DEAREST HALIMA

Act of Kindness: Leaving Abuja Airport today, I had a heartwarming encounter with a little girl during a brief stop at the tolls. As I paused to pay, she approached me with a tray of groundnuts and said, "Senior man, I like your dressing. Take this groundnut." It touched me deeply that she was offering something so simple yet meaningful. The price of the groundnuts was only 50 Naira.

With a line of cars waiting behind me, I quickly snapped a photo of her, wanting to capture this moment of innocence and generosity. In return, I handed her a thousand Naira note, hoping to show my gratitude for her kind gesture. As I drove away, she stood there, waving with a smile that shone like a morning star. I couldn't help but wish she had a phone to capture her joy and communicate with her in the future. Inspired by her bright spirit, I decided to call her Halima, as it seemed to suit her.

Dear Halima, wherever you are, I hope and pray that favor will find you. May life bring you pleasant surprises and blessings beyond measure. Although our encounter was brief, your fluent English and radiant smile left an indelible mark on my heart. I regret not having the time to ask for your name, but I hope that calling you Halima will always remind you of the day we met.

In this vast world, our paths may never cross again, but the memory of your genuine kindness will forever stay with me. It's moments like these that restore faith in humanity and remind us of the power of a single act of kindness. Perhaps one day, fate will reunite us, and I'll have the opportunity to witness the incredible person you are becoming.

Until then, dear Halima, may your journey through life be filled with love, joy, and countless blessings. May you continue to brighten the lives of those you encounter with your beautiful spirit.

Charles DAVID LAPMOEN

DUKE OF JOS