Writers 
INTRODUCTION
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Loosing is not an option for me. Life has taught me a lot; life has taking a lot too. It a fight to win cause if God is for us who can be against us?
Sometimes, I want to just disappear, but then I realize, I’m not alone. It’s not easy I must tell you. Well, the things I do for love.
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ACT 4
Scene 1
March 29th, 1996
A street in Lagos mainland
(Uyai’s apartment at green gate)
{Entered Uyai and Mrs. Toyin Afolabi}
{It’s been a month since Uyai’s incident and Ubong is yet to return home}
(Uyai is sitting outside frying groundnut)
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Uyai, how are you?
UYAI
I bless God, I’m fine.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Have you heard from your husband or has he come home?
UYAI
No, I have neither seen him nor heard from him.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Hmmm, won’t you search for him or something?
UYAI
(Exhaling) Ah, Toyin, I won’t oh, he will come home when he see it fit. If I look for him, what if he does not want to see me? My friend, I can’t risk it.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
You are right. So, let me join you
UYAI
Thank you please (pointing at the chair behind the water drum in front of her apartment) you can bring that chair so you can sit.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
O, ok thank you
[Entered Jennifer]
JENNIFER
Una, I greet oo.
[Interpretation:Greetings]
UYAI
Good morning Jennifer. How was your night?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Na who be una? (Clapping her hands sequencially) So, na so dem dey greet elders for your village abi?
[Interpretation: who are you referring to 'you people?' Is that how they say greetings in your village?]
JENNIFER
See me oo. Na wattin bad for wattin I talk na? if I no greet na, same you go say Jennifer no get manners. Shoo, abeg - abeg - abeg, make you no come use your reggae spoil my blues dis morning. Madam Uyai, better person. (hissing at Toyin) How body?
[Interpretation: can you imagine, what is bad in what I said? if I don’t say my greetings to you, is this same you that that will say Jennifer don’t have manners. Please and please don’t ruin my morning. Madam Uyai, a good woman. How are you?]
UYAI
Ah, we thank God o, Jennifer. Body dey inside cloth.
[Interpretation: We thank God. I am fine]
JENNIFER
Ok. We Thank God. Abeg dey well oo (looking at Mrs. Toyin with a bad eye) you sef madam Toyin stay well. I go see una wen I come
[Interpretation: Ok. We Thank God. Please stay well. And you too Mrs. Toyin, Stay well. I’ll see you when I return]
UYAI
Ok dear. Take care of yourself.
[Exit Jennifer]
(Returning her gaze to Toyin)
You could have replied her greetings at least. I don’t even know why you two don’t get along too well
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Uyai, Jennifer did not say any greetings to me. And I don’t have any beef with her just that her way of life is what baffles me. Do you not see how she dresses anytime she goes out? Even what she’s wearing today, it’s Insane.
UYAI
Hmmm.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
She goes around seducing all the young men and even the old. Forgetting that if every man brands her as a prostitute it will be hard for her to settle down.
Can you not remember the event that transpired between Jennifer and Nkechi, her first roommate? She ruined Nkechi’s life not only by snatching her intended husband but also planning with a guy to rape her, who would have succeeded by the way if Nkechi didn’t stab his left foot and ran out of the house that night. Her plan was to brand Nkecht a cheater so she can have Chris all to herself.
UYAI
I remember that day. Their quarrels were endless. But I didn’t pay attention to them and unlike you who knew every details, I didn’t. If I may ask, how do you manage to know?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Words go around.
UYAI
How are you sure they were true? Besides it is more of hearsay than so-sure.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Well we’ll never know, right?
UYAI
Yes. It seems you worry about Jennifer’s careless lifestyle, have you tried counseling her in your own little way or better still, have you tried interceding for her through prayers?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Why should I speak to deaf ears? I’m sure I have important things to pray about than praying for her
UYAI
Toyin, don’t talk like that. Don’t be callous. You can intercede for her. You care enough for her to change, who knows maybe she wants to change but don’t know how.
