I watched the video for Maye Hunta's Ekaette recently and the first thought that popped into my head was – Why? Why do Nigerians still employ house-helps even though we generally believe they are thieves, husband-snatchers, witches, slutty etc? I am yet to come across anyone who has a decent thing to say about their house-help, past or present, yet demand far exceeds supply.
The other day my sister who went to Nigeria during the summer was complaining that she couldn't find most of the clothes, shoes and accessories she took to Nigeria for the holidays. I couldn't understand how a trunk-load of clothes could just vanish so I told her to check her wardrobe and silently chided her. If only I had met Doja, our little helper, I would have understood! Unknown to my sis, Doja had been carting away her baffs slowly, steadily and stylishly. She had been keeping it with a 'friend' and hoping to sell it later. She only got caught cos she had upgraded to stealing my dad's things. You know what they say, everyday for the thief...
In fact, Doja is actually quite tame compared to her counterparts. The craziest story I ever heard was about a house-girl that stole on the very first day she was employed. She got caught and was sent away, only for her to come back the next day. This time she came prepared – the babe actually climbed the roof to get her hands on 'madam's gold! (True Story!!!).
Another story is that of...let's call her Chinwe. Chinwe, while being interviewed, told my mom that she was very hardworking – 'I dey wash, cook and clean well well. The only tin be say I dey faint gan'. For some strange reason my mom decided to employ this fainting girl (demand exceeds supply and whatnot). This girl must have been about 19 yet she told my mom that she had never seen her period. My mom took pity on her and assumed she had gynaecological problems so when she started fainting all the time my mom took her to different hospitals, trying to find a cure for this fainting malady. After they had spent money and time on finding a cure, the true nature of Chinwe's illness came to light – she was 5months pregnant. She brought the pregnancy into our house and had been trying, unsuccessfully, to abort it!!! Till today, my mom still believes the girl jazzed her (I think not!)
Personally, I try to give everyone the benefit of doubt and I'll confess that one of the things I look forward to, when I imagine married life, is the army of little helpers I hope to surround myself with. I believe they are pre-requisite for anyone hoping to remain sexy yet sane in that strange land they call marriage! But then, I start to wonder – what if she steals the husband I'm trying to remain svelte for or worse steals my clothes/jewellery?! What if she gives my children juju/jazz?!
Despite all those apparent deterrents, I know I will still tow that line...I will still employ house-helps. Why? The same reason you will – they make life easier ;-)
I leave you with the fabulous Ekaette. Have a lovely week. Big Kiss X
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