In a quiet village known as Ilumoko, nestled between golden fields and tall mango trees, lived a humble donkey named Dapo. He wasn’t the strongest, fastest, or prettiest animal in the village. In fact, many of the different animals teased him for his lengthy ears, sluggish steps, and cussed ways.
But Dapo didn’t mind.
He labored each day with his owner, an ancient farmer named Baba Tunde, carrying bundles of yams, firewood, and water up and down the dusty roads. He by no means complained, no longer even on the freshest days.
One year, a horrible drought struck Ilumoko. The river dried up, vegetation failed, and the animals grew vulnerable with starvation and thirst. The village elders held a assembly and declared, "If we can't discover water inside a week, our village will now not survive."
Baba Tunde, with hope in his eyes, packed a few materials and grew to become to Dapo. "We ought to search for the misplaced spring of Ire, they say it lies past the hills."
Many laughed. "A worn-out historical man and his donkey? They will in no way make it!"
But Dapo started the experience with consistent feet.
Through thorny bushes, steep hills, and hot sun, Dapo pressed on. At instances Baba Tunde grew faint and desired to flip back, however Dapo would nudge him gently, urging him forward.
After days of traveling, they reached a thick forest. Baba Tunde collapsed from exhaustion, and all hope appeared lost. But Dapo wandered deeper into the forest, his hooves discovering an historical path. He sniffed the air and caught a candy scent—water.
He brayed loudly, waking Baba Tunde, and led him to a hidden spring, clear and cold, effervescent underneath an historical tree.
They crammed their jars, washed their faces, and cried with joy. Dapo, the donkey they all mocked, had saved the village.
When they returned, the complete village welcomed them with cheers. The spring was once quickly linked to Ilumoko thru bamboo pipes, and water flowed again.
From that day on, Dapo was once no longer just a donkey.
He was once Dapo the Brave, Dapo the Wise, and most of all, Dapo the Hero.
And in Ilumoko, they discovered that sometimes, the one you neglect is the one who contains you via your best trial.
