The Price of Greed

Omowunmi was a socialite, from a middle class family who loved exploring new places for fun.

One December period, she travelled to Edo State, in Nigeria, south-south zone to witness the Igue Festival, a New year thanksgiving led by the Oba.

After the Oba completed the ritual rites, the celebration began. Dignitaries and community members filled the streets in traditional attires, beads and corals.

Omowunmi felt alive in the moments and joined the dancers.

In the middle of the performance, a dancer stepped forward and greet her warmly, “Óye oo, è fiẹmwin, meaning Hello, how are you ?”. She replied “mi ye o”. I'm fine.

The next day, while walking to get supplies, she bumped into Efosa, the same dancer. They chatted, but Efosa’s Edo was too fast for Omowunmi. The only phrases she understood were, “Óye oo, mi ye o” Efosa, chucked and realised Omowunmi was a tourist.

Jokingly, Omowunmi said. “What now? At least I know an Edo greeting”. They both laughed!

Omowunmi asked Efosa to show her around when she was free. And Efosa agreed.

On their short tour, they discovered they have the same profession "Product designing”.That was the start of their friendship.

Four years later, they had built a brand together. They won clients, earned respect in their field, and got their furnished apartment.

These were not gotten on a platter of gold. It wasn't easy. Their success came from selfless teamwork that earned them global recognition. Efosa was the idea generator, always putting projects forward. Omowunmi was the contract magnet, skilled at securing high profile deals.

Their earnings reached millions, which they split fairly. But their habits differed. Efosa invested in property. Omowunmi loved flashy things and spent most of her shares on material things. Efosa warned her to save and invest, but Omowunmi kept making empty promises.

Trouble came in when a big client appeared. Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, a notable politician offered Omowunmi a ten million contract after meeting her. He was impressed by her drive, he paid five million upfront.

She hide the deal from Efosa. “This money is huge,” she said. “I can't wait to have it to myself”.

Omowunmi completed the work, overpromised on quality and received the final payment without her partner’s knowledge.

At the same time, Efosa faced a crisis. The government threatened to seize her property in few weeks over ownership issues. She needed two million to resolve it, and asked Omowunmi for a loan. Omowunmi refused, even though she heard more in her account.

A week later, news spread that their company “Bright Arc Technologies” was in trouble. Alhaji Tanko claimed their work was substandard and demanded a refund. Their brands reputation began to collapse.

When Efosa learned the truth, she was devastated. She ended both the friendship and partnership, saying, “A partner who abandons you in crisis isn’t worth keeping”

Omowunmi lost her friend, their projects, and the trust they had built. Her greediness cost her everything!

©️ Asmau's pen 🖊