MY BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBOUR #4 (SHORT STORY)

The Story So Far:
Ebony’s neighbour, Mama Chinonso (Tasia to him), whom he is enamoured with, travelled in the last episode, leaving him devastated. While he was steeped in the blues, his younger sister Razor, paid him an unexpected visit. Through her barbs and the ensuing fireworks, Ebony snapped out of his melancholy. His thoughts and actions in this episode turn to a salient direction, but it’s largely geared to make him look good to Tasia. In the process, he has a frightening encounter which sets other significant events in motion. Surprises and lessons await. Enjoy!

MY BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBOUR #4

December 21, 2016

NO MORE CHASING THE WIND

Tasia was supposed to come back four days ago (17th of December). I cleaned her apartment the previous day as a way of saying thanks for the help she rendered by giving me access to it. There was more food there than she had let on and I’d run through the lot: there was stew, rice, ice fish, some chicken, three kinds of soup, eight yams and some grains in small buckets. When she called after five days of leaving to know how I was, I told her I was emptying her freezer and pantry. Her response was: “Be my guest!” That was the day after Razor’s visit.

I was still thinking of what to do with my life, not only because I wanted Tasia’s love and respect, but because I wanted to show my evil sister, Razor, that I could turn a new leaf if I meant to. I was running low on cash. Ponzi business was not living up to the hype about it and the losses were piling up. The gains were no match and some people I was scheduled to be paid by had told me to take a hike. I needed to do a balance sheet of the profits and losses from all my Ponzi “investments” but I was scared that the pain would be too much if everything were catalogued in black and white.

Many people think I bought a car from Ponzi (besides my former neighbours who alleged I was a ritualist). But it’s a guy I helped get a visa to Austria some years ago that sent five cars and I reported to him people were underpricing them because of the poor economy. He told me the least he would take for each and I got the oldest of the lot, a 1998 Toyota Carina, quite cheap. Our elder sister, Nonye’s husband paid for the heavy duty stuff during our mum’s burial, so I wasn’t in the red after. Instead I gathered all the cash I got as condolence gifts from friends and groups which was about 250K* being the only son, and bought the car.

It’s true I paid a year’s rent on this nice flat but now, I’m wondering if it was such a good idea. Where will I get the money to furnish the flat and pay the next rent? As I meditated after Tasia’s call, I knew that those concerns were even far. The immediate question was: How am I going to sustain myself from now? The Ponzi business promised so much and I gave it my full attention. But from the look of things, the whole thing is fizzling out. (Right now, no small scale scheme lasts up to three months before collapsing. The most is a few weeks.) I needed to find a way to move forward.

[bctt tweet=”Who ever profited from building castles in the air?” username=”edithohaja1″]

“It won’t be nice for Tasia to come back and meet me idle. Won’t make a good impression,” I reminded myself. I’d told her I was a budding musician, which had been the case two years ago. I even had a band called Egwu Ndi Muo Ozi (Music of Angels). Gospel music was our genre with highlife and R and B thrown in according to the occasion.

Before you shout, it was a smart business decision I made years ago. Most people in these parts love gospel music even though they may not really give God the time of day. So some folks like me play it quite well without any personal devotion to God. It’s an art, you know. You master your art and you can perform convincingly. Sometimes, I wondered if my inability to get a break had anything to do with my Jekyll and Hyde personality.

We used to do gigs but when I went into yahoo yahoo*, the band more or less disbanded. I found the yahoo thing distasteful. I didn’t want to be telling strangers I love them to get their money. I thought that Ponzi was cleaner, straight up, no personal ties, no heartbreaks. But all na wash!*

It was time to try the music again. It’s a hard life till you get a big break but hardwork never killed anyone. I needed to call my guys, revive the band and start featuring at events as before. It didn’t take too much convincing to get the fellows on board again ’cause they were on their butts like me, hard hit by Ponzi deals gone bad.

We were a bit rusty but we gathered at my drummer, Goddy’s family compound, where there was plenty of space for rehearsals and got a job before we dispersed that first evening: a wake keep in two days. Each member had come with his own instrument and we rehearsed again the next day. We planned to do our usual songs and a few new gospel ones introduced by our keyboardist, who is in his church choir.

