarks that I shall keep to myself, I was given my title “ Human Developer” and my greeting IYO which means “Blessing” . Sat on the chair ( knees now regaining feeling) I was robed and head dressed. What an amazing experience, it was very emotional and it will always mean a great deal to each one of us who were lucky enough to experience it. It meant a lot to us but the real significance wass for Sister Bridget and the Clinic. Now that the Ejeh knows of her work he will hopefully take a direct interest in the facility that does so much for the people particularly those who need it most in the outreach clinics. He promised to visit and this means that he cannot go empty handed.

We returned to the clinic and due to the fact that we had to get back to Ayangba before dark we had to sadly say our goodbyes all too quickly. In London I had bought some cards of nuns doing amazing things and the girls and I selected one of these for Sister Bridget. It was of a nun in full habit driving a go cart. We titled it “ the driving force of Ankpa clinic” and tried in our message to thank her for her hospitality, her care and her amazing capacity to love so many people including us. Leaving Rachel and Moses was hard too. Everyone at the Clinic was delighted about the link forged with the King and we were so pleased that this extra bonus had resulted from our visit.

Overwhelmed by the experiences of the whole day it was quiet in the cars on the way back. However, this was Africa and one must always expect the unexpected as we reached the Hotel, Father Simeon told us we were eating at his presbytery and going to see a performance by a Youth Group at the local school where we would all be expected to make a speech and join in the performance. So thanks to Samson the stalwart of our Hotel, we were able to avail of a shower and a quick brush up to be off again for another experience. The Youth group was run by Father Damian, the priest in charge of media and communications and youth support. His students presented dances and a hard hitting drama about the things that are really important in life – faith, hope and charity.

In spite of the tiredness, heat, humidity, bugs, bites and speechmaking we loved every minute and every demand that was placed upon us. The girls were again a credit to themselves, their families and their school. They had worked all day and yet again all night by the time we arrived back at the Hotel we were past sleep so we had a midnight feast, orange juice and breakfast bars and reflected on all that happened during the last 24 hours. We could never have imagined this experience so we were very privileged to actually live it.

Elaine

Margaret in her robes as Chief
Still smiling

Elaine

Page 7 - The journey to and arrival in JOS
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