The Last Party Was For Elisha

The last party I attended was a naming ceremony for one of my church members back in Saki town, Oyo State. It was the naming of their second child - a boy. The party was scheduled on the 11th of March, 2025, at 6 am, which didn't last up to an hour. It was a short and simple ceremony and everything was done accordingly.

Back in Saki, where I served, I got to know this family and their lovely little daughter in November 2023 when I travelled to know the state and city where I was posted. I had no one there, thanks to my aunt, who had a neighbour whose friend lived in the town. He connected us together, and with their kind hospitality, they allowed me into their humble home until I was done with the necessary documentation I needed to do.

I lived in their home for three weeks. That was when I finally moved to Saki in January 2024, and since then, we have been family. I was introduced to their church, which was a Baptist church, and since it looked similar to that of my family's church back in my hometown called 'ECWA' - Evangelical Church Winning All, I decided to worship there.

We became so close that I was always eager to see them every Sunday when they came. I had already gotten my apartment, but the relationship had grown stronger. Their daughter is a beautiful girl, very smart and jovial. Let me stop there for now.

Back to the arrival of their second child, I was in Ibadan at that time searching for an apartment when the mother called me to inform me of her giving birth. I was surprised because I never noticed she was pregnant until a few weeks into the labour. She has a small body and the pregnancy wasn't too obvious.

When I was told their naming ceremony would be early in the morning, that got me surprised because I didn't think I had gone to such a ceremony so early like that.

But I guess they had to fix it at that time for two reasons; one was because of those going to work early and so, they needed to make things fast to release them, and two, there has been a program held every Tuesday in the church at 4pm and so, they do not want that to disturb it. Those were my thoughts about it.

When we got to their home, the service started as we sang praises and worship (without instrument), the opening prayer was made, and then someone read a passage from the Bible. Afterwards, the Reverend took over by naming the child. One of his names is Elisha. A little paper that had all his names was printed and distributed to everyone, which I'm still holding till now. Here is it:

After declaring his names, we all prayed together in unity for the baby and the family. When it got to the turn of the father to say something, he appreciated everyone present, most especially the sacrifice we all made just to arrive on time, even at 6am and also thanked the Reverend and other pastors on seats. Then he moved on to appreciate his wife for being a great supporter plus other attributes of hers. Everyone echoed "hmm" because it was such a romantic atmosphere at that moment.

The part where the father's elder brother also confirmed what he said about his brother's wife got into me. I don't know, but I held onto something profound, which is being a good wife not to your husband but to his family. I whispered silently to myself, "A day like this is coming for you. Be prepared." As I said that, I let out a soft smile that radiated on my face.

There was no music or instruments, but it was done in an organized manner, and everything ended. We were given food and drinks in takeaways, and we all went to our homes. Those who came with gifts presented them including the ones done together from church. I already brought my gift of a big pack of diapers when I visited a few days before the ceremony.

I don't know, perhaps that is the tradition of the Baptist church or that the family didn't want a big party but one with a few people in attendance and the pastors coming to grace the occasion. What matters is giving names to the newborn child and presenting him to God.

Though it wasn't something I'd expected at first because I had really wanted the 'bang bang' from an hired DJ and songs flying up and down while I showcased my dancing skills, it turned out to be a unique naming ceremony party. I followed the church bus back home and went to enjoy my party rice and slept another round 😴.

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_{First image was generated by Chatgpt and the second image is mine}