Analysis
of Bolaji Abdullahi’s
Sweet Sixteen
Explanatory notes and study questions
Gabriel Onwu, Fsc
I remain indebted to Mr Bolaji Abdullahi for making this text available for 2019 UTME candidates. It couldn’t have come at a better time.
For comments, questions or clarifications, contacted me via the following:
Department of Languages
La Salle College, P.O Box 601,
Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
+2348034130301
facebook Gabe Onwu
MAJOR DIVISION IN THETEXT
Sweet Sixteen is a fifty-three (53) page text/friction divided into seven sections
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SECTIONS PAGES IN THE TEXT
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i. The Letter 1-9
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ii. The drive 10-16
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iii. Work 17-25
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iv. The Gandhi Test 26-28
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v. Dating 29-37
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vi. Stereotype 38-44
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vii. Beauty 45-53
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CHARACTERS IN THE TEXT
The first three are major characters.
(i) Aliya (the protagonist and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Bello.
(ii) Mr. Bello (Aliya’s father and confidant)
(iii) Mrs. Bello (Aliya’s mother and a nurse by profession)
Minor characters in the text include
(i) Akin
(ii) Miss. Salako
(iii) Grace (Aliyu’s room-mate and a girl of few words)
(iv) The Principal (A Tiv by tribe and a Christian)
(v) Tokunbo Alabi AKA Bobo
(vi) Sogo whose father wants him to be a lawyer like himself.
(vii) Zak (her classmate who compose a love note to Rebecca Aliyu)
(viii) The black man and the white man
(ix) Bunmi
(x) The Biology teacher
THE PLOT
The text presents a riveting story of Aliya, a Sixteen year old precious daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Bello. It employs the first person narrative technique to x-ray the protagonist’s numerous conflicts and concerns that characterize the life of a teenage girl. Truth is carefully woven into the various sections and conspicuously addressed in the numerous conversations between Aliya and her father. The trust that exists between the duo forms the basis and propels Aliya to share without limit some important concerns, doubts and questions that come along with hormonal changes in her life.
The symbolic 16-page letter from her father on Aliya’s 16th Birthday, is a reminder of the place of core values and the need to be a responsible real human being in life.Not only do the duo enjoy the taste of middle class privileges, the hustle and bustle that characterize a cosmopolitan milieu, their leisure hours especially the drive provides an opportunity for them to touch on sensitive issues. In their family, Aliya’s mother takes credit for her expertise at tea preparation and teaches Aliya after much persuasion and pleading. Mr. Bello is undoubtedly a book worm and willingly shares some rich ideas got from his reading with lessons too wonderful for his precious daughter. The importance attached to hardwork and honesty is reiterated in his words. No wonder he makes reference to The Gandhi Test and places values on ethics and morals.
Like other teenagers in her school, Aliya brings up the topic on Dating, seeks clarification from her father on the best way to handle this stage of her life.
If anything, Mr. Bello displays some level of ignorance when Aliya uses some social media codes (known among her peers) in her conversation with him. In his views on Aliya’s generation, the craving for and addictive approach to social media presents some problems..
In a multilingual or multicultural entity called Nigeria, stereotyping is not uncommon among the populace. Mr. Bello cautions Aliya on this, teaches her to be tolerant, respectful, merciful and kind to others.
The need for forgiveness is epitomized in the sixth and seventh sections (pages 43-45) using the story of a black man and white slave master. Father and daughter engage each other on the right definition/meaning of authentic beauty. Mr. Bello affirms and adores his daughter as the most beautiful girl he has seen. The penultimate and last paragraph of the text in question brings to limelight the contents of Mr. Bello’s letter to Aliya on her remarkable Birthday and their conversation overtime. Learning or acquisition of knowledge from parents is vital to the survival and sustenance of values across generations. The protagonist acknowledges her father’s role of a teacher, a prophet and above all a great father to the core.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR EVENTS AND THEIR SIGNIFIANCE IN THE TEXT
SECTION 1 The Letter (Page 1-9)
In her self presentation or introduction Aliya (the protagonist) recalls her 14th birthday when she read a text titled ‘Sweet Sixteen’. Quite symbolic for her because the phrase ‘young adult’ is derived from it .It becomes more meaningful to arrive at ‘a fair compromise’ between being a child as addressed by her father and being an adult as she would insist. Pg 1.
She recalls with delight her 12th birthday when a card from her father is delivered through her Principal with the inscription
‘Happy Birthday, my first Lady.
Remember that only God is greater than you.’
These words especially ‘First Lady’ made her feel very important, as if she were some kind of God’s deputy or next to God.
She takes her audience through some classroom experiences and school life with special reference to minor characters like Akin (the king of boys), Miss Salako (her Mathematics teacher who is out to chastise Akin for poking fun/expensive jokes) and Grace her roommate and friend.
