Hey you! Got dignity?

Benita Damilola is a young graduate, living in Lagos, who had served her fatherland as required and was in need of a job. Her routine became; waking up in the morning, having her quiet time, doing house chores and just idling about either reading, sleeping, browsing or sleeping again, with sleep being the major work experience she could easily guarantee for her CV. Tired of staying at home idle with a boring routine, she decided there had to be a change.

Benie, as she was popularly called decided to speak with an old friend who had asked her to come see him. First, he asked if she would love to work at his hotel in the East. She declined that offer and he promised he'd get something meaningful for her, something she'd love to do and find fulfilment in.

Thankful to God for this little ray of hope, she agreed to go see the entrepreneur. Fortunately, she remembered to pray that God should make everything clear to her; "should I forget about or hold on to this lead, please give me a sign, Lord," she prayed.

The entrepreneur, Chief told her to meet him at one of the First Bank branches in Ikeja and she got there and sat in a chair. They were very comfortable, since there was a crowd of people. He started talking about work in a funny way. "Why do you want to work in a bank when people in the banking sector are looking for a way out? Just go and look for a husband and marry and stop bothering yourself or, are you saying none has come yet?"

Benie looked at him confused and kept asking herself "how did I get here?" She mustered courage and told him "Chief, life is not just based on marriage. There's more to life than getting married and relying on a man all the days of your life, running to him for money for salt and pepper. I want to be able to do something by myself, for myself when the need comes up, as often as I can. Marriage isn't just about money"

He laughed hysterically and told Benie that she spoke as a child. Shortly, the head of all First bank branches in that area arrived and Chief became very uncomfortable and left the bank. While at the ATM stand, the head and her entourage came outside and their car was parked behind him. Chief hurriedly walked away and entered a pathway in the market. Of course, Benie followed with 'loads' of doubt in her heart.

In a flash, Chief turned and looked at Benie, then said, you're more beautiful and mature than you were when I met you four years ago. Benie uncomfortably said thank you and Chief's hands found themselves on Benie's shoulders as in a form of embrace and Benie's instincts told her to resist him, while her mind also reminded her that she needed a job and should keep quiet or ruin the job promises made.

Benie thought within; "no matter how small the dignity I have left, I have to protect it. Benie, there's no allowing any foolish drama to ensue because you have a need" and immediately told Chief she was uncomfortable with his laying hands on her shoulder that way and the Chief asked her " you think say you dey go Church pass me?" and Benie quickly replied "maybe," wearing a smile which spelt triumph. He put down his hand and told her the meeting was over. "You came to me so i could help you with a job, how can you now tell me you're uncomfortable because I patted you on the shoulder?" "No, you didn't pat me on the shoulder Sir," she interrupted. "You have a dirty mind'" he quickly added and told her he's done. "Thank you, Sir" was Benie's reply as she turned and walked away.

Benie walked away with pride and dignity that day. You may think Benie wasn't right in her decision...opinions differ but Benie knew she would never speak to Chief again. She assumed he had changed because he tried to play his cards well. Chief had attempted to get Benita into his bed already by trying to lure her to travel to see him and she had declined. Though imperfect and guilty of some 'immoral' deeds, she had overcome this one and the peace and joy that flooded her mind as she walked away was unexplainable.

"Don't loose your dignity and self-respect trying to make people love and appreciate you." Many of the 'little' things you ignore because of one need or the other have a way of taking away your dignity. Let NOTHING at all deprive you of that which you have left, no matter how little you may think it is. Protect that bit by walking away from that situation with your head held high. 

Think about it, have you got any dignity?