She just needs someone to point her in the right direction.God forbid she dies today and goes to hell, which could have been prevented if you had just tried. Don’t you think God will ask you?
When you are faced with God, what will you tell him you prayed for, that was more important than winning a soul for him?
What if because of this singular act you suffer the same damnation? Let us not be ignorant that people need to be led to the truth. We need to pray for them so that the HolySpirit will guide them and change them.
In the epistle of ST Paul to Timothy (1 timothy chapter 2 verse 1)
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving thanks, be made for all men”
The Holy Spirit did not lead Paul to say for some men or for believers only but for all men.
Please Toyin let’s not be selfish. It is good that you worry about her wellbeing, even Jesus Christ, being a High Priest was touched by the feelings of our infirmities.
Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15
“for we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all point tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Uyai my friend (smiling), no matter what you go through, wherever you are, you are always ready to evangelize. Just like how you where evangelizing to that man in the market two weeks ago, your husband saw you and got the wrong idea. I remember that night, how he beat you up because of it yet, you didn’t stop. Hmm, (exhaling) you are a good person indeed.
Thank you. You always put others first before you; I will learn that from you. Thank you for educating me. You have changed my perspective. Seriously, I’ve never thought of it that way. You are a good friend indeed.
UYAI
(Laughing) you are welcome. Every day we learn. Hope you are coming with me to the seminar?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Ah ah, (confused) what seminar?
UYAI
Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? The marriage seminar
Holding in church next week? The church is inviting…
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Ohhhhh, (interrupting Uyai as she remembers) that seminar, I remember. Of course, I’ll be there. We can even go together.
UYAI
Yes we can
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
.No marriage is perfect. We all need God in our marriages and also good advice from the right people.
UYAI
Yes and good advice we shall get, Amen.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Amen ooo.
(Both laughing)
[Exit]
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ACT 4
Scene 2
A street in Lagos mainland
Pleasure hotel, mainland
(At the bar in the hotel)
{Enter Ayo and Ubong}
UBONG
I just got off the phone with the BOSS. He wants me to come over to his place
AYO
Oh, I hope no problem?
UBONG
I hope not too
AYO
So when do you plan on going home
UBONG
I’ll go next week. I just want to finish my next game with Mr. Henry
AYO
Oh. That game?
UBONG
Yes that game.
AYO
So, do you have what to say to your wife when you see her?
UBONG
I do. But I don’t know how to say what I have to say to her.
AYO
Hmmm
UBONG
You see, (smiling to himself) Uyai is the most beautiful girl, I’ve ever seen. Men, she’s so beautiful and you have notice that too.
AYO
Are you tripping?
UBONG
Of course, she’s my wife.
AYO
I see. Was she not your wife when you were treating her the way you did?
UBONG
Ayo, I messed up, big time. But this is it. Whenever she sleeps, I admire her. The way her lips curves and how cute she looks. She has the softest skin like that of a baby. Anytime she touches me, oh my God! mouth cannot describe the way I feel at that moment.
That sensation drives me crazy. Are you talking about her figure? Hmm, compared to all the ladies I’ve seen, my wife is the most sexy. God took his time in creating Uyai. she’s an angel.
AYO
She is angel indeed for her to even stay with you up until now. So all this compliment, did you just notice them or you’ve noticed them?
UBONG
Well, that and more is all I saw from the first day we were together till now
AYO
Oh my friend, did you ever loved her?
UBONG
(Shaking his head slowly.) Maybe if we had met on a different circumstances, maybe, just maybe I'll know for sure but up until now, I've been in conflict with myself.
Ayo, what people know about Mr. Nsikan Itim is that he paid his debt using Uyai, how could I refuse. She is a germ at first sight.
But, what people don’t know, not even his children, was how he rubbished me in front of BOSS.