Note that the setting is in a boarding school.
Aliya turns 16 on a Tuesday, and asks Grace if the latter felt anything when she was 16. She doesn’t get any satisfactory response from Grace, thus decides to focus on her forthcoming Chemistry examination.
Aliya reminisces on her Valentine’s Day encounter back in February when infatuation nearly throws her off balance or what looks like sentimental turmoil.
Bobo (Tokunbo Alabi) gives her a Valentine’s gift of a red Teddy bear with the inscription ‘I love you’ on a heart-shaped embossment.
The following week when her father comes visiting, Aliya shows the gift to him but he uses it to instruct his daughter. This leaves her in some quagmire (to return the teddy to Bobo without hurting him or not). She wrestles with it but too late that Bobo takes off to Ireland without a word when they resume school the following term.
The tension, anxiety and uncertainty that accompany her 16th birthday almost leave her speechless and lifeless until she makes her way to the Principal’s office. Her encounter with the Principal creates some element of denouement when he gives Aliya a gift box from her beloved father.
In the box is a portable digital camera, a birthday card with the inscription. “Happy Sweet Sixteen” and a symbolic spiral bound document with the caption “Letter to my daughter”.
She likens the inscription to the title of a book by Maya Angelou and wonders why her father copies this title.
The contents of her father’s letter are worth remembering.
(i) It is a sixteen page letter
(ii) In it, Mr. Bello congratulates her daughter on her birthday.
(iii) He takes her back memory lane of his humble beginnings, tutored or schooled in core values and essential character– all inherited from his humble parents through whom he learns to be an Omoluabi in Yoruba meaning ‘a responsible person’ Aliya’s Sixteenth birthday is a call and a reminder to Mr. Bello to be more responsible, to work harder and take life more seriously as stated in his letter to Aliya.
Note that a page represents each year of Aliya’s life.
SECTION 2 The Drive (page 10-16)
In this section, Aliya makes reference to the letter from her father on her 16th Birthday where he recalls on exciting outing they had when she was twelve years old and in the first year of secondary school. Father and daughter drove around town.
The flashback portrays the glamour and taste of cosmopolitan lifestyle compared to the ordeal typified by the two girls who hawk cooked groundnuts and oranges. Mr. Bello confessed that his growing up was hard for him and that he was once in the hawkers’ shoes. Life hasn’t been a bed of roses for him. However, going through hardship has helped him to be who and what he is today.
The drive offers them a unique opportunity to discuss critical issues that accompany puberty. To her greatest surprise, Aliya’s father made reference to sex and menstruation, keeping company, media and sex-related topics. He cautions his daughter not to emulate zombies or do something simply because others are doing it. In his words to Aliya “please don’t allow anybody, and I mean anybody to touch you in your private parts”. Page 16
Aliya reveres the letter written on her 16th birthday and likens it to a textbook on life. She reads the letter twice, sheds tears of joy and feels pure love for her father. To her, this letter is the greatest birthday gift from her father. She resolves to read the letter again, underline some sections she needs further clarification from her Dad but only after her Chemistry examination, she concludes. Pg. 16.
SECTION 3 The Work (Page 17-25)
The protagonist expresses her gratitude to her father and shares some experiences encountered in her family. She records some success after some trial and error to prepare a good cup of tea for her father.Thanks to her mother. As expected of a teenage school boy or girl, the choice of one’s career is sacrosanct, however, always a difficult task. Aliya weights many options before her confidante, discusses her success in school subjects as well as experiences she feels good for having to work harder.
Her father commends her and says ’I told you, I always tell you, there is nothing you cannot do if you set your mind to it’. You see now? He maintains that ’there is only one way to success and that is the way of hardwork. There are no shortcuts. I am proud of you” Pg 17.
On the experience she shares about a girl in her class who cheats in Physics, Aliya’s father condemns such behavoiur and insists that it is better to fail and fail and fail and keep on trying than to cheat and pass. The joy and fun Aliya and her father share brings out the best in each one. The discussions around failure, pressure from parents who often impose career on their children and the need to persevere enrich this section. The reference to Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses prepares Abdullahi’s audience to reflect on the phrase ‘To strike, to seek, to find, and not to yield’.
As much as children are expected to respect their parents, decision making is for both parties. Mr. Bello quotes from Gibran’s book titled “The Prophet” and challenges Aliya to acquire wisdom and knowledge from reading books instead of what her generation is noted for( spending precious time on social media at the expense of acquiring useful knowledge hidden in good books).
In summary, Parents have so much to learn from their children and vice versa. Aliya picks up Gibran's book, “The prophet’ and is mesmerized by the line.
“When love beckons to you, follow him”.
She decides to add it to her reading list (pg 24).
