Chapter 26

"I did.""Then you do belong there. You just have different experiences, not inferior ones. Your experiences make you unique."Mr. Adebayo, who now formally supervised Emeka's education as part of the trust, constantly reinforced that message. "Your perspective is valuable precisely because it's different," he would tell him. "You see problems that others don't, because you have lived realities that they only read about in books."Gradually, Emeka began to find his place. When a peer struggled with algebra, Emeka explained it using real-life examples, not abstract formulas. When social problems were discussed in class, Emeka offered insights that only someone who had experienced poverty could give."It's fascinating to work with him," the program director told Mr. Adebayo during an evaluation. "He has exceptional mathematical intelligence, yes, but also an emotional intelligence that we rarely see in children his age. He's had to grow up fast.""Adversity can destroy or strengthen," Mr. Adebayo responded with contained pride. "In Emeka's case, it strengthened him."Chief Obinna, meanwhile, faced his own transformation. The media crisis had become an unexpected opportunity for real change. After fulfilling his promise to Emeka, he began to examine all his company's practices with new eyes."How much do we pay our cleaning staff?" he asked at an executive meeting, surprising everyone with the question."The legal minimum wage," replied the head of human resources."And do you think that's enough to live with dignity?"An uncomfortable silence filled the room; no one had questioned that before."I want you to review the salaries of all entry-level employees," Chief Obinna ordered. "Cleaning, security, maintenance, cafeteria—everyone. And I want to raise them to a level where a person can support a family without having to work three jobs.""Sir, that will cost millions," protested the finance director."And we're going to do it anyway. Budget for the increase for the next quarter."Malam Abubakar, observing from his usual spot, smiled discreetly: the man he had known twenty years ago was returning, but improved by the lessons learned.

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