But I needed serious backup. Because we’d been out of the scene, we had tough competition from younger guys with better equipment. Some had girls who did backup vocals and danced. So the jobs weren’t frequent and our patrons didn’t always pay at once. I’d thought I could run taxi services with my car but the run-ins with the road safety corps, motor park touts and government Task-Force-This and Task-Force-That meant I got next to nothing for all my trouble. So I gave that up. I thought of looking for work with my degree certificate in Psychology but that didn’t seem too appealing unless I had a top politician or rich man to write a note on my behalf.

I still wanted to look good to Tasia. I was glad she called, no matter how briefly, which meant she hadn’t forgotten me. So I felt I should concentrate on making something of myself. Which drove me to God on the 16th of December since my efforts weren’t bearing much fruit.

It was kind of awkward, I mean, me talking to God. How long had it been since I’d done something like that? Don’t get me wrong. I’ve bowed my head when public prayer was made, I may have even said a few words of prayer alone sometimes but praying a heartfelt prayer? That I can’t readily remember doing. There was one occasion, though, way way back, when my secondary school vice-principal threatened to report a bunch of us for cheating during the WAEC* Literature exam. I prayed for hours. I promised God I’ll be a pastor if he delivered me, I’ll even go as a missionary to the north*, to China, wherever, if only He quashed that case. The vice-principal saw us the next day hanging around his office and reprimanded us.

“Stupid children, you want to blame me for your misfortune in life? I didn’t report you but if you carry on like this, mark my words, you will surely get into trouble.”

He then chased us away and we ran to our classroom where we drew caricatures of him on the board and laughed our hearts out. I never even remembered my tears and prayers the previous night.

When I brought my mind back to God in the situation I was facing, I didn’t know exactly what to tell him, so I made him a deal.

“If you get me something doing, something reasonable, I’ll pay my tithe.” That sounded lame. “Faithfully. I mean, I won’t skip any.” Not good enough. Then I got scared. As strange as it sounds, it seemed like God was listening to me and responding through my thoughts. Why would He listen to me, a sinner? What right had I to talk to Him? Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that He was there, and was in fact, eager to have that conversation with me.

[bctt tweet=”When you don’t know where else to go, go to God. He will welcome you.” username=”edithohaja1″]

I ran outside. I wasn’t going back to that apartment alone. I felt like Jacob when he dreamt and saw the ladder going from earth to heaven. I remembered that story from Sunday School. In my fearful state, I called my sister, Razor!

“Razor, you dey town?

“What have you done?” Arrogant girl! I might have a history of asking her to intervene when I’m in trouble but it’s in bad taste to bring that up now.

Abeg, come my house now now. Plan to sleep oh!”

Buy me suya, I dey come.”

I immediately regretted the call. Why didn’t I call a believer or a pastor? Truth be told, I didn’t know any of those close enough. But Razor, my devilish sister?

“What exactly do I want,” I asked myself. Am I ready to change or do I just want some financial stability? Why involve God and run when He seems ready to answer? I was very confused. But somehow I felt that Razor will see the situation more clearly and help me out of the muddle I’d created, as always.

“She should be getting here soon,” I tried to assure myself. “But I don’t know where she’s coming from, how can I be certain she’ll come before nightfall.” The time was 5:40 p.m.

To be continued
Ⓒ Edith Ugochi Ohaja 2017

*”250K” is slang for two hundred and fifty thousand Naira
*”yahoo yahoo” refers to online scams, some of which are based on the promise of love
*”all na wash” means it was all lies or it was all underwhelming
*”WAEC” is the acronym for the West African Examinations Council that conducts the Secondary School Certificate Exams for countries in the region
*”the north” refers to Northern Nigeria which is widely regarded as Muslim-dominated
*”You dey town?” is Pidgin English for “Are you in town?”
*””Abeg, come my house now now” means “Please, come to my house immediately” in Pidgin English
*”Buy me suya” means “Buy suya for me” in Pidgin English
*”suya” is roasted meat sold by Hausa street vendors
*”I dey come” is Pidgin English for “I am coming.”

LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Have you ever engaged in Ponzi business? How did it work out for you?

If you were in Ebony’s shoes, how would you handle his job situation?

Have you ever had a supernatural experience that got you scared like Ebony?

+++++++

Subscribe to edithohaja.com to receive updates of new posts (inspirational, educational and entertaining articles, poems, quotes and graphics) in your mail. Subscription is free.