SECTION 4 The Gandhi Test (pages 26-28)
It is a three page section (Shortest section in the text) set in Mr Bello’s house/living room. Aliya gives a vivid description that leaves an aura of a middle class family. The various souvenirs that give aesthetic touch to their living room speak volumes. The relish from Nigerian dish on their table is tempting, however, the combination of ‘Akara’ and bread (akara burger) is another story.
Again, Aliya makes reference to the letter and seeks further clarification from her father on doing what is right or wrong. Mr. Bello suggests the application of ‘Gandhi test’. He sees Mahatma Gandhi as an icon in not just the history of the Indians but a renowned thinker (philosopher) whose ideology continues to take the world by storm. Mr. Bello says,
‘Gandhi could have made all the money he wanted if he was so inclined. But he chose to live a life of poverty to demonstrate that a human being does not really need much to survive. A contented person is a very rich person.’ P 27.
Gandhi’s simplicity and wisdom set him apart. Mr. Bello quotes Gandhi in his conversation with Aliya. “Thus, if you’re doing something and you don’t mind other people knowing about it, then it’s likely that what you’re doing is good. But if you’re doing something and you would not want other people to known about it, then it’s most likely that what you’re doing is bad”.
Mr. Bello and Aliya subject Gandhi’s Test to scrutiny and draw examples from her school life with reference to telling a lie or cheating in an examination. In addition, he tells Aliya that only animals behave anyhow they like, therefore people who are shameless have neither morals nor ethics. Aliya becomes very happy when her father addresses her as a ‘smart girl’ and she retorts ‘Thanks Daddy, I am my father’s daughter after all’, P 28.
This time, it is a case of Like father, like daughter.
SECTION 5 Dating (pages 29-37)
Of all the questions she has been asking her father, Aliya has what she considers to be the most important one.Just as she ruminates on how to go about asking her father, the latter is seen fighting so hard to turn on the TV, no thanks to the batteries. Both father and daughter are ardent fans of a famous club in England (Chelsea). No doubt, she says’ I had come to like Chelsea myself. Perhaps, that was inevitable. Mummy would say I was a Chelsea fan by genetic engineering.” P 30.
Mr. Bello is said to be emotionally committed to the extent of refusing to eat food and end up in a terrible mood when Chelsea club loses a match. That particular match where Manchester United robbed them of a Champion league title in the penalty shoot-out left her father in total disarray– a memory she recalls.
Time to hit the nail on the head has come. Aliya in these words finally opens up and throws her father off balance. “Okay, I mean now that I am 16, I am old enough to date, right”? … “I mean, like...a boy friend. I can have a boy friend now. Can’t I?
A concerned father would never welcome pretence or entertain someone who would beat around the bush. Mr. Bello seeks concrete terms and real meaning to what his daughter wants or what her question implies.
The stage is set for openness on the part of Aliya and life-long education from her father. In case, truth, honesty, trust, love and prudence are necessary ingredients for tangible dialogue between the duo.
In what looks like a display of ignorance by her father on social media codes or language used for texting by Aliya’s Generation, she engages her father in an exercise. She unravels the meaning of some acronyms used by her school-mates in communication. to her father’s surprise, she maintains that people no longer have time for long talk. Thus
HAK– Hugs and Kisses
KOTL– Kiss ON The Lips
Mr. Bello doesn’t see anything wrong with dating or keeping a boyfriend but cautions his daughter on relationship. He reminds Aliya that at her age, relationship between a boy and a girl is mostly ruled by infatuation but not authentic love. Pages 31-37 touch so much on what hormones are capable of doing to a teenager, Aliya shares almost everything that happens in her school. She categorically quotes Zak who passed a note to her with the words ‘Do you know any cardiologists, because my heart skips a beat everytime I think of you P 34.
Mr. Bello cautions her on the consequences of derailment. She remembers her father’s words that “if one does not learn to delay gratification, one may be derailed by gratification”. Mr. Bello does not hesitate to mention that sex, alcohol, drugs, designer clothing, expensive handbags and shoes are naturally desirable but come with price tags in form of money, emotional balance, self-respect, integrity, career and a person’s very life. He wishes Aliya well and prays that her life would be a good example to others.
Aliya appreciates her father’s advice, hugs and calls him her BFF p35. Just when her father is about to get back to his TV viewing, Aliya narrates another incidence involving some students caught in the basketball court having “53X”. Aliya dribbles her father with other social media codes like OMG and KPC. As much as Mr. Bello tries to prove that Aliya’s generation’s inability to speak or write good English, in addition to failing WAEC, she maintains that these codes are just slangs. She pulls her father’s leg promising to teach him but he intones Fela’s famous “Teacher, don’t teach me nonsense”. Imagine the laughter and fun galore between the two. He gets back to his match when Aliya goes to see her mother. In this context, the acronyms
· BFF means Best Friends Forever.
