Chika Asuai @mhizchika

It was a sunny Monday morning in Abraka, Delta State, when I decided to visit UBA Bank for the first time. I had some money to deposit, and I figured it was time to start saving properly. Dressed in my best outfit, which wasn’t much, I made my way to the bank. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was determined to get things done.

When I got to the bank, it felt like I had stepped into another world. The building was big, shiny, and very modern. Everything about it looked fancy. The glass doors were spotless, and there were people everywhere, some in suits and others in casual clothes like mine. I couldn’t help but look around, wondering how this place worked.

I got to the entrance and noticed the big glass door. It looked heavy and didn’t have any handle to pull or push. I paused for a moment, unsure of what to do. I stood there, thinking maybe I should ask someone how to open the door, but everyone seemed so busy, moving in and out of the bank with ease. I watched as some people walked straight up to the door and it opened for them like magic. I was fascinated. I thought maybe they knew some secret to opening it. So, I stood there, staring at the door, trying to figure out the trick.

Minutes turned into an hour, and I was still standing there, hoping for my turn to experience the “magic door.” Every time someone walked in, I would step forward slightly, thinking maybe this time it would open for me too, but nothing happened. I waited and waited. The sun was hot, and I started sweating, but I didn’t give up.

After two long hours of standing there, feeling confused and a bit embarrassed, the security man finally noticed me. He walked up to me with a smile on his face and said, "Oga, you dey wait to enter?"

I nodded, feeling a bit shy, “Yes, but I no know how this door dey open.”

The security man chuckled, walked to the side of the entrance, and pressed a button. Just like that, the door slid open smoothly. My eyes widened in surprise. I couldn’t believe what had just happened! It was like magic! I walked in, still trying to process how a simple button could open such a big door.

As I entered, I looked around the bank again, amazed at how everything worked. The air conditioning was cool, and the place looked so organized. People were moving around quickly, and the staff behind the counters looked professional.

That day, I successfully deposited my money, but what stayed with me the most was that door. I couldn’t stop thinking about how something as small as pressing a button could make such a big door open. It was a day I would never forget—my first day at UBA Bank, a day filled with confusion, surprise, and a little bit of magic.