I know Gen Z may not understand that there was a time when it was a luxury to watch television, let alone own one.
Back then, we only watched TV or films occasionally, usually during Easter or Christmas celebrations. For those of us who grew up in the village, it was always something joyful to look forward to. Both elders and children enjoyed these moments, but I will speak for the children, because that was the group I belonged to at the time.
Growing up in the village, we were raised on moonlight stories, riddles, and jokes, what we fondly called gwam gwam gwam. Whatever movie we watched during Christmas would sustain us until Easter or the next celebration when someone decided to turn on their generator.
Although many people made efforts to power their generators so we could enjoy these festive periods, one man stood out among them. In fact, he took it upon himself to ensure that we never went through any celebration without watching TV, even when his own family would not be home with him.
He was fondly called Papa Enugu, a name given to him because he lived in Enugu city and, of course, because of his age. Back then, every elderly man was “Papa”; we never called elders by their first names.
He had a large sitting room filled with plastic chairs. We would rush to finish our chores early just to secure a good spot. Whether he was busy or not didn’t matter to us. Once we heard the sound of his generator, everyone would head straight to Papa Enugu’s house, chatting, laughing, and demanding a continuation of whatever movie we had watched the night before.
I remember one day when we were watching an Osuofia movie (I can’t recall the title now). It was in English, but many of us village children didn’t fully understand the language. We simply watched their actions, laughed when others laughed, and asked questions later to understand why. Despite that, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Even though we watched the same movie, our interpretations often differed because many of us didn’t understand English.
Even after he passed away following a serious illness, his wife and children continued this tradition. Over time, others in the community followed his example, ensuring that we, the village children, could share in the experiences they enjoyed in the city.
Papa Enugu never complained about the cost of fuel, the noise, or even the arguments that sometimes broke out during movie time.
Today, we are all grown, but the memories we created during those years remain some of the best. Though he is no longer alive, he continues to live on in the hearts of many men and women.
What this shows is that we had many unspoken saints, men and women who gave selflessly to their communities, showing genuine love and care for children who were not even theirs biologically. He was not a perfect man, but he was deeply humane, far more defined by his kindness than by any faults.
The good news is that his children have carried on his legacy, ensuring that this spirit of inclusivity continues.
The question we should all ask ourselves is: What am I doing to make my community better? How am I using my gifts and talents to benefit others without expecting anything in return?
To those who play fatherly roles to children who are not theirs, simply because they understand that a child’s future depends on a good upbringing, I say thank you.
I also see women who take in children and care for them as their own, refusing to give up on them and ensuring they receive a proper education, not because they expect anything in return, but because they understand that to live in the hearts of others is to live forever.
Some doctors go the extra mile for their patients, teachers for their students, and parents for their children. Yes, there are people who can be mean or hurtful, but often such people lack self-love and need love themselves.
People like Papa Enugu, along with dedicated healthcare workers, teachers, parents, and all who strive to uplift others even while facing their own struggles, are the ones I call indispensable saints. They may not be widely known, but they will forever live in our hearts.
May the soul of Papa Enugu, and all the good people who never gave up on those around them, rest in peace. Amen.
Life is understood backward but must be lived forward. Be kind to others and to yourself because we are not here forever.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
Pen it down. 