You can also like my Facebook page, Aunty Edith, follow me on Instagram, GooglePlus (1), GooglePlus (2), Twitter (1), Twitter (2), Pinterest and StumbleUpon. Plus, you can connect with me on LinkedIn. Jesus is Lord!

113 comments

  • I hope he becomes a better person not just to impress mama Chinomso but for himself too

  • if i was in the shoes of Ebony, I will stick to my talent and think of a way of entertaining people with my talent.

    • Edith Ohaja

      That’s a good idea but what will make it better will be for him to know God since his band focuses on gospel music. May God take you places in your business, Osas, in Jesus’ name.

  • Ezeigwe Martin

    I hope Ebony changes for better. Patiently waiting for the next episode.

  • OZURUMBA IHEANYICHUKWU GODWIN (Ph.D)

    interesting and fabulous

  • Ugwu, Chinagorom Joseph

    wow! It is like a real life situation when people run to God because they have a problem or problems bothering them. For Ebony, going and talking to God was weird as he had broken promises made to Him in the past. However, it will be interesting to see how he will manage to balance his seemingly developing relationship with God with his promiscuous lifestyle, or shall I say amorous affair with Mama Chinonso. I am sure that ordinarily he will be marooned in confusion as to whether he should leave her and follow God or Leave God and follow her. Making a decision maybe difficult considering the fact that she has bought his conscience with her food and other gestures. He must be feeling indebted to her (evident in the way he went to clean her house to impress her).

    • Edith Ohaja

      C’mon, Chinagorom, there has been no affair except in Ebony’s ungoverned imagination. He has been hoping for that but the woman has not shown she has an inkling to it. Anyway, the remaining episodes are action-packed and help to clear more of the existing confusion as to where they stand or what will happen. Thank you so much for following the story and engaging here. The discussions we’ve had have been an eye-opener of sorts to me as to how our people view certain things.

  • Izuoguoziomaprecious

    Ebony’s situation, shows that it is good to depend only on God!

  • Chinwe Anakwe

    Ghen Ghen! I sincerely hope Razor won’t derail him o. He’s almost at the end of the rope, she better not drag him back.
    I’m hardly a risk taker so I’ve never been involved in a ponzi scheme. I don’t even do those networking businesses.
    Have I been jobless and broke? Oh yes, I have sold food in UNN, pancakes, anything really. And then I got a job after NYSC by volunteering.
    Supernatural scary experience? Maybe. But I remember one time in UNN when I was broke and hungry and I prayed to God, I could swear my mind was playing tricks on me. He gave such a fantasically ridiculous instruction that when it worked, I was certain that it could only have been God.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Yes, it’s often the case that when God shows us the way out of a problem, it’s not what we expected and it’s much simpler than what we would have come up with. Thank God for you. You took the road of hard work when you were in financial difficulty. Some others look for whom to defraud. ??

  • Emmanuel Gerald

    please ma, how do i get to access the earlier versions/parts of this particular post/story?

    • Edith Ohaja

      There are so many ways. Some can be found in Related Posts featured at the end of this one. You can also click on “Home” or the Category “Short Stories” and scroll down. You are blessed!

  • Ezenwa chinaza

    its a bold step to go to God because he is ready to forgive and accept us, but it is a bigger challenge not to stray again and come begging for forgiveness for we a re humans. its only by his grace and mercy. ebony needs to involve God in his life, and fulfil his promise of being a pastor.

    • Edith Ohaja

      That seems rather far-fetched now, don’t you think? If he can just make peace with God for now, that will be a good start. God bless you!

  • Ndubuisi Uchenna

    Fear in prayer?? Well, let’s see what Razor has to offer.

  • Onwusonye Promise

    Because of his situation, I make reference to”tomorrow holds a promise”.it will be well​with him if he realizes this with strong faith in God. God bless.

  • omenma ndidiamaka

    often times we forget God unless we have a problem. It’s a good thing Ebony remembered God and felt remorseful for the past promises which he had broken.

  • Njoku Chiamaka Constance

    God always has a way of making people turn to Him

  • ayogu lovina chinenye

    God does not answer such prayer when you sin or play deviant. not when you cheat during exam you pray so that god will make you succeed.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Don’t be so sure. God is merciful and He knows our hearts. Sometimes His mercy and forbearance shame the wayward person into coming home to Him.

  • Bessong Faith Ada

    The circumstances that Ebony is facing is quite funny but i can relate. Most times, humans can barely control their emotions but in situations like this, we need to call on the Lord for help because we might not be able to win the battle against our sinful flesh.

