The main auditorium of Otamkpa State University was darkened for the after-dinner speeches. The audience was mostly students dressed in urban, tight-fitting jeans, mini gowns, and dinner suits. Beneath the ornate chandeliers, the voice of Rowan Acha boomed from the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is not an exaggerated fact that we have witnessed one of the most fiercely contested competitions, and I know you are eager to know the winner.”
Sitting in the middle of the podium, Jeff stole a look at Maya. Their eyes met and she smiled. He smiled back. He could see she was nervous by the way she quickly took her eyes away.
“… For nearly a decade, the All Christian Campus Fellowship (A.C.C.F) has dedicated its considerable resources and energy in discovering and nurturing young gospel artists and furthering the gospel through music. Ladies and gentlemen, the All Christian Campus Fellowship is proud to announce the winner of this year’s competition.”
Everybody held his or her breath.
“… and the winner is Miss Maya Nwankpa…!”
A thunderous applause erupted and engulfed the auditorium. Immediately, the spotlight picked her up as she made for the podium. Though she may look petite and frail, she is a spiritually powerful woman. Jeff, watching her, felt her shaking from nervousness and nearly tripped on the steps. Somehow, she made it to the stage and shook hands with Rowan Acha who handed her the microphone.
For several minutes, she could not speak. She just stood there, staring at the crowd.
He wished she would look his way.
Laz, sitting beside Jeff, gave him a nudge. “Is she okay?”
“I think so. Momentary panic attack, I guess.”
Maya, overwhelmed by the crowd, felt a curious trembling at the pits of her stomach and began to sweat and shake like a leaf under the wind.
He shifted uneasily, his heart pounding.
Finally, she began to speak. “I’d like to thank the organizers of this program and my fans for their support. I dedicate this win to you all. Without you, there would be no me. I love you.”
There was a standing ovation.
“Thank you, Miss Nwankpa,” the MC’s voice boomed gain. “Now, Miss Nwankpa, the audience would like to know why you were chosen as the winner. Do you mind doing a track for us?”
She blushed and closed her eyes shortly. For several minutes, said nothing. Jeff suspected another panic attack.
“Go, girl,” someone shouted from the crowd. It was Kate, her childhood friend. Immediately, she snapped out of her delirium and began to sing, her voice sonorous and velvety.
A loud ovation erupted.
“With a voice like that,” Bob James, the CEO of Infinity Music, confided in his personal assistant. “I have no misgiving she could be the future of gospel music, what do you think?”
“Exactly my opinions, sir. I think we should have her on our label. Withgood training and grooming, she will go places.” Mr. Adekunle. As a member of the jury, he has seen Maya sing on a number of occasions.
“Yes. Her voice isn’t the only thing she’s got going, she’s got character and strength and that’s what makes the whole thing beautiful.”
“More,” the crowd yelled when the song ended.
“I know you wish she could go on and on forever,” the MC’s said as she exited the stage. “But time is not our friend.”
“Congratulations,” Jeff said and gave her a hug.
“Congrats, babe,” Laz patted her. “That was a beautiful song.”
“Thank you.”
“Girl, you made it,” it was from Cynthia. Her eyes were alive with excitement.”
She smiled. “The credit goes to you.”
She looked up and saw someone pushing through the crowd. It was Kate. They have not seen each other in two years. “Kate!” She cried. “What are you doing here?”
Kate gave her a bear hug. “Congratulations, baby.”
“Look who’s here!” Jeff cried. “Kate, how are you?”
“Hi Jeff,” she smiled. “I see you are taking good care of my friend.”
“You can say that again.”
“Don’t mind him,” she rolled her eyes at Jeff, and taking Kate’s hand, she introduced her to her friends. “Guys, meet my childhood bestie, Kate. Kate, meet Laz and Cynthia.”
“Nice meeting you,” Cynthia said, thrusting her hand out for a shake.
She grabbed her hand. “My pleasure.”
Hi, Kate,” Laz said. “Did anyone tell you that you have beautiful eyes?”
She smiled. “Yeah. Guess, my mommy used to tell me that.”
They all laughed.
“Let’s get out of here,” Cynthia said. “We need to celebrate this win.”
Jeff nodded. “You can say that again.”
“Excuse me, Miss,” someone interrupted them. Turning, she saw Mr. Adekunle.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Evening, Maya. The director would like to see you.”
“Oh, really?” She turned to her friends. “Just a second,” she excused herself. Without being invited, Cynthia followed her.
Bob James was leaning against his car, surrounded by a mammoth crowd, all seeking his attention at the same time. However, the moment he saw her, his face lit up. 
“Good evening, sir.”
“Evening, Maya. That was a lovely rendition and a well-deserved win. Congratulations, once again.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I sent for you because you have a great talent that needs to be harnessed.”
She blushed. “Thank you, sir.”
“You see, our ultimate goal is to discover and nurture young talents. From what I witnessed today, I think you have what we are looking for.”
Her heart did a quick summersault. “I don’t understand.”
“Yes, we’d like to work with you and we are ready to offer you a recording deal.”
She frowned. “A recording deal? What does that mean?”
He laughed lightly. “Don’t worry. You will get to know more with time.”
“Sorry, but I don’t think I need it, sir.”
“You do. Imagine what it would be like for those who cannot reach you or watch you sing live, those living in faraway lands and cities to partake in the blessings of your music? Besides, there’s the monetary aspect to consider.”
“I know, sir, but I am not interested.”
Cynthia pinched her. “Come on, girl.”
She glared at her.
“Listen, you have to be interested, especially in the money,” Bob said authoritatively, exuding the usual confidence that normally goes with all special people. “Money makes the world go round. Here, you are looking at nearly two hundred thousand naira sign-on fee, an official car, a house and unprecedented publicity. On the other hand, you will be preaching the gospel to millions of people around the world through your songs. I’ve seenyou sing, and I must confess you are wasting a great talent because you have a voice that can heal the sick, mend broken hearts and relationships, and inspire the downtrodden.”
“I know all that, but I am not interested in any recording deal right now. I want to finish my university education first.”
“Don’t be silly,” he snapped. “Do you know what you are talking about? Do you know many people would do anything to have this opportunity?”
“Then, go give it to them because I am not interested. My voice is not for sale. I sing for God’s glory alone.”
Cynthia pinched her again. She pushed Cynthia with her elbow.
“Well,” he shrugged. “Here’s my card. Give me a call as soon as you make up your mind?”
She took the card. “Thank you, sir.”
“Why did you turn down the offer?” Cynthia snarled as soon as they were out of earshot. She was furious.
“It’s none of your business.”
“What is it? What does he want?” Jeff asked and looked at her intently. The look on her face startled him.
She handed him the card.
 His face darkened. “What’s this?”
“Says he want to sign me up.”
“What does that mean?”
“Exactly what he said.”