· OMG-Oh My God
· Keep Parents Clueless
SECTION 6 Stereotype (pages 38-44)
A new day announces the joyful atmosphere in Mr. and Mrs. Bello’s family. Aliya maintains that she could stop at nothing to enjoy her sleep thus earning her the title ‘sleepy head’ in their family. Breakfast over, Aliya asks her father when they could resume their conversation? An attempt by Mr. Bello to tease his wife receives a kickback when Aliya’s mother announces that she is taking a day off. Mr. Bello remains indifferent. Aliya describes her mother as the luckiest woman in the world. In the midst of her nagging, rage or irrational display of anger, Mr. Bello knows how to calm the storm. An exemplary family one would say or perhaps compatibility or understanding is the key here.
In the wake of incessant attacks by suspected terrorists reported by the media, Aliya recounts with nostalgia a blanket statement made by Rebecca her classmate. Aliya’s blood boils at this point and she uses insulting phrases to speak vehemently about every provocative word ascribed to her faith. Aliya’s father cautions her at this stage and disabuses her mind from hating, judging and being rude to other people. He quotes Muhammad Ali “hating people because of their colour is wrong. It does not matter who does the hating. It is just plain wrong”. Mr. Bello compares the diversity of his people in religion, tribes and cultures to the most beautiful garden with different types of flowers. At least, Aliya likes what her father says and she decides to scribble it on her paper.
“The most beautiful garden is
the one that has different colours
and flowers”, Pg 40.
At the end of their long discourse, one thing is clear. Generalization or stereotyping is unacceptable. Wrong notion or idea ascribed to certain people on account of their tribe or religion is bad. Mr. Bello makes it clear to his daughter that people should not be labeled ‘bad’.
Dialogue helps to erase some misconceptions people often have about others.
Aliya’s mother listens and voices out her opinion during the discussion. Mr. Bello tells a story to Aliya and her mother to illustrate his point and highlight some useful lessons.The story of the white slave trader. (Chief of the slavers) and the black man (the only survivor among the slaves). The fact that the white slaver resolves to dedicate the rest of his life to fighting against this ugly trend is a great lesson for all to emulate.
In summary, stereotype is ugly, it is a vice, a tool for hate and suspicion, it breeds violence/ long term feud. Mr. Bello is against it and teaches his family to avoid it at all cost.
SECTION 7 Beauty (pages 45-53)
Same setting though the narrative kicks off at Aliya’s room. Her mother has gone to the salon. Aliya’s father comes not just to be with his daughter but to round off their conversation. Remember the story told in the previous section? Aliya is still bothered. She asks her father if the reaction of the black slave was possible. To this, her father replies ‘Yes’ but not ‘Easy’. He tells Aliya that “It is possible for her to change people simply by not behaving like them.” Pg 45.
To what extent is Aliya convinced by these words from her father? she recalls a nasty experience with the Biology teacher who practically humiliated her before the whole class. Again, she nurses some bitterness and dislike towards Bunmi who always picks on her. The case of her Biology teacher warrants some revenge because according to Aliya, he imposes the name ‘Fatima’ on her to worsen the situation, he moves from Fatima to Lati FAT, an expensive joke that creates Sarcasm in addition to the caricature of Aliya depicted on the board by the same teacher.
Mr. Bello condemns the teacher’s behavior. In his words “What he did is called body shaming, negative comments about somebody’s weight or size. Highly inappropriate. It is wrong” pg 46.
Aliya is not done. She bottles other hurts and pains. The resentment she has for an SS 3 girl, Bunmi for making some silly remarks about Aliya’s size. Aliya fights some tears but instantly receives, sympathy and consolation from her father. She is grateful to her father for being always there in her time of pain or confusion. Mr. Bello recalls another quote from Gandhi “Nobody can hurt me without my permission”. Aliya repeats the phrase. Her father adds “… how you feel about yourself is more important than how other people make you feel. You need to develop confidence in how you look. For me, you are the most beautiful girl in the world, “ It doesn’t matter if you are fat, slim, dare, fair, short, tall, square or round. You are what your think about yourself. TO what extent is Aliya convinced?
She makes some reference to beauty pageants. Mr. Bello denounces media’s portrayal of beauty. He condemns the way media promotes stereotypes by defining the standard everybody should live by.