  • Chantal Nwoye

    The disadvantages of ponzi schemes as seen in the case of Ebony show that it is one of the vices affecting people within the adolescent category. Also, i do believe that it’s possible for people to change. And i’m a strong advocate for Ebony, not because he’s black and cute but because he’s an interesting character.

    • Edith Ohaja

      I think you meant to say youths, instead of adolescents, but even much older people engage in Ponzi schemes. Cheers!

  • ponzi scheme has indeed rendered most youth useless!

  • NZEH RESTORE

    It’s really cool that Razor had a change of spirit, but i feel that maybe she could remain her usual incredibly bad self. It would really hold my interest longer, though the change is cool, maybe it could happen towards the end of the story.

    • Edith Ohaja

      I think the problem here is you read all the episodes before commenting. Razor only changed in the fifth of the six episodes. Cheers!

  • uche akwara agatha

    my views are simple: there is no short cut to success. even the so called ponzi scheme, u have to invest, yahoo yahoo u have to put in the extra effort to get peole n the rest but finally like the bible says, when a man’s way pleases the lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. a God who can touch your enemies to love you can do much more.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Uche, I agree there is no shortcut to success but I’m puzzled at the examples you gave. A ponzi scheme is an investment scam, so how does it make sense that someone should put their money into it? Same goes for yahoo yahoo. Bless you!

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    ponzi schemes have shown me pepper and I won’t like to talk about it. As for Ebony, I believe that the step that he is about to take is the best solution to the situation at hand but that is if he really knows what he wants and if GOD wants the same thing.

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C.

    Ebony’s decision to run to God is the best but that is if he will be able to repent truly and show forth brokenness.

  • ologhofor sampson

    The story is a nice one. It’s not all about living life for someone but rather for yourself and God…

  • Ozoadibe Chidera Fortune

    God always has a way where there seems to be no way for us.

  • Nwosu chinwendu favour

    The story is really interesting …Ebonyi’s case portrays the need for people to live their life to God’s expectations at all times

  • Nwosu chinwendu favour

    He has a way of drawing his people back to him…what an awesome God

  • Charles Vincentia chisom

    Ebony is shallow minded o. i pray he has a divine encounter soon. worldly things always fade but with God it’s evergreen.

  • Njoku Chineme Evelyn

    I think the reason why people do bad things is because they don’t have a good means of survival and it’s a fault on their part too because they often forget that God is always with them no matter the situation and will always answer when he is called upon

  • Sunday Ezekwesiri Daniel

    We tend to remember God mostly when we have problem just like Ebony. Irrespective that God is merciful, we should not take Him for granted. The bible says shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. May God help us to know Him and serve Him in truth and in spirit.

  • Ewa-Ifeanyichukwu Chidinma

    Destiny will always prevail, Razor’s fate might have looked bleak at the beginning but God found a way to bring her out of it.

  • I almost missed part 3,,,,, now I have read 1-3 and have enjoyed each very much. What a pleasant read with my coffee this has been and now I look forward to something wonderful happening for Ebony. Blessings in Christ, sister Edith <3

    • Edith Ohaja

      Thanks a great deal, Tammy! Posting Episode 5 shortly. Glad Ebony has thought of God. Nothing but good can come from that. When we seem to be boxed in with no hope of anything to rejoice about, God can step in and show His love to us. Have a lovely week, my dear, and enjoy God’s unending goodness in Jesus’ name.

  • Njoku Chioma Grace

    i have never been in a ponzi scheme because in my view, its a waste of time, money and almost same with gambling. however, i love the fact that Ebony even though it may be for the wrong reason of trying to impress Tashia, has taken a step in trying to earn a good living.even though he is unaware, i believe he is taking a turn for the better. i have come to realize that its only when we are really in need of help that we remember God whom we have neglected.i cant wait to see what happens but i am pretty sure that something good will come out of it for Ebony

  • Fidelis Favour Chiamaka

    Yes, I’ve engaged in Ponzi scheme before and to be honest, it’s not funny at all. The stress of calling someone to pay up and the heartbreak one goes through when it eventually crashes. But it worked out well for me at a point…… if I were to be in Ebony’s shoes, I will do exactly what he is doing. It’s not enough to rely on white collar jobs, it’s advisable to have something one can do to survive.

