Lagos, the busy Nigerian city, was home to two friends by the names Ada and Tayo, who had been best friends since their years in university. Ada was an extrovert, very jovial and funny and she had a beautiful character that made everybody enjoy being around her. Tayo, on the other hand, was more introverted, very intelligent, and courteous. Those disparities only brought them closer together and the kind of friendship they formed could only be described as a tough nut to crack.
After their graduation, Ada and Tayo got themselves into the working world, each chasing after her individual goals. Ada succeeded in getting a job with one of the marketing firms while Tayo became a teacher in a local secondary school.
Although they were both quite occupied with work, they ensured they spent time together, and usually hooked up at the weekends to discuss various life issues. This was a reliable friendship that was mutually entertaining and helpful to both the friends.
But as life has shown time and time again, relationships, no matter how strong they may be, often face challenges. One day, Ada’s life took a twisted turn. She was caught in the middle of a financial scandal where her company was involved and though she was not guilty, the media did not let go.
The rest was history, she was a disgrace and her career was headed down the drain. The pressure of the situation was immense and Ada was all alone, she felt lost and suffocated.
At the center of this storm, stepped Tayo. With no delay she turned into Ada’s pillar. In the evening after work, Tayo would go to Ada with food and comfort, not just food but company and consolation whenever she felt like crying. Tayo understood that more than anything else, Ada needed someone who would encourage her when the worst of her self doubt occurred.
Tayo was not only supporting emotionally. Realizing how much the scandal had harmed Ada mentally, she tried to persuade her to go for a walk in the evening with her and discuss everything she felt, feared or just got annoyed with. Tayo’s determination and the confidence she had in Ada helped her to overcome each new day fearlessly.
However, it was not only there that Tayo’s support ended. Realizing how important the career was to Ada, Tayo got in touch with one of her contacts and set up a meeting with a highly sought after lawyer who has expertise in corporate law.
Thanks to Tayo, Ada was able to stand up and defend herself. The legal process was not easy, but with Tayo at her side Ada was acquitted of all the charges. Her name was returned to her and despite the arduous trip she was stronger and better at the end of the race.
From this, Ada learns that friendship is not only about happiness but being able to help one another during the bad times in life. Tayo who has always been Ada’s support during her difficult time stood by her during those numerous trying moments. Their friendship bond grew even closer and Ada wondered how she would have lived her life if she did not have Tayo as a friend.
Through the story of Ada and Tayo, one is able to learn the importance of friendship and companionship. It sends the message that in the times when everything else fails, you can count on true friends who are not only kind but also do not expect anything in return and most importantly people who will not forget you are worthy. Only someone who has suffered at the hands of raw unadulterated fate can understand what it is like to have a friend who cares.
Friendship however is one of the rarest blessings or better still a treasure that life has got to offer. It is not the amount of friends that one has but the quality of those friends. And in those rare friendships, like that of Ada and Tayo, we find the true meaning of loyalty, love, and support, proof that with the right people by your side, you can overcome anything.
