My Naija people!! How una dey!
One thing I cherish in life is happy memories. Time brings us either of the two, but the best we can give ourselves is to embrace the happy moments, cherish them, and enjoy them to the fullest. And when otherwise we can keep strong by reminiscing about those happy times.
Since my journey as a Livestock farmer, I have been so privileged to have my parents support my dreams and also always be there to encourage me. I am grateful for this because what else can children wish for than seeing their parents happy? I always pray to accomplish greater things to make them happier.
Last month, I had some loss due to the source of the fish I got. A lot of these farmers are not to be fully trusted at times. Since it's a market where you can't even detect or know what you are getting. I see it as a black market where you just have to buy out of luck.
For example, a farmer might tell you his fish are two years of age, meanwhile, they are not even up to eight months yet. Since you can't even check the age of the fish on a birth certificate, you just have to believe and trust.
To them, they see it as a marketing strategy. But in the real sense, it's gradually decreasing their reputation. The same thing happened to me. I was a victim.
Dad was a little concerned about it, so he suggested I get along with them at an event they would be hosting in our hometown the following weekend. He said there is a water body where I can get some local fish from the fishermen and it would even be at a lower cost. I was thrilled to explore the place.
Days passed by and the weekend came upon us. We drove down to our hometown and it was even nice revisiting those places. There have been a lot of changes, new houses and a lot of renovations.
We got to the waterside and Dad showed me some of the canoes he used to ride on when he was younger. I was surprised to see they were still intact and functioning. That’s so ancient.
There was also a big fishing net that was centered at the entrance. It was said that the nets were only used annually when the fishermen would jointly harvest fish from the water and then have a fish festival celebration across the town. I felt like experiencing one of those days.
What I was so happy about was my first experience with the canoes. I never stepped on one in my life. I only see them in books, movies, or from a distance while traveling. I wondered how that set of woods would carry a lot of weight and keep it balanced.
One young guy who happened to come from the same hometown as us was there for paddling, I couldn't believe he would even have to control the canoe. A lot of strange questions started coming to my mind. What if the canoe turns upside down, what if it begins to leak, and this is me who can't even swim?
At some point, the nervous me almost fell into the water. With my phone too. I was trying to take pictures and videos of the moment without knowing some part of the canoe was slippery. One foot on it and I landed by butts in the canoe trying to get a hold of myself not to fall into the water.
Wow! While the canoe was in motion, we felt so light on it. Seeing the huge water waves and the beautiful water lilies on the surface of the water was so amazing. He couldn’t take it far because the saddle with him wasn’t a strong one. I had fun.
On our way back I told Dad I will be going back there some other day. With my siblings too. This time around we would be there for fun and not on a purpose like we did that day. I can't forget that very experience, especially as an agriculturist who appreciates nature.