  • Opara Stella Chidindu

    If i was in Ebony’s shoes, i would not run away from God cause that is where his answer lies and his confusion would be laid to rest. For Ebony to rekindle his music business is a good way to start, instead of relying on ponzi scheme to better his life.

  • Ozoguejiofor Uche Jacinta.

    Indeed God is a mysterious being. He listens to us despite the magnitude of our sins. If we talk to him wholeheartedly, he listens and answers us. I could imagine how he felt when he felt the presence of God. And the fact that he turned to him made me like him a little bit…he should maintain this path and be sure to fulfill the promise of paying his tithe unfailingly.

  • Jeremiah Chioma Juilet

    Im going straight to part 5…I need to know what happens next

  • Nweke Jemimah Chisom

    Wow..am happy at the amount of effort Ebony is putting in to look responsible for Tasia..it might just be a way for him to become a better person for life!

  • Ene Kosisochukwu Zita

    It’s obvious Ikem is battling with his conscience but only God can settle that through sincere communication with him. So he’s advised to go down on his knees and ask God to come into his life. Only then will he be free. Razor has little or nothing to offer in this instance. Period.

  • Onyeka pamela chiamaka

    He is just trying to impressTasia a lot. He should try and focus and really have a rethink about his life. If he is actually seeking for God, I hope he really means it dis time

  • Chika Divine Umunnakwe

    The story seems long and with suspense. No, ma. have not done Ponzi business

    I would keep seeking for a decent job before considering the huge salary he would want.
    He should become real and focus. He must surrender his lust and go for his primary goal with strategy and tactics.
    No, Ma. have not been scared by supernatural experience before.

  • Stephen Rosemary Ibibo

    The reason why most people do bad things is because they don’t have a good means of survival and forgetting that God is with them always no matter the situation and will always answer when he is called upon

  • ene esther

    I don’t like the fact that the reason he is looking for something else to do is to impress Tesia who is a married woman. when you do things to please others not because you want to, you tend to lose focus. I would advise him to get her out of his mind and think of something meaningful to do with his life.

  • Okereafor, Cynthia Uchechi

    It is getting more interesting. Ebony although He seems too eager to impress Tasia by all means, He seems to have urge to go to God. He makes a Promise and He began to feel the presence of God. But is his sister the right person to call? We will find out in the next episode. Wonderful Work,Ma

  • Rahman Peace Taiye

    Finally!!. He decided to include God. Good for him. It’s high time he realised that God is the only way now. God is always there waiting for his children to run back to him, he is always ready to welcome us.
    Meanwhile, thank God for siblings like Razor.

  • Osere Theresa

    You really do not put all your eggs in one basket, ponzi is like a sickness, its risky and dangerous to the health, if I was Ebony I would go out and search for a white collar job with my cert, there is no arm in trying at least its better than assuming that its only top people that can give you a work.

  • Catherine Ndukwe

    At least he is making a step to redeem himself. A penitence heart is always a first step and am glad he took it. I just wish he had called a pastor as he had rightly said because what he needs now is spiritual counselling and guidance. But all the same let’s hope her sister will be helpful too.

  • Udeh favour makuachukwu

    ponzi scheme is just a topic for another day. It really dealt with most people even students. Most people take God for a spare tyre when needed it is called upon. I hope things work out well for Ebony

  • BENJAMIN CHIGBOGU EGBO

    Hmm…. When God wants to take over a man/heart, he knows the right touch and move to make over such individual.
    There is always a hole, a gap that is desiriously seeking a supernatural encounter or attention, in fact, it is a hunger, an indescribable hunger whereby the soul searches for the immaterial as if it is material. This is God over all.

  • Peace onoja

    People can impact your life indirectly. Because of Razor and mama chioma, Ebony is striving to be better which is actually working.

  • Lawrence, Ernest Enyi

    At last, He decided to include God. It’s high time we realised that God is always there waiting for his children to run back to Him. He is always ready to welcome us. Meanwhile, thank God for the siblings like Razor.

  • Ndudu John

    I got involved in a few Ponzi schemes. I lost some and gained some. My situation got critical when mmm United shut their website for a while. Apostle Suleiman who was clearly an anti Ponzi preacher came to town. It was at his crusade ground that I asked God to save me and restore mmm United even though His servant was against Ponzi schemes. I believe that was where God answered my prayers as the site was restored shortly. Out of all my friends in the scheme I was the only one who was paid. I got my 100percent profit which was a lifesaver as I had lost a lot of money then. All my friends thought I was a magician cos none of them could convince their matches to pay up. I give all glory to God. Lol.