From serious to trivial issues and back, the duo stop at nothing to even poke fun at individuals who bleach their skin in order to fit into people’s definition of beauty. The trend involves health risks like skin cancer, organ damage and allergy. Perhaps some do this either out of ignorance or erroneous conviction that they must fit into certain class before they could be accepted. Mr. Bello emphatically stresses that ‘physical beauty alone is not enough but character/ comportment is a requirement. Mr. Bello charges Aliya to put on the garment of generosity. His take on bullying driven by jealousy and a feeling of inferiority complex presents a lesson for everyone who falls victim to hate. In his words, ‘they only feel better about themselves when they make you feel bad about yourself…
‘Ultimately, what they do to you says more about them than about you.’ Pg 50.
What should we do to people who always pick on us?
Mr. Bello encourages Aliya to use her experience and stand up for victims of bullying in the school especially now that she is going to be a Senior student or climb the ladder of authority.
Aliya promises to use her portfolio to help the less privilege. A practical demonstration is the promise to donate a Nebuliser to the school clinic for asthmatic students. Her father affirms her and says ‘Now, that’s what I call beauty-making a meaningful impact in the lives of other”. Pg51. Aliya feels very pleased at this.
The protagonist describes her father as the greatest father in the universe.
Mr. Bello tells another captivating story of an African hunter on hunting expedition in the forest. He leaves Aliya and perhaps Abdulahi’s audience in a beautiful suspense. Within this suspense lies the hidden lesson for both parents and children, educators and all who are involved in the training of young ones.
Mr Bello reminds Aliya that the letter written to mark her 16th birthday and all the conversations they ‘ve had over the weekend are his dues to her. She must pass the torch of knowledge, wisdom and values to her children and children’s children for future generations to emulate. It is a guide to life for teenagers.
Aliya fights her tears and offers a prayer for her beloved father, a prophet and her greatest teacher. Pg. 53
SUBJECT MATTER
Emotion is a strong feeling such as fear, love or anger. For Aliya, growing up has not been easy. Our text in question explores crises or challenges confronting teenagers in general.
A sixteen year old girl with all the privileges that befit a middle class family has so much to wrestle with on her journey to self discovery and acceptance. Of her parents (Mr and Mrs Bello), her father is the better and Aliya’s preferred confidant, a person she trusts and can discuss private or secret things anytime.
That is not to say that Aliya’s Mother doesn't love her. Credit to Mrs Bello for the care, discipline, coaching on domestic responsibilities and feminine issues.
Growing up is a course of study in which the contents often present series of tasks and litmus test. For a teenager, emotional turmoil and intellectual development are interwoven. Like other young adults, Aliya’s emotional life requires the assistance and good counsel of her father. She needs to handle relationships in a boarding school, her teachers, classmates, senior students, her mother at home and most importantly the larger society she is integrated into as well as choices in her life about certain things (living with people of diverse faith, language, status, sex, hormonal changes and career tussle).
The sixteen page letter on her birthday summarizes her father’s love for her, his wisdom and teaching. Her numerous questions about essential issues confronting her are entertained in her father’s pot of wisdom.
THEMES IN THE TEXT
There are series of messages contained in our text
1. Parental love, mutual understanding, care and acceptance define a great family. Mr Bello’s family is a model.
2. Total trust is a panacea for confidentiality and openness (Aliya and her father are inseparable).
3. Bullying is often borne out of jealousy and feelings of inadequacy. Consider Aliya’s experiences at school and her father’s reaction to her plight.
4. Infatuation among teenagers and emotional crises become visible.Zak scribbles a note for Aliya, the incidence between a boy and a girl in the Basket ball court, Bobo’s gift of Teddy to Aliya etc are examples.
5. Crisis in career choice/preference creates tension between a child and her parents. Parents’ needs are not necessarily those of their children. Alternatively, best choices are often driven by passions and are a responsibility of both parents and their children. On the contrary, if children are coerced to opt for choices that contradict their passions, their future could be in jeopardy. Refer to Section three.
6. Humility, hardwork, religious tolerance, generosity and forgiveness are virtues that lubricate peaceful co-existence. Mr Bello’s teachings in contrast to stereotyping, cheating and indiscipline couldn’t be better. Mr Bello disabuses Aliya’s mind on the danger of holding on to misconstrued ideas, images that many people have of a particular type of person, thing, often not true in reality such as gender, religious, racial and cultural affiliation.
7. Language use in social media among modern teenagers and communication gap in the social milieu is a serious concern to both educators, linguists, employers and parents. The use of KOTL, HAK, OMG are examples.
8. Knowledge complements wisdom. Knowledge derived from books and peer influence couldn’t see Aliya through life successfully without the wisdom and fatherly support from her Father. No wonder, she sees Mr Bello as the best Father in the universe, her teacher and prophet.
9. Each generation is perpetually indebted to the next. In the last paragraph of the last section, Aliyah’s father mandates her to pass the teaching to her children who will inturn pass the legacy to her children’s children.
