In Spite of the Divide

James Okoro was born to a trader, Mr Oke Okoro. Oke Okoro was born in Isoko in Delta State of Konganoga. By this accident of birth, all the progeny of the Okoro family were assigned to be natives of Isoko. The Okoro family lived in Zungera in a different region of the country, Konganoga. In the course of his education, James started from Zungera and studied in Premier University in yet another part of the country. For the prescribed National Service, he was posted to teach in a co-educational government secondary school, Kejigi. There, he met Fatima, a full-time member of staff. James was assigned some of the classes she taught prior to his arrival. Soon, one thing led to more things. Slowly at first and steadily later, the need for further education would set both on a course. In spite of circumstances to the contrary, religion and culture, James and Fatima developed affection for each other. James was admitted to do a Masters program in Detroit, USA. Before he left for the USA, they introduced themselves to their parents who were oblivious of their mutual affectionate relationship. Eventually, Fatima joined James in Detroit. The two families were persuaded to consent to the desired marital union of James and Fatima. They got married and raised their family in the USA. In spite of the disparate socio-economic realities between Konganoga and the USA, James and Fatima returned home to settle down.