Part One

“Victoria! Victoria!” Mrs. Okafor called out repeatedly, but there was no answer. She frowned and looked around. “Where is this girl?” she muttered, holding a piece of cloth in her hands. “Victoria!” she called louder this time.

And finally, Victoria responded. “Yes, ma!”

“Where have you been? Come over here, please,” said Mrs. Okafor.

Victoria came running into the backyard where her aunt was spreading washed clothes. “I’m here, ma.”

Mrs. Okafor turned to look at Victoria. “Your dad will be here tomorrow to take you back home. So, make sure you pack your things tonight, especially the ones I bought for you. You’ll be going back to school soon, you’ll definitely need them.”

“Okay, ma. I’ll pack everything,” Victoria replied with a smile.

Mrs. Okafor was the younger sister of Victoria’s father, Mr. Bankole. The two siblings had grown up in the village, but Mrs. Okafor moved to the city after marrying a man who lived there. She now had two beautiful daughters of her own who were close in age to Victoria. They liked their cousin and always welcomed her warmly whenever she visited during the school holidays. Victoria was a bright, friendly, and helpful girl. Everyone in the house loved her.     Visiting her aunt’s family in the city had become a routine she looked forward to.

During one of these visits, when Victoria was just seven years old, something happened which kick-started a big change in her life forever.

She was watching television one afternoon when a news interview came on. The person being interviewed was Dora Akunyili, a passionate woman speaking about her fight against fake drugs and unsafe food in Nigeria.

Victoria leaned closer, her eyes wide with curiosity. She was captivated by the things Dora was saying. So, she listened to every word as Dora spoke about her plans to protect Nigerians from counterfeit drugs. The way she spoke with confidence, knowledge, and determination got Victoria glued to the screen till the end of the programme.

“I like this woman,” Victoria whispered to herself. “One day, I’ll be like her. I’ll appear on television too, speaking up against the bad things people do in Nigeria.”

From that day, a new fire lit inside her. She began reading every article and magazine she could find about Dora Akunyili. She learned about her background, her career as a pharmacist, and her service to the country. The more she read, the more Victoria admired her.

“I’ll become a pharmacist,” she told herself. “And I’ll do great things for Nigeria, just like Dora Akunyili.”

One evening, when Victoria was ten years old. She and her father, Mr. Bankole sat under the mango tree close to her house, enjoying the cool breeze under the tree.

“Daddy,” she began with confidence, “I want to be like Dora Akunyili.”

Her father turned to her, surprised. “Dora Akunyili? What do you know about her?”

“I know a lot,” Victoria replied. “I’ve seen her on TV and read about her in newspapers and magazines. I admire her so much. She’s fighting to protect Nigerians from fake drugs, and I want to do the same.”

Mr. Bankole stared at his daughter in amazement. He hadn’t expected such clarity and passion from a ten-year-old. He smiled, though his eyes were misty. “That’s wonderful, my daughter. I’m so happy to hear that from you. Dora Akunyili is a great woman and a true patriot. I’m glad you’ve chosen a role model like her.”

He moved closer to her and said, “But to become like her, you must work very hard. You must focus on your studies, pass your exams with excellent grades, and stay determined no matter what challenges come your way.”

“I understand, Daddy,” Victoria replied. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ll stay focused and give my best in all my exams. I want to succeed.”

“I believe in you,” Mr. Bankole said softly. “You will make me proud.”

To Victoria’s surprise, tears began to roll down her father’s cheeks. She had never seen him cry before.

“Daddy?” she asked gently. “Why are you crying?”

Mr. Bankole wiped his eyes quickly and forced a smile. “It’s nothing, Victoria. I just got a little emotional. I am grateful to God for how well you have grown.”

“No, Daddy. Please tell me, I have never seen you like this before. I want to know what’s making you cry?” she pleaded.

He hesitated, then said quietly, “There’s something I need to tell you, but not today. I promise I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

Victoria’s voice trembled. “Wait… is it about my mother?” A single tear slid down her cheek as she talked.

There was a moment of silence.

Mr. Bankole pulled her to himself and embraced her. “Not today, my dear,” he whispered. “But soon. I promise.”

Victoria clung to her father, the questions were still swirling in her heart. “I love you, Daddy,” she said. “I love you too, my daughter,” Mr. Bankole replied, brushing her tears away. “I love you so much, and I will always look after you.”