10. The power of a written word and its significance. Kindly refer to the sixteen page symbolic letter written by Mr Bello to Aliya on her sixteenth birthday. She turns sixteen in her 5th year or SS 2. Among all the gifts received, this letter stands out.
11. Authentic beauty contradicts cosmetic beauty. We are not strangers to the myopic or general misrepresentation of beauty as advertised by media and the delusions that mortgage the use of harmful chemicals to change the colour of someone’s skin put many on the podium of confusion. Beauty lies within and one’s character is preferred to physical appearance if Mr Bello’s idea has anything to go by.
SIGNIFICANCE OF AGE SIXTEEN (16)
What is so significant about turning 16?
For boys, attaining the age of puberty is celebrated without necessarily blowing a trumpet or some display of pageantry .It is a different experience for girls turning sixteen. Obviously, it depends on cultural diversity, taste, tradition and social needs. For the purpose of our text in question and from personal research, the tradition of celebrating sixteenth birthday in a grand style could be traced to a tradition believed to have originated in the USA and Canada where a girl’s 16th birthday is celebrated as a rite of passage. It is tagged ‘’SWEET SIXTEEN’’.
It thus lays credence to the belief that a girl’s body attains some level of sweetness whereby she shifts from childhood to adulthood. Therefore a debutant party that marks the first stage of milestone birthdays is organized to present a young woman coming of age to the society with the hope that a suitable husband could be found for her. This tradition has continued over the years.. Gradually families of elites and middle class embrace it and now the effect is contagious.
Occasionally and on a lighter note when some women are addressed as ‘Sweet Sixteen’, the interpretation is that old age is far from reaching them. It entails that these women are just beginning life either because they maintain good looking body with little or no trace of wrinkles as well as being lively and physically active. I’d rather leave this discussion to our women who are in a better position to educate us.
PERSONAL NOTES TO EDUCATORS, PARENTS AND PROSPECTIVE ONES
Today’s generation of youngsters embarks on a fast moving train characterized by technological and scientific breakthrough. The digital world has so much to offer our teenagers at the expense of once cherished values and ethics. When they go astray, it is our obligation to chastise them but with love and sense of upholding their dignity.
Experiences have shown that attitudes of some teenagers coupled with erratic behaviour of some parents leave a lot to be desired. It’s either one party is not here or the other is not there. Confusion in the life of a child could tear a reputable family apart.
I would like to recall specific moments back in school days when learners were extremely excited at the mention of Human Reproduction/reproductive system in Biology. This topic still generates enthusiasm and curiosity among teenagers. It’s high time we stopped hiding essential things about life from our children. Some parents delude themselves into thinking that their children know nothing about sex and sexuality only to be embarrassed with cases never envisaged. Peer groups influence and addiction to social media permeate teenagers’ lives. They easily subject them to false information capable of truncating some risks that accompany their vulnerable lives. Parents and Guardians must come closer to their wards or children more than ever. Friendship with them is sacrosanct and must be on their priority list for teenagers to open up. We should remember the bond between Aliya and her father.
In the Western world, to have a crush on a member of opposite sex among high school teenagers is normal. Relationships are built from time to time. In Africa, do we often hide under religion, archaic tradition, taboos or cultural practices to conceal certain information from the young ones? In the midst of everything, Boys will be Boys and Girls will be Girls. Don’t get me wrong. The human body undergoes metamorphosis that bring along hormonal crises and if this phenomena is not properly addressed, parents stand the risk of disconnecting with teenagers.
Abdullahi Bolaji’s concern in the text is everybody’s concern particularly parents, children and educators. We must borrow a leaf from this electrifying piece of work if we have anything to leave as legacy for this and future generations. Special moment must be built into family time and strictly observed to foster love, unity, understanding and love.Humour adds flavor and vitality to socialization.
Whatever we do, remember that caution should never be thrown to the wind. It is our responsibility to give all round education if we want to help our teenagers and children.
Until we get it right, history will not pardon us.
EXPRESSIONS IN THE MOTHER TONGUE (YORUBA LANGUAGE) AND THEIR TRANSLATIONS
(i) Omoluabi (pg 9) - A responsible person
(ii) *Bi onigba ba se pe igba re, bee naa la maa ba pee. Pg 50.
(An idiomatic expression) the way you present yourself is the way you will be addressed
(iii) Ekaaro ma, e kaa ro sir,
Good morning ma, Good morning sir. (pages 38-39)
(iv) Kaaro o oko mi Ajike se a ji daadaa?- Good Morning, my daughter, Hope you slept well?
(v) Adupe ma– Thank you ma.
(vi) Kii se ejo e– It is not your fault
Note: Literally it means *(ii) The way your calabash is, the way people will call it.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Section 1. The letter
1. To have said ‘fat’ connotes… she prefers plump or chubby. (a) pain (b) insult
(c) praise (d) award
2. ‘Young adult’ therefore sounded like a fair… between being a child, as my father would insist, and being an adult, as I would insist.
