By Collins Opurozor
Once upon a time, in the heart of the bustling kingdom of Ajuria lived a wise and noble tribe known as the Ebos. For generations, they had thrived through their industrious nature, vibrant culture, and deep-seated sense of community.
Their villages were filled with the laughter of children, the aroma of traditional dishes, and the harmonious songs of the elders. The Ebos were known far and wide for their resilience and ingenuity.
In Ajuria, an unrest began to brew. The kingdom was ruled by a council of leaders who were accused of introducing hardships to the land. Some of the kingdom’s oligarchs began to mobilize the talakawas and the whispers of a grand protest to demand change began to spread. The murmurs grew louder, and soon, plans were made for a massive demonstration to start on the first day of August.
The Ebos with their history of bravery and valor, were approached by the power-seeking oligarchs to join the protest. “Join us,” they said, “together we can demand justice and bring about a new dawn in Ajuria.” The Ebos listened carefully, their hearts heavy with the memories of past struggles. They remembered the tales their ancestors told of a time when they had joined hands with other tribes to fight for a cause.
But these tales were not just of victory; they were also of betrayal and suffering. For every time the Ebos had stood with others in times of turmoil, they found themselves singled out when things went awry.
The elders recalled the dark days of 1966, when the kingdom had been torn apart by civil strife, and the Ebos, though not the instigators, had borne the brunt of the consequences.
In one such village, lived an elder named Nkem. He was known for his wisdom and foresight. As the calls for protest grew louder, Nkem gathered the people under the grand old iroko tree at the village square. “My children,” he began, his voice steady and grave, “we have always been a people of peace and progress. We have stood for justice, but we have also paid dearly for it.”
Nkem told them the story of the eagle and the crows. “Once, an eagle joined a flock of crows in their protest against the hunter. The crows, loud and numerous, cawed and harassed the hunter until he grew tired and frustrated. In his anger, he shot blindly into the flock. The crows scattered, but the majestic eagle, with its striking feathers, was the one the hunter aimed for. The eagle, though innocent and just, was wounded deeply.”
The villagers listened intently, understanding the parable. “We are the eagles,” Nkem continued. “We soar high and stand out. In times of unrest, it is easy for others to target us, to blame us for their misfortunes. Our history has shown us that we must tread carefully.”
A young man named Chidi, full of vigor and determination, spoke up. “But Elder, should we not stand against injustice? Should we not fight for what is right?” Nkem nodded solemnly. “Yes, Chidi, we must stand for justice, but we must also be wise. We can support the cause of change through our work, our voices, and our resilience, without putting ourselves directly in the line of fire.”
The Ebos, moved by Nkem’s wisdom, decided to focus on building and strengthening their communities. They chose to uplift their people through education, commerce, and culture. They became a beacon of progress in Ajuria, showing that change could come from within, without the need for dangerous confrontations.
And so, as the protests began across Ajuria, the Ebos remained in their villages, working tirelessly to create a better future for themselves and their children. They proved that sometimes, the bravest act of all is to protect one’s own while striving for change in ways that safeguard their legacy and ensure their survival.
In time, the rest of Ajuria took notice of the Ebos’ approach. They saw the flourishing communities, the thriving markets, and the educated youth. Inspired by their example, other tribes began to adopt similar methods of peaceful progress, and slowly, the kingdom of Ajuria began to transform from within.
And thus, the Ebos remained the noble eagles of Ajuria, soaring high above the turmoil, guiding their people with wisdom and foresight, and ensuring that their legacy endured for generations to come.
