Oh, how the Igbo slogan "NWA bu nke nmadunile," meaning "a child belongs to all," disappeared after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. In the Igbo community, they used to seek out the most intelligent and well-behaved boy, and his educational fees would be covered by the community. However, a few women, recognizing that education should be for both girls and boys, silently lamented, as the prevailing mentality at the time confined women to the kitchen.
Regarding the community scholarship, the beneficiary was Barrister Goodluck Ukata. After completing his secondary education, he was sponsored to the United Kingdom to study law. Upon returning to 'back of beyond', the remote village of Ahaba Oloko in Abia State, Nigeria, he shocked some community members by marrying an American lady named Samantha, instead of one of the daughters they had groomed for him.
Goodluck's parents initially disapproved, especially his mother, who feared Samantha was inhuman and wouldn't fit into Igbo culture. Despite Goodluck's reassurances, his parents were concerned about cultural differences and the timing of his marriage.
During a conversation, Goodluck assured his parents that Samantha was a good and God-fearing wife. However, his mother expressed skepticism, believing a white woman couldn't be as humble as an African woman. Goodluck remained steadfast, promising not to disappoint his parents or the community.
When Samantha arrived and greeted her in-laws, the atmosphere softened, and the focus shifted. Days later, their home became a tourist center as people flocked to see the first white woman in Ahaba Oloko. The children eagerly fetched water for Goodluck and Samantha, seeking compliments from the American woman, who, in turn, appreciated them with her white intonation. The community embraced the couple, smiling and looking to God for guidance.
After a week, the community leaders summoned Mr. Goodluck to inquire about his decision to return with a white woman, considering his commitment to working and serving the community and country for many years, intending to contribute to development and offer scholarships.
Goodluck responded, "My elders, I thank you all for honoring me. I assure you that my wife is not a cause for concern; she is a blessing. Soon, you will all be glad I married her."
Upon returning home after the meeting with the elders, Goodluck found Samantha assisting her mother in the kitchen. Despite initial communication challenges, Goodluck's presence eased the situation. Samantha humbled herself and adapted to village life.
A month later, Samantha began greeting and speaking simple words in the local dialect, earning favor with her parents-in-law and 80% of the community for her humility.
The Igwe Ezeukwu, the king of Oloko, impressed by Samantha's humility, invited the couple to his palace, acknowledging their true love and proposing a chieftaincy title in a week as a token of appreciation.
Three months later, Mr. Goodluck secured a job with the judiciary in the state capital, and Samantha, a nurse, found employment at a federal hospital. They relocated to the city, contributing to the education of many in the community. Samantha, like Ruth in the Bible, embraced her husband's family and the community, earning admiration and prayers for more daughters-in-law like her.
After three years, Samantha conceived, and the community rejoiced upon hearing the news broadcasted by the town crier. "Samantha the woman with the heart of gold had given birth to triplets—two girls and a boy. The community gathered at the community hall for a joyful celebration."
During Samantha's pregnancy, Goodluck suggested she go to America for delivery, but she insisted on staying in her new home in Africa, expressing her love for the community. She promised to visit the United States with the children after their birth.
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