This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
June 12, 2020, marked the end of a two-month ordeal for Ms. Diana Ndinda, a Research Manager at Transform Research Africa Ltd. She had been stranded in Nigeria since March 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. Ndinda's journey home was filled with excitement and a mix of emotions. She had been busy searching for a COVID-19 testing center in Lagos, a requirement by Kenya Airways for flying back home.
During her stay, she formed a strong bond with the hotel staff, who became her family away from home. They went out of their way to make her stay comfortable, even going to the extent of buying her food and eggs from the kiosk.
However, her excitement was short-lived as she encountered a friend who claimed that there was no coronavirus in Nigeria. The friend shared a story about an ambulance that drove to the next street, causing panic among the locals, who rushed to lock themselves in their houses.
But, as it turned out, the ambulance was on a routine check-up for an elderly woman with a chronic illness. The irony of the situation left Ms. Ndinda in stitches, and she couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
As she prepares to board the plane that will take her home, Ms. Ndinda is filled with anticipation and gratitude for the love and support she received from strangers during her trying time.