He told BOSS that I was in need of ten million to host my wedding. The BOSS was so excited that finally I was getting married. He gave Nsikan the money. The following week I went to work and the BOSS congratulated me he told me too use the money wisely and if I have any other expenses I should not fail to ask. I was shocked I wondered, what money was he talking about and what expenses was he referring too? I summoned the courage to ask the BOSS and he showed me the paper signed in my name and collected by Mr. Nsikan Itim. I was devastated.
How on earth would I pay back ten million with the amount I’m being paid. The BOSS took that as an opportunity to sit on me. Whatever he wanted, I gave. I was angry and I transferred it to Uyai. Especially when I heard Nsiken ran way with the money.
Ayo, I’m still paying that money. After this game with Mr. Henry, all my debt will be paid
AYO
Wow, I didn’t know. Uyai has really paid for her father’s sin
UBONG
Back to your question. I think I love Uyai. I have loved her from the start, but I can’t bring myself to show her or tell her because I'm still angry. I see her, I remember her father. Then, I hurt her an I hate myself for it. It's a constant circle and I don't know what to do.
AYO
Well, you must win this game. Pay off all your debt and show that woman some love please.
UBONG
I have no choice.
AYO
Alright Bro, let me get back to work
UBONG
OK, we’ll see later
[Exit]
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ACT 4
Scene 3
A street in Lagos mainland
(At God Reign Church)
{Enter congregation}
PASTOR MRS. INYANG ATANG
Praise the lord!
CONGREGATION
Hallelujah!
PASTOR MRS. INYANG ATANG
PRAISE THE LORD!!
CONGREGATION
HALLELUJAH!!
PASTOR MRS. INYANG ATANG
I know we are not here only because of the problems we face in our marriages but also because we need to make our home a better home. Many of us are at the precipice of giving up. We have questioned our existence and harbor so much pain and hatred in our heart. This is a place to free you from those burden and receive God and all he has for us into our heart. Please join me as I welcome our guest speaker. Mr. Tony Okike.
CONGREGATION
(Clapping loudly)
MR. TONY OKIKE
Thank you very much. Thank you for accepting me and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Atang for inviting me.
Today we are here to talk about marriage. Many people have a misconception of what marriage is.They have forgotten marriage is for better and for worst, in sickness and in health, for rich and for poorer. Until death do you path. Divorce is not an option for Christians. Malachi 2:16
Many people leave their marriage the moment things go wrong. I’m not saying you can’t leave if you want but the question you should ask yourself after you leave is; how much effort did I put in my marriage to hold it together? Am I the one who broke my marriage? Did I leave for selfish reasons? Am I happy now than when I was in the marriage?
You should know that no matter who you lie to, you cannot lie to yourself.
But for those who stay in the marriage, even when it collapses on their head they still build it up. I promise you, God will give your home a permanent structure even beyond your expectation. Amen.
CONGREGATION
AMEN!
MR. TONY OKIKE
There are so many steps to take in other to protect you home but the first step is prayers.
You should know that enemy will not rest until you are defeated. So it’s time to secure your home.
Don’t let the enemy win, you have to take the bull by the horn and fight for your home and the only way to do that is to pray.
The following steps are
Don’t give up :- times maybe hard, things may be difficult but don’t forget the love you both shared 1corithians 13:7.
Forgive :- Unforgiveness can become a heavy burden that damages both the person who holds onto it. Have you noticed that if someone offend you and you carry it in mind for so long, whenever you see that person you are not always happy. You get angry and that anger turns to hard work because you will try to do things to offend that person so that person will feel hurt. But, when you forgive, you become happy with everything and everyone and your mind is at ease.
Forgive your husband, forgive your wife. Be happy so you home will not be a hot zone. Ephesians 4:26, matthew 6:12.
Choose love :- No matter what happens always choose love. Matthew 5:44 and 46, Mathew 19:19, 1corithian 13:13, colossians 3:14, john 3:16. And like the lyrics to my favorite song, “ LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING “
It reminds us, genuine love has the power to transform the way we see our lives, our relationships, and even the challenges we face. When difficulties come, choosing love can change the atmosphere of a home. Love requires patience, forgiveness, sacrifice and a willingness to keep choosing one another.
