As a professional, he identified and addressed the dignitaries properly. Nevertheless, as the tradition demanded, the dignitaries paid homage to the Chief Mourner and commiserated with him over his loss. Emma happily shook hands with the dignitaries that he would never have met in his life because of his unmanageable brother, Beck. Nevertheless, Callum and his co-in-laws were behind him to welcome their guests. Afterward, the dignitaries commiserated with the traditional ruler, whose presence was as significant as 'h' in whisper. He was not bothered, provided he would officially add the widow to his harem. He saw it as an opportunity to showcase himself, too. Thereafter, they greeted the widow, Mama, who was dressed in a white outfit, and took their seats. Now, there were about twenty bulls in the field, which were condolence gifts from the dignitaries. Furthermore, Dickson, who was beside him, whispered, “Papa, your big goat has returned in a thousand folds.”
“I'm short of words, my son. Is it easy to be the brother of a man with a state burial?” He teased and Dickson laughed softly. Then the MC continued, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have come to the important segment of this occasion. The empowering of one hundred girls by the Daughters of Sarah International.”
Now, Barbara got up as well as the girls. Then, the IGP whispered to Evans, “Do you know whether the lady who shared her story during the live broadcast is around?”
“I will find out, Sir.”
“It is okay. I would love to see her husband.”
“It is not noted, Sir.”
Likewise, Evans drew his wife, who was about to get up and receive Barbara, and made his inquired.
“Yes. They are around.”
“The IGP wished to see them.”
“I will inform her.”
“It's all right.”
Now, Barbara had gotten to the podium and arranged the girls accordingly. Nne, and her husband, who were on the same canopy with the girls, sat back and looked at them happily.
Nevertheless, the local MC translated the agenda in their local dialect and everyone was attentive. Then, the women and girls who require empowerment were disoriented, especially the likes of Oliver's mother and his sister. And they grumbled among themselves,
“When did they do the selection?”
“They did not inform us.”
“Why didn't they ask Ichoku to announce it with his gong?”
The mothers of the selected twenty girls were on cloud nine. When Obidiya and the widow requested for their girls' names, they never informed them of the details to avoid attracting the community to their house.
“Selfish people,” one of the women, attacked the mothers of the privileged girls who were seated beside her.
“You could not inform us when you got the information.”
“Yes I am selfish, I didn't inform you, arrest me with the police if you have the nerves,” one of the women defended, and gave the last speaker a dirty look.
At that point, the MC continued, "I will hand over the microphone to the founder of the foundation, Mrs. Sarah Owens. Kindly encourage her by putting your hands together for her.”
The grumbling women clapped along with others, and watched her walk out majestically. Then, to provoke Oliver's mother, one of the successful mothers asked, “I thought your daughter should be the first on the list since your son walked there?” Oliver's mother, who was naturally troublesome, understood her jesting and cautioned her, “You can ask that question after now, if you are not a prostitute.”
The woman maintained her cool, and Oliver's mother wished that she would lay hands on him and skin him alive for making that woman insult her. Nevertheless, Sarah collected the Mic, and began, “Thank you, MC.” She appreciated. Then, the MC joked, “I wish I'm a girl.” Everyone laughed, and Uncle Emma looked at her with satisfaction. Others, who had the same opinion as the MC, supported him with their wishes.
“I wish I'm a girl too.” Now, Sarah responded to the jokes, “MC, your wish is granted. I will wait for you to become a girl.” The audience laughed heartily, and she continued, "That was on a lighter note. Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, …”
After her short but touching speech, the audience was touched. Felix, Sharon's ex-boyfriend, who was the Commissioner of Police, of the Federal Capital Territory, was destabilized at that moment. He got up at once after reading his message and walked out of the audience to make a call. Then, Sarah continued,
“Before I empower the girls, I will need the assistance of Mrs. Susan Angus.”
Tony, who was madly in love, jolted as though he heard his name. He maintained a straight face as she walked to meet Sarah. Then, she continued, “Thank you, Susan. Do you have any encouraging message for the girls and the mothers present?”
Susan smiled softly and collected the microphone, and spoke, “Thank you, Mrs. Owen. Your Excellency, … Permit me to stand on the existing protocol. I am a proud mother of two girls and I have no regrets.” At that point, the audience clapped enthusiastically for her and Tony was elated. Then, she faced the girls in front of her, and said, “You are not inferior in any way. If no one loves you, just tell yourselves that Mrs. Sarah Owens loves you. And I love you, too. Thank you very much,” she concluded and handed the microphone back to Sarah, and she carried on.
“Thank you, Susan. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to welcome my newest friends. One of the callers when I was at the television station.” She paused and watched the audience, who were cheering and eagerly looking out for the caller. To her delight, all the dignitaries were eager to see her.
“With great honor, I welcome Nne and Fidel.” They stood up and got off the canopy, with their two lovely kids. Nne was holding the eldest child of four years by the hand, while Fidel was carrying the youngest, who was less than two years. They were thrilled by the clapping and cheering they got from the audience. When they got to the podium, they waved their hands to the audience in appreciation for their cheering.
“My son, kindly come," the governor looked at Fidel, and requested. Now, Fidel was startled. Nne collected the baby from him, and he walked to the governor.