    In situations like that of Ebony I call on God and He shows me a way out of my struggles. That’s exactly what Ebony should be doing.

  • udeh blessing

    in this kind of situation, you have only God to call , you have him alone to look up to. it was not wise enough for him to call his sister because she might not take him serious which can discourage him. people most times only remember God when they need his help, which is wrong. you should always have him in mind and also Christians should deviate from anything that will soil there hands so as to maintain a good relationship with God.

  • Maduabuchi Ebube Deborah

    Am really pitying for ebony, seriously, I think it is better for you to make use of your talent ,my happiness is the fact that you dnt want to do yahoo yahoo because you know is not a good thing…..my advise is that j think is not too late to talk to God about this situation and change from all this your negative lifestyle……. Am waiting for mama nonso to come bk first

  • caius precious chinwendu

    HAHAHAHAHAH…. he cannot run away for long sha. I feel for him though, no job and no steady source of income. I can relate with his losses from the ponzi schemes,i too was a victim. God can help him, it is not too late to go to God and sincerely repent.

  • Ajibo Lovelyn Onyedikachi

    Ponzi is a game of endurance, gain and loss.I have been a victim and I have been living in regret even up till today because I borrowed money from someone to do it and it crashed without me getting anything thereby bringing loss and depth for me.I think Ebonyi should just accept Jesus fully as it will warrant him going back to his musical career

  • Agboola Solomon

    Destiny must be put in to consideration before one think of success.ebony has a gift (music) one success lies upon the natural gift from God… The only way for him is to go back to God and concentrated on gospel music.

  • Okeke Grace Amarachi

    I do believe that people change,and I’m a strong advocate for ebony because of his good disposition to things. The truth remains that God always makes a way where there seem to be no way,even when all hope is lost that is when he steps in to show himself faithful and strong.

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    NO, i haven’t engaged myself in any ponzi business well my advice for Ebony is that he should first seek God’s intervention then go for Job interviews i.e look for any Job, for the main time , he should also speak with his sister if she can help in any way, No, i Haven’t encountered any supernatural thing.

  • EZEMA CHIDINMA GLORIA

    I have never engaged myself in any Ponzi business before and i will never do that, that i believe for sure. if i were in Ebony shoes, i will run to God to help me get a good job. No, i hanen’t encountered any supernatural experience that got me scared like Ebony, and i pray i will not

  • MOKOGWU JOSEPHINE

    I have not engage myself in any Ponzi business, firstly, I will seek God’s help and after that, start searching for a Job, because it is obvious that Ebony is broke, he could also seek his sister’s help.

  • Joseph jennifer Ezinne

    Ponzi schemes have never favoured me.The few times I tried, I wasn’t paid and my money was gone with the wind. ebony, a budding musician? all these ones he’s mentioning are not steady sources of income. There is nothing consistent he’s doing. that’s very funny oh for a young man at his age. he’s telling ponzi story and music story. well, I really hope that the Lord God almight comes to his rescue and shows him the way, because he’s confused and he messed his past up. God is using his love for tasia to gradually bring him back to his senses. see the way he’s now reasoning like a matured man because he wants to please the young woman. the truth is that, God is mysterious in his ways. he can’t be predicted. you can never tell who or what he will use as an instrument to draw souls. our God is a sovereign God!

  • Anowi chisom

    I think is God that is trying to bring ebony to him, by making him want to become a better person. ebony is a confused young man, who refuses to become responsible and acknowledge God in his life. I pray that God sees beyond his foolishness and help him become a better person.

  • Egbukwu ogechi

    Ponzi is like a disease that starts from eating a little part of you and gradually reaches to every part of your body… The lord is our Ebenezer!!

  • Orji blessing chidubem

    I think I will say I was a victim when I comes to ponzi and its mishaps but that’s in the past now cos I don’t think am ever trying it again.
    Ebony is a talented young man so he should take life easy…go for legit job hunting and in no time,something positive will surely come up.

  • Otti Uzoma Augusta

    i have never engaged in any ponzi scheme, the thought of it scares me because i dont believe getting what i didnt work for or merited. i have had similar experience in running to God but i wasnt scared at all. Ebony should just pray and go out to look for a job God will bless him, he seems to really like his sister seeing he can count on her.