(He sang the lyrics in a melodious voice)
“Love Changes Everything” — music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Charles Hart and Don Black, from the musical Aspects of Love.
(Congregation giving Mr. Tony a standing ovation)
UYAI
Wow, this song carries so much emotion and character.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Who knew he could sing too? He sings like a catholic chorister. Very beautiful.
MR. TONY OKIKE
(Smiling) Thank you. Moving on to number 4.
Honor your spouse :- no matter how imperfect your spouse is honor him or her. Hebrews 13:4
Protect your marriage :- this is important too. Strangers will talk about your home, some good and some bad things. Many strangers will try to break your home you need to shield marriage. Matthew 19:6
Remember your vows :- as I said earlier. Your vows are sacred. It’s for better for worst, for richer and for poorer and in sickness and in health. Ephesians 5:33
Don’t lose hope :- have faith. Everything will be fine. Luke 1:37
No marriage is perfect, you make your home what it is…………..
(Still speaking as Uyai sank deep into her thought)
UYAI
If only Ubong can even love me even a tiny bit, I’m sure that will be enough encouragement. Sometime I think I’m wasting my time here. I’ve heard all this, done all I can. I’ve fasted and prayed. (Sobbing quietly). I don’t want to give up but I’m tired.
(Getting herself back)
Oh I missed the entire thing. It’s over already
CONGREGATION
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever. Amen.
UYAI
How was it?
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Very impacting. Thank you for dragging me here. I learnt a lot
UYAI
Hmm ( Feeling guilty for not paying attention to the seminar).
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Let’s go home. I know how you don’t like to stay out late
UYAI
My dear, (sighing). The reason I run home is because of my husband and he’s not home so what is the need.
MRS. TOYIN AFOLABI
Hmmm. (Exhaling)
UYAI
Forget it jare, let’s just go home
[Exit]
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ACT 4
Scene 4
A street in Lagos mainland
(Uyai’s apartment at green gate)
{Entered Uyai and Ubong}
{Uyai, standing amazed as she enters her house}
UYAI
Oh my God. How did you get in here?
UBONG
It’s my house too remember?
UYAI
I’m sorry my husband. But (gasping).What happened to you? You are seriously injured.
UBONG
Don’t pay attention to it. It’s only a scratch.
UYAI
(Kneeling besides Ubong) My husband, you are really bleeding
(Goes In to get a clean cloth and water in a bowl)
UBONG
It’s fine
UYAI
(returning almost immediately)
Please let me clean you up
UBONG
Ok. (she cleans him up) you always pay attention to me and still care despite all you’ve suffered from me. Hmm, Uyai. I’m sorry for all I’ve put you through.
UYAI
(Feeling her heart racing)
UBONG
I shouldn’t have left the way I did. I’m the reason we lost our baby. Please, forgive me (staring at his wife in admiration, unable to place the thought running through his head). You don’t deserve the way I treat you. I’m not man enough to be called your husband. You are beautiful, loving, caring and patient. I lo—
UYAI
(In tears) those are the best words I’ve heard in years. It wasn’t your fault. Please tell me, how did you get this injury?
UBONG
I refused to gamble for BOSS today. Automatically he lost. He didn’t care if I was emotionally broken. All he cares about is his money. The money I owe him, I—
UYAI
(Widening her eyes) you owe the BOSS?
UBONG
Yes, but I’ve paid part (he said hurriedly) I’ll pay the rest
UYAI
Not again (Fear gripping her heart)
UBONG
You shouldn’t worry about it (using his left palm to raise Uyai’s face to him) you hate me I know but…
UYAI
I don’t hate you, I can’t hate you. You are my—
UBONG
(interrupting Uyai with a soft kiss. The kind she has never received from him before. After which he made her feel like a woman. A real woman.)
[Exit]
