British Airways Flight 522A landed at Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport forty minutes ahead of schedule. For many passengers, it was a welcome relief—fatigue had begun to wear down even the most enthusiastic travelers. Despite excellent onboard service, the long journey had taken its toll.
For Steven Kock, however, the early arrival sparked a storm of mixed emotions. Great—we had a smooth flight, he thought, but now, it's time to step foot on the soil of mystic Africa.
The Boeing 747 taxied gracefully along the runway, its metallic body shimmering under the night lights as it glided toward the arrival wing. Steven leaned toward the window, eager to catch his first glimpse of the land he had only imagined.
Before this trip, Steven's perception of Africa had been formed by two contrasting images: one, a land of jungles, ghettos, and absence of modernity; the other, provided by Eagle Triple Eye Security, revealed bustling cities, five-star hotels, and infrastructure rivaling the West. That intelligence report gave him confidence. Booking a room at Sheraton Hotel Abuja confirmed it. He was ready—whether Rebecca was in the city, a distant town, or deep in the jungle, he would find her.
Inside the terminal, the arrival hall was swarming. The influx from two previous international flights had left the hall overcrowded. Emotions ran high—anxious reunions, nervous newcomers, and overworked officials.
Steven scanned the crowd, his eyes darting from one placard to the next until one caught his attention: "Freeman Guest." It was held high by Stanley Orji, who moved restlessly through the crowd, eyes searching.
Orji walked right past him, not recognizing Steven. Just as he was turning away, Steven reached out. Their eyes locked.
"Mr. Kock?" Orji's voice cracked with surprise. He froze, then broke into a wide smile.
Steven smiled back, extending his hand.
They embraced briefly, two strangers suddenly bound by something greater than travel—purpose.
With Orji's help, Steven gathered his luggage, and after clearing immigration and customs, they stepped into the fresh Abuja air.
It was cleansing. Unlike congested airports in America that compete with city life, Abuja's airport sat in quiet seclusion, surrounded by open fields and whispering trees. Steven could hear the birds chirping even as night descended.
Minutes later, they were in Orji's car—an old but reliable Toyota Carina saloon, its age masked by a well-kept frame. As they drove through the night, occasional police checkpoints dotted the road. They passed others stopped for inspection, but Orji's calm demeanor and familiarity ensured a smooth passage.
Steven turned toward him. "Hey, Orji—" He paused, stumbling slightly over the name, then continued, "Thank you for leaving your family to welcome me. That's kind of you."
Orji smiled. "I'm delighted to be of assistance. America is my second home—and her people are my friends."
"How far are we from the city?"
"In about ten minutes, you'll start seeing the brightness of Abuja."
Steven hesitated, then asked the real question he'd carried across continents. "Have you found Rebecca?"
Orji nodded, his tone warm with reassurance. "Yes. I've traveled to Jos twice in the past week, about 300 kilometers from here. I needed to be sure. She's there—working. But she returns every weekend to visit her grandmother."
Steven's heart lifted. "That's good, Orji. Really good."
Moments later, Steven gasped. "Oh my God… What a beauty. Is that Abuja?"
"Yes," Orji replied. "Breathtaking at night. Engaging by day. Some call it the city on the hills."
Steven stared through the windshield, mesmerized. "That's on point, Orji. The buildings rising and falling with the hills… the city feels alive. The lights—rainbow-like—curve and stretch, blending and bursting like a dream. It… it tickles the mind."
Unable to resist, Steven reached for his Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, snapping photos as the city unfolded before him like a painting.
By the time Orji pulled into the Sheraton Hotel, the camera was still in Steven's hand, but his heart was already rooted.
After the usual hotel check-in rituals, they made plans.
"We leave for Jos on the weekend," Orji confirmed. "She's there now, but she'll be home soon. We'll catch her."
"Perfect," Steven nodded.
Before leaving, Orji turned to him with a knowing smile. "I'll be back tomorrow. We'll explore the city together. I can see you're already falling in love with it."
Steven didn't deny it. "I'll be waiting right here. My regards to your family, and good night."
"Good night, Mr. Kock," Orji replied.
The door closed. Silence returned. But Steven knew—his journey had only just begun.