Chief Ade cleared his throat and called for everyone’s attention. "My people, I have an important announcement," he said in a loud voice. The villagers quickly gathered around, curious to hear what the chief had to say.
"There is a visitor in our village," Chief Ade continued. "His name is Mr. Olu, and he is here to help us with the new water project. But it seems we have lost him. Can everyone help us find Mr. Olu?"
The villagers nodded and began to spread out, calling out, "Mr. Olu! Mr. Olu, where are you?" Children ran around, excited to be part of the search. Moyo, trying to be helpful, added, "He is wearing a green shirt and a black hat!"
The search went on for hours. People looked in the market, in the fields, and even near the river. But there was no sign of Mr. Olu. Tired and confused, the villagers gathered back at the square.
"Chief, are you sure Mr. Olu is here?" asked Amina, a young woman with bright eyes and a curious nature.
Chief Ade scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Well, I received a letter saying he would be here today," he said.
Moyo suddenly remembered something and his eyes widened. "Chief, I think there’s been a mix-up," he said, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. "The letter says Mr. Olu will arrive next week!"
There was a moment of silence before everyone burst out laughing. The children giggled, and even the elders couldn't hold back their amusement. "So we have been looking for someone who isn’t here yet?" asked Baba Tunde, chuckling.
"Yes, Baba Tunde," said Moyo, still laughing. "Mr. Olu is coming next week. We were searching for a non-existent person!"
"Chai! This one na big wahala," said Mama Funmi, shaking her head but smiling.
Chief Ade laughed heartily. "Well, at least we all got some good exercise today. And next week, we will welcome Mr. Olu properly!"
The villagers dispersed, still laughing and joking about the mix-up. As they returned to their daily activities, they couldn’t help but share the funny story with anyone who hadn’t been at the square.
A few days later, as the villagers prepared for the real arrival of Mr. Olu, they couldn't stop teasing each other about the search for the non-existent person. "Remember to check the date next time!" Ayo said to Moyo, who laughed and nodded.
When Mr. Olu finally arrived the following week, he was given a warm and hearty welcome. The villagers, now familiar with the story, greeted him with smiles and laughter. "We’ve been waiting for you, Mr. Olu," said Chief Ade, shaking his hand warmly. "You caused quite a stir last week without even being here!"
Mr. Olu, hearing the story, laughed and said, "Well, I’m glad to be here now, and I look forward to working with all of you."
The villagers and Mr. Olu worked together on the new water project, and the memory of the search for the non-existent person became a favorite joke in the village. Whenever someone lost something, they would say, "Maybe Mr. Olu took it," and everyone would share a good laugh.
And so, life in the village continued with laughter and joy, thanks to the day they all searched for a person who wasn't there.