  • Onovoh Adaeze J.

    It is a very good thing that mama Chinonso left, because Ebony is beginning to realise himself and had an encounter in her house. I see the handwork of God in this.

  • Okorie Adaora Nneoma

    Ponzi scheme is just a risky way people think they can raise money…… Ive been in it before and i’m so glad Ebony decided to go back to God and turn his back to yahoo and ponzi….. Going back to Razor for help and support actually shows they are close…..

  • izunobi stanislaus

    Ebony is really talented and has a bright future but illegal stuffs won’t allow him.
    I think Mama Chinonso is being nice by allowing Ebony to have access to her apartment.

  • Ekwe Success Chinenye

    Any means of survival should be a legit means. We shouldn’t start something that won’t last. God is our father and he cares for us, we should involve him in our activities.

    • Ochei Anthony Arinze

      Ebony is now trying everything in his capacity to find something doing so that tasia wouldn’t look down on him.

  • Queeneth Nnodim

    Many people who have not really had an encounter with God may think from afar that since he is the Almighty God, he may not be merciful. But I’ve come to know that God is very merciful and powerful too, If I were Ebony, would really open my heart and ask him to help me with the job situation that’s if Ebony is ready to turn a new leave.

  • ifunaya chukwuemeka

    There comes a time that whoever is involved needs to take a decision about God and what they want to do with their life ..i’m happy he chose God and wants a change ,that a right step in the right direction

  • Chah ugochukwu

    When all else seems to fail, when we seem to be at the end of our rope, it is good to turn to God for he always makes a way where there seems to be no way.

  • Stephens Chinecherem Grace

    People sha! We run to God in times of need and then forget him afterwards. We are guilty of it all the time, especially christians. I do hope Ebony runs to God and remains in him.
    I have never engaged in Ponzi scheme but in my opinion, it is a scam. It’s just like building castles in the air, at the end of the day, it will still crash.

  • Nwoye chiamaka favour

    Just as Ebony stated, ponzi schemes are scam but in an advanced form . Also it is important to note that God is ever willing to hear our prayers and deliver us from every difficult situation and welcome us with a stretched forth arm like the prodigal son and His father.

  • In every situation we find ourself in, we should first of all know what we want… For me Ebony is jst as confused as whatever, he should first of all make a choice of what he actually wants for himself before looking for a way forward /finding a solution

  • Chukwunwenwa Chinenye

    Yeah! I’ve engaged in a ponzi scheme before, MMM to be precise. I just participated once and went back to my shell. Reasons being that I was scared it might fold one day. Did MMM fold? Yes, it did!

    People shouldn’t take ponzi schemes as their basic source of income.
    Ebony depended solely on ponzi scheme and that’s part of the problems he’s facing. It takes wisdom to invest with money gotten from ponzi schemes.

    However, Ebony seems to be a confused man. How can a 29-year-old not know what he wants in life? He doesn’t know whether to stop thinking about a married woman or not. He’s still confused about his career and all. Tueh.

    Since he doesn’t have a spiritual director, he should ‘kuku’ confide in Razor to help him out. Her sagacity will go a long way, although it might not be sufficient because the Bible says in 1st Corinthians 2:5 “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” …. It’s better he sincerely turn back to God so he can direct his paths

    • Añulika Iwoba

      Biko Ebony shouldn’t take genuine petition to God for confusion.
      All I can see here is someone who’s trying to win a female’s respect and love and who’s also broke as well.
      Of he were truly penitent, he’d know that God will not honour the plea for financial aid which will be put to the dishonorable use of wooing a married woman.
      Again, he’s also making nonsensical excuses.
      Let him step out of his comfort zone and find a job!
      Dude has got a degree in psychology and is saying trash about having only an opportunity when a politician is there to assist him.
      That’s arrant nonsense!
      Again, why not concentrate on the taxi business?
      Is there ever a profession without some difficulty attached?

      I’m off to know what became of him in the next episode.

  • Okibe Mercy

    It’s obvious that God wants to help this time but his problem is that he doesn’t want to calm down, he is still contapulating if it’s money he needs or God, but at that point he is meant to submit to God so God can help him out of this mess.

  • okoye paschalmary

    It is said that,”Behind every successful man, there is a woman”. A man in love can do anything to impress his lover or crush. The woman now serves as a drive for the Man to be responsible and hard working. Ebony just wants to get the love of Tasia forgetting the fact that she is married and as such, out of bounds for him. I just hope he doesn’t do anything stupid. Again Ebony is a good reflection of nowadays youth who only remember God when they are in need.