(a) party (b) competition (c) agreement (d) promise
3. A comic style in which a comedian performs in front of a live audience, usually speaking directly to them is called ……...
4. Why would Aliya ascribe such career to her father?
5. What made the protagonist feel as if she were the next most important person to God?
6. “But my friends told me that brothers could be very annoying”. Well, that was not so difficult to believe. Is an example of ……….
(a) Irony (b) stereotype (c) Onomatopoeia (d) infatuation
7i --------is the first to have a crush on Aliya.
(a) Zak (b) Akin (c) Bobo (d) Grace
7ii. Do you have any proof?
8. In his conversation with Aliya, what would Mr. Bello find wrong with giving and receiving gift?
9. What meaning does Mr. Bello ascribe to “A dumb girl”? OR
Aliya and her father hold divergent views of what a dumb girl is. Comment .
10. Of all items contained in the gift box handed to Aliya by the principal, which was the most cherished/important and why?
SECTION 2: The Drive
11. Mr. Bello challenges Aliya to work hard because according to him ‘it is easier to climb up on an empty stomach than a full one’. What contribution has this statement to plot and one of the themes in the text?
OR
What relevance is the statement ‘it is easier to climb up on an empty stomach than a full one’? As expressed in the text?
12. Do you agree with Mr. Bello’s statement that “Sometimes, hunger is what you need to drive you ahead in life’?
13. Mention one or two examples or instances whereby Aliya educates her father.
14. What important moral advice does Mr. Bello give Aliya with regards to staying chaste?
15. Complete this statement
‘I mean, your … and I have a duty to…..you, but we cannot be…...all the time
16. The drive recounted in the text is a ………
(a) dream (b) flashback (c) stream of consciousness (d) comedy
17. The statement “Do you known I was once like those girls” implies that _____
(a) In his youth, Aliya’s father resembled his grandfather
(b) He sold groundnuts and ice cream
(c) Akin is a gold medalist
(d) Growing up was difficult for Mr. Bello
18. In the conversation that ensued between Mr. Bello and his daughter, ___ signifies certain responsibility the new phase of Aliya’s life has imposed on him.
(a) Success in her Chemistry examination
(b) heart attack
(c) menstruation
(d) first lady
19. ______is everywhere these days, sad to say, All over the place. Advertisements/Commercials are incomplete these days without the trash. What is this trash?
(a) Fowl language
(b) Education
(c) Sex
(d) Cosmopolitan and media
20. “The letter written to Aliya on her 16th birthday was like a textbook”. What figure of speech is represented above?
(a) simile
(b) Sarcasm
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Personification
SECTION 3 Works
21. What goes wrong with Mr Bello’s tea prepared by Aliya after their morning prayers on a Saturday Morning?
‘’That one He has Aradite in his hands.He won’t pay, ‘’she sneered.
22. Who is being referred to as ‘That one’ in the statement above?
23. What does the expression ‘He has Aradite in his hands’ mean?
24. Identify the speaker in 23 above.
25. What are the respective colours of mugs owned by Aliya, Mr and Mrs Bello?
26. ‘They could be like that sometimes’. What does the statement above imply?
27. I told you. I always tell you. There is nothing you cannot do if you set your mind to it. You see now ‘’
What exactly warrants this statement?
A. Mr Bello is full of proverbs
B. Aliya’s Principal hands her a birthday card.
C. Mr Bello reads many books by Gibran
D. Aliya gets an A in her Chemistry exam.
28. What is the only way to success as claimed by Aliya’s father?
A. reading B. following the crowd C. hardwork D. stereotype
29. What defines the best choice in career according to Mr Bello?
30. The expression ‘It is my cup of tea’ means-------
31. According to Aliya’s father, failure comes with all these advantages except one. Identify the odd one from the list.
A. It teaches humility B. It empowers us in ways that success cannot
C. It brings fame and wealth D. Failure teaches strength and morals
32. In response to the incidence involving the girl who cheats in Physics subject, Mr Bello tells Aliya that-----
A. cheating is normal and a quick way to success B. It is caused by her parents
C. He is delighted and proud of her D. passing an examination is never enough in life
33. Recount the motto adopted for the 2012 summer Olympics.
34. Comment on the extract from Gibran’s book The Prophet related to Children.
35. Who says that his father wants him to be a lawyer like himself?
A. Bobo B. Zak C. Sogo D. Akin
36. What comparison does Aliya’s father draw between her generation and his regarding passion for reading
37. Explain this statement extracted from Gibran
‘’ For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams ‘’
