Then, he waited for them to take their seats before he continued, "The full introduction will come during the event.”
Thereupon, he continued with the reception of the guests, “I wish to welcome all our guests from our host communities. I hope you had a safe flight to the stadium.”
Nevertheless, they cheered up in response to his greetings. Then, he continued, "All the students, and teachers from our host communities, we welcome you.”
“Thank you,” they responded. Then, he continued, "There are special people in our midst today. They are the people who ensured that there were peace and orderliness in our host communities. Let us welcome the traditional rulers of our host communities. You're all welcome. I hope you had a safe flight.”
“Thank you. Our flight was safe,” they responded cheerfully.
“Permit me to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, would be here with his entourage shortly. Once again, you're all welcomed.”
While he was saying that, he sighted the Canadian Ambassador as he walked in with his wife and other members of his staff. He recognized that they were Very Important Persons at the occasion and also welcomed them.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, let's welcome the Canadian Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Liam Grayson and his wife Mrs. Amelia Grayson. We are glad to have you, Sir.”
At that juncture, the members of the press were seen trouping into the field with the speed of lightening after they were accredited by the security team led by Ahmed. His reason for taking the task was simple, to displace one person, the lady presenter. Fortunately for her, she was replaced by the Head of Programs and the Head of News. The Television Station would not afford to joke with such a high-profile client like the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group. To them, since the company chose the Head of Programs by themselves, the management willingly sent him to the event with the mandate to serve as a host at no cost.
“Sir, what if there is a host already, what do I do?” The Head of Program asked the General Manager of the Television Station after he instructed him.
“You can beg to be the assistant. If there is an assistant, volunteer to be the mic stand. Just ensure that you are at the stage.”
“All right, Sir,” he agreed, and left the General Manager's Office. Then, he murmured to himself, 'How can I be a mic stand?'
Now, the accreditation team had accredited him, and he was already in the stadium. The team sent back other press men and women from questionable Media Houses. However, Edwin continued with the introduction as the members of the press ran to set up their cameras and mic.
“Let's welcome the gentlemen of the press. Thank you for being part of today's event. I got information that our president and his entourage would be here in a few minutes. We will start the event as soon as they arrive. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, the President and his entourage arrived at exactly 8:50 am. That was very much unlike the Government officials' attitude towards events, where the program would not begin as scheduled because of them. The president and his entourage could suspend a program for about two hours with road blocks all around the city. That day was an exception, the president was there in dual capacities. First, as a Special Guest of Honor, and secondly, as a participant because he was a member of the IBB Club. Apart from that, he attempted to cover the shame caused by the shortcomings of the unpatriotic youths. He must present a nice impression of the country to the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group. As soon as he got into the stadium, the host announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, with a standing ovation, let's welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Dr. Festus Ancient and his entourage.”
Then, everyone stood up, and watched the president and his entourage take their seats. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the General Manager of the Federal Television Authority were in the entourage too. He must redeem the image of his television station. All the ministers of the various ministries were present too. Though most of them were members of the IBB International Golf and Country Club and for that, the entourage was a very long one. It took them up to eight minutes to settle down. As soon as they filed into their seats, the host announced.
“Let us kindly stand for the National Anthem.”
Everyone stood at attention, and the Police Band from the Force Headquarters led the National Anthem with their musical instruments.
(Arise, oh! Compatriots, Nigeria's call obey…)
“Shall we all be seated?” The host announced at the end of the National Anthem. After they took their seats, he continued. “Thank you so much, the Police Band. Our first item on our agenda is the presentation of a welcome song by the students and pupils of the Demonstration School of our dear organization. Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the choir group.”
The choreography by the demonstration school choir as the welcome song was outstanding. Their dressing was colorful. Though they were all dressed in the sports attires for the event, the hairstyle of the girls was beautiful. They all wore nude make-up, gold and red color hand gloves which complimented the colors of the sports attires.
The boys had the same kind of haircut – low taper fade, that made them to look chubby. Even though they were all masked, one would still recognize his or her child or ward. Jewel, who was in her final year in the school, was among the dancers. Their presentation inspired the audience. Now, the General Manager was looking at one thing – the fitness of the sports attires on them. Their sizes were really taken into cognizance by the contractor. None of them was putting on undersize or over size, and he was pleased with Edwin the more.
'Edwin did an impressive job here. He must have asked the contractor to go to their school to get their exact measurements. He deserves a promotion, but that will be after his marriage. Another Greek Gift,’ he thought, and smiled.
While the choreography was going on, Madam Abigail, Adeola King, Drake Rowland, the Vice Chairman's secretary and clerk, Joy Peters, John Jack, the Chairman's Secretary and Clerk took the sports attires of the President and his entourage to them. About four hundred and sixty-seven of them. Meanwhile, the security on that axis was tight, but the team was able to penetrate. The Personal Assistant of the President collected the kits for the President and his wife, and the Vice President and his wife. Now, Madam Abigail and the other team members were able to quietly hand over their kits to them without disturbing the event.
When 'Madam Hotel Room' saw them, she felt that it was the opportunity to connect with the high, and mighty of the society, walked up to them and volunteered to help.
“Madam Abigail. Good morning. I can assist you,” she volunteered with a smile. Now, the Chairman's secretary, Mrs. Joy Peters, who had an intimidating height and stout body, gave her a hateful look and whispered to her.
“We don't want the President or his Vice to invite you to a hotel room. So get lost.”
Even though she whispered, the President's Personal Assistant, who was not far away from them, heard her clearly. He understood immediately that she was not to be there. Then, he gave her the look that moved her legs ten times faster than the normal speed, and she fled.
An injury may heal, but the scar would still be there. Even though 'madam hotel room' had repented, the effect of her sin was still there.
On the other hand, on the stage, the Head of Program from the Federal Television Authority, who was standing with the Head of News and his camera beneath the stage, took advantage of the choreography presentation. He walked up to Edwin who was leaning on the lectern while watching the presentation and whispered to him.
“I can see you don't have an idea of the full names of the Ministers, Governors, and the other dignitaries in the President's entourage.”
Edwin's face failed immediately. Truly, he was not conversant with their full names and portfolios quite all right, and he wished he could address each of them by their names and portfolios at least to give them a sense of importance. Then he admitted.
“You're right.”
“You need to address them properly, mention their ministries, portfolios, their achievements both past and present.”
“I don't think I will ever be conversant about all these within a short notice.” Edwin gave an honest response.