Edited by Toluwalase Solanke
Tobi visited her friend Tola during the long holiday and spent a week with her. One day, while they were checking a bookshelf for a book to read, Tobi spotted a storybook with a very nice cover, titled ‘Guess how much I love you.’
So she asked her friend, “Please, can I borrow it? I promise to return it when we resume school,” she said.
When they resumed school the following month, Tobi took the book along to school. During one of her classes, her teacher said, “Everyone bring a book to donate to the class library.”
Tobi thought, “Should I donate Tola’s book? It’s really nice and interesting, and everyone would love to read it.” But she remembered that a promise must be kept.
Later, she gave her own favourite book instead. Her friend smiled. “Thank you for keeping your word.”
Just like Moremi Ajasoro of Ile-Ife, Tobi kept her promise even when it was hard.
A long time ago, in the great city of Ile-Ife, people were very scared because strange people who looked like masked raiders came from the forest and stole their food. No one knew who they were. Everyone believed they were spirits, and they were impossible to defeat.
But Moremi Ajasoro said, “I will find out the truth about who they are.” Moremi went to the river and prayed, “River goddess, help me save my people. I’ll give you whatever you ask in return.”
Then, she let herself be captured by the marked raiders. She acted like a stranger and stayed with them. But secretly, she watched everything.
Soon, she saw that the raiders were just ordinary people hiding under masks! Moremi escaped and ran back home. She told the warriors of her land their secret.
When the masked men came again, the Ile-Ife warriors were ready. They removed the raiders’ masks and defeated them.
Moremi remembered her promise. The goddess asked for her only son. Moremi cried but kept her promise.
What can we learn from Moremi and Tobi?
Moremi and Tobi kept their promise
Sometimes, doing the right thing always means letting go of what we love. To keep a promise shows we care about others. A promise means we will do what we say.
Moremi was courageous
Moremi was brave enough to face danger for the sake of her people. Being courageous means doing the right thing even when you’re afraid. It’s about doing your best, even if you feel worried or afraid.
Like Moremi, you can try to help others, speak up when things are wrong, and always do what is right even when it is difficult.
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