Joy Oluchi : The World Through My Eyes

Chapter One: The First Journey

Many, many years ago, so long that no one alive today can say the exact time, a small group of fishermen paddled slowly through the deep creeks of the Niger Delta. Their canoe was old and strong, carved from a single iroko tree. The men inside had been on the water for many days. Some say it may have even been weeks. They drifted through the wide water paths, guided by hope and courage.

These fishermen were not wandering without direction. They were searching for a new place to call home. Their old settlement had become unsafe. Floods were washing away their houses. Other groups were troubling them. Fish had become scarce. So they pushed forward, letting the stars at night guide their path and letting their hearts keep them strong. They believed that somewhere ahead, the water would be kind to them again.

Some nights, they slept inside the canoe. The water rocked them gently like a mother holding a newborn child. On some mornings, they woke to the sweet calls of birds. Their songs echoed across the creeks like the sound of drums calling everyone to gather. Even though their bodies were tired, their spirits refused to give up.

Then, one special morning changed everything.

The Discovery

The sun rose slowly that day. Its golden light spread across the water as if someone had poured palm oil on the surface. The fishermen paddled toward a narrow opening between two tall mangrove trees. The place looked ordinary at first, until they passed through.

Suddenly, they entered a wide and calm space. The creek opened into a large, round area. It looked as if the earth itself had shaped a bowl just to hold the water.

Right away, they knew the place was different.

Fish were everywhere. Fat fish jumped out of the water. Silver fish moved in groups. These were the kind that could feed families for many days. Crabs walked slowly along the muddy banks as if they were not afraid of anything. Birds sat on low branches, watching the men as if they were welcoming new visitors.

The oldest fisherman looked around carefully. He felt something in his heart. He whispered softly, “This place is special.”

The water was deep enough for canoes but calm like a sleeping child. Palm trees threw long shadows on the soil. The ground was dark and rich. It was perfect for farming. It was a place a person could live, fish, plant and raise children in peace.

The men looked at one another. Without speaking, they all understood the same thing.

They had found home.

To be continued…

Written by Joy Oluchi