  • Adumike Winifred Munachimso

    Why on earth would someone depend on ponzi scheme,it’s neither an occupation or good means of livelihood. Its just like gambling,what Ebony need is a job,the idle mind is the devil’s workshop,the same taxi business he ran away from is what other people are doing and making money from. Life is not a bed of roses,he should stop looking for the easy way.

  • Ibe favour kalu

    Years back, my siblings got engaged in this same ponzi business and they got doomed like Ebony.(it’s not a clean business) Ebony should pray and get closer to God more(total submission) His help can only come from God.

  • Cynthia

    Thanks ma for the story, it just getting more interesting..
    If am in Ebonyi shoes, I will do same, run to God for help,because with God all things are possible if u believe and have faith ..

  • Oshana Oyaku Endurance

    I like the twist of the story, for now Ebony is kind of confuse and feeling guilt, I don’t know if its cause of his need for money, or his willingness to change, but I know my God o is merciful.

  • Ugwuja Deborah

    If I were Ebony , I would try to get to know God instead of singing Gospel songs without any connection to his creator. It is also unwise for him to depend on PONZI scheme.I can’t wait to read the next one.

  • mary R

    No matter the name whether yahoo yahoo or ponzi scheme both are scam.I pray that feeling he had was from God. May be God is intervening in his life.

  • Janefrances Nwaduche

    Ebony wants to gain God’s favor, yet it seems he doesn’t want to commitments whatsoever. I hope he makes the right choice, at the long run.

  • Heriet

    I think Ehonyi is ready to turn a new live. He took a bold step, not everyone in his condition can do so and the Awesome God decides to show Himself

  • Omaga Chiagozie

    Ebony is the reflection of youth of nowadays,they want easy way out no skin pain. You want to be rich and you don’t want the challenges that come with it that is why he ran away from the taxi business idea that he has. Is it only when we are in trouble that we remember God? This is not right but I pray that he will fulfil his promise to God this time around and leave married woman alone.

  • Onyia ujunwa sandra

    Ebony shouldn’t have taken ponzi scheme as a means of living..He should go to God for help because he is the only one that can have mercy and solve his problem.

  • Andeshi Monica

    no, i have never been engaged in ponzi business,yet one thing i know is that ponzi is not a reliable source of making a living (a decent living for that matter) Ebony should go find himself a job.

  • Achugwo Larissa

    So Ebony is thinking of having a change of heart. Thank God oo. As for ponzi business, i don’t subscribe to that. Some people go into it and say they’ll do it just once, forgetting that others have to loose money for you to gain. Nigerians have welcomed this scheme with open hands and it is to our detriment

  • Chioma Christy Agbaraka

    MMM, ESUSU I can’t forget thee in a hurry.. I did other kinds of Ponzi scheme too. Some I gained, some I lost. It was painful to lose the money but in all I learnt how to be contented and not to be greedy. There is no easy or short cut to success. I like the fact Ebony is looking for ways to help himself but I think it’s something he should have considered earlier. People should try to get different streams of income incase one falls apart. He should have engaged in other things at the initial stage so it won’t be too hard on him. Nevertheless, I hope the music career sees the light at the end.

  • Eze Blessing Ada

    Mmmmm now he knows he has to earn money, even the bible dosent support things like ponzi scheme. I just hope his musical carrer goes well and he should change for himself not because he wants to impress Anastasia.
    I also hope Razor gives ebony a good advice.
    Ma, Why do most humans run to God when they have problems but forget him when things are good for them?

  • Oleighibe Oluebube Tessy

    I did laugh my heart out when I read across the part that tells how Ebony promised to be a Pastor if delivered from the vice-principal’s threat, but truth be told most of us are like that. Another thing that caught my attention is the Ponzi business, this ponzi business thing has destroyed a lot of persons therefore I’d advice we stop it and think of better ways of making money.

  • Vincentia Charles chisom

    I can’t really empathize with Ebony.. i mean, he’s all over the place. What exactly does he want!? From the point I’m standing, he needs to take a break and really think about his life.

  • Iyorakpo Dorathy

    Ebony remembering God for help In his desperate time is actually a good start for him I must say. Let’s see the advice razor has for him now

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.