38. The expression ‘’Be my guest’’ means
A. An invitation to visit the house of the speaker
B. It is used to give somebody permission to do something that they have asked to do.
C. It is in the life of Aliya’s best friend.
D. Abdullahi runs out of ideas thus needs a guest to complete this section of the text.
39. Today, and as exemplified in the text, it appears that many teenagers have found social media and have ----------- A. improved in morality B. stopped thinking
C. become idiots D. become outrageous and wasteful
40. Who was said to have owned more than 3000 pairs of shoes in the text?
SECTION 4 The Gandhi Test
41. ‘Thanks Daddy, I am my father’s daughter after all’ shows that ------------
A. The speaker knows this through her DNA test
B. The speaker is also a fan of Chelsea club
C. The speaker is as smart as her father
D. She resembles her father both physically and spiritually
42. What is this Ghandi Test?
43. Why did Ghandi choose to live a life of poverty when he could have made all the money in the world?
44. Explain the statement ‘’you can take the man out of the village but you cannot take the village out of the man’’
45. According to Mr Bello, who is a contented person?
46. The various ---------- in the house show Mr. Bello’s many travels around the world.
SECTION 5 Dating
47. Mr Bello’s struggle with the remote control when he tries to turn on the TV ---------Aliya but the latter tries to ----- her anger.
A. Helps/ take B. motivates/imitate C. irritates/conceal D. amuses/wave
48. Of all the questions Aliya has in her mind for her father, which is the most important?
49. Products displayed in some Nigerian shops, markets or open spaces often branded
NO TESTING generally ….
A. Very good and exorbitant B fairly used and affordable C. foreign items D. dirty
50. To have said that Aliya was a Chelsea fan by genetic engineering means……….
51. What is the difference between infatuation and love?
52. With reference to the story Aliya told her father concerning Morayo and Bobo, it exposes an element of ------------ on the part of Aliya.
A. hate B. jealousy C. infatuation D. mood swing
53. What is the content of Zak’s note to Aliya
54. Mr Bello thinks that people have desires for different------- and is quite ------
A. Gratifications/natural B.needs/philosophical C.religions/tough D.Friends/easy
55. ------- is said to be more than BFF to Aliya and the acronym stands for--------
56. According to Aliya, to get Mr Bello’s attention, what can someone practically do?
57. What do the acronyms KPC and 53X represent as used by teenagers today?
SECTION 6 Stereotype
58. Rebecca’s utterance as well as Aliya’s on Muslims and Christians respectively represent ….. to which Mr Bello absolutely condemns.
59. ‘I wonder when this madness will stop’….. said in a weary voice.
Who makes the statement above and what is ‘ this madness’ being referred to in the text
60. According to the protagonist, what turns out to be a very good sleeping pill?
61. ‘The beauty of our country, like the rest of the world, is in the -------- of our people, not only in religion, but also in our tribes and cultures.’
A. colour B.wealth C. diversity D.ethnic affiliation
62. According to Mr Bello, we need to rise above our ------- so that we can help others to look at the world differently.
A. families B. personal feelings and sentiments C. religious affiliation
D. likes and dislikes
Speaker X ‘’sit down, now,’’ Daddy told her. ‘’I thought you said you were not going to work today.’’
Speaker Y. ‘’Yes, I am not. But I want to go to the hairdressing salon.’’
63. Can you identify any semantic/grammar error in the conversation above and justify your take on it
64. The story of the Chief white slaver and the Black man hinges on -----------
A. slave trade B .racism C. forgiveness
D. natural disaster such as flood and earthquake
Section 7 Beauty
65. The main significance of the letter written to Aliya on her 16th birthday by her father coupled with the conversation over the weekend point to -----------
A. the hunter’s story and the didactic function to be derived from it
B. free food and contentment
C. all the things contained in the gift box to mark her birthday
D .the legacy bequeathed to Aliya’s generation and her children’s children.
66. How does Mr Bello perform the roles of a father, a teacher and a prophet as labeled by the protagonist?
67. What figure of speech is contained in the statement ’’ You are the greatest father in the universe’’?
68. In addition to making a caricature of Aliya on the board, the stress on the last syllable of the name imposed on Aliya LatiFAT by the biology teacher amount to -------------
A. Scandal B. bullying C. body shaming D. child abuse
69. In response to her recalling Bunmi’s picking on her, Aliya’s father shares Ghandi’s views that-------
A. The world is full of people who neither like or hate us
B. Nobody can hurt me without my permission
C. Reality is often different from how the media portrays beauty
D. Self hatred can be an overwhelming thing
70. Identify eight messages contained in Bolaji Abdullahi’s text and show their relevance to your beloved country of birth.
REFERENCES
Bolaji, A(2018) Sweet Sixteen: A coming of an age story
Lagos:Masobe Press
Hornby, A.S (2015) Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 9th Edition
London: Oxford University Press
