Nigeria
Ghana
Working as a Helpmewaka contractor means no two days are ever the same. Some errands are straightforward, like picking up groceries or standing in line at a government office. Others, though, turn into full-blown adventures. Over time, I have realized that behind every errand, there is always a story.
Let me share three of the most memorable ones.
1. The Valentine’s Day Lifesaver
It was February 13 when the request came in. A client abroad had completely forgotten to make Valentine’s plans for his girlfriend in Lagos. The panic in his message was almost funny. He needed something thoughtful and impressive, but he only remembered the night before.
I had less than 24 hours to pull this together.
I started my day combing through gift shops in Victoria Island, hunting for something that felt personal and not rushed. I pieced together a package that included a bouquet of fresh red roses, a box of chocolates, a perfume she loved, and a handwritten card from him that I had copied out neatly. To make it more special, I added a small teddy bear and a bottle of wine.
When I finally delivered it to her office the next afternoon, her reaction made the whole hustle worth it. She was shocked, then delighted, and she immediately called him abroad, laughing and blushing as she carried the gifts inside. For me, it was a reminder that sometimes an errand is not just about the items. It is about creating a moment that connects two people separated by thousands of miles.
2. The Cow Part Delivery
Another time, I got a request that made me laugh out loud when I first read it. A client’s father in Lagos wanted a very specific part of a cow for cooking. Not just beef, not just a cut, but a particular part that he enjoyed most. After confirming twice to make sure I had read it right, I headed to the market.
Anyone who has shopped in Lagos markets knows it can be chaos. The smell of spices and smoke fills the air, sellers are shouting prices, and you have to move fast if you want the best cuts. I went stall to stall asking for the exact part. Some butchers shook their heads, others tried to convince me to buy something else, but I knew I had to get it right.
Eventually, I found one who had it. We haggled, laughed, and finally agreed on a fair price. Carrying it back, wrapped and ready for delivery, I couldn’t help but think about how personal food is. To someone abroad, it might sound like a strange errand, but for the client’s father, it was comfort and tradition in one meal. Delivering it to him, I felt like I had done something small but important.
3. The Food Package That Couldn’t Fly
Not all errands end the way you expect. One client abroad wanted a shipment of Nigerian food items to remind them of home. Their list included smoked catfish, dried ponmo, egusi seeds, and crayfish. I spent the better part of a day sourcing everything, making sure it was top quality. By the evening, the package was neatly packed, labeled, and ready to go.
That was when the problem started.
At the shipping office, the agent looked at the items and shook his head. Animal products like smoked fish and crayfish were not allowed through customs. Even the dried ponmo was questionable. I tried to plead the case, but the rules were clear. These items would never make it past inspection.
I had to call the client and break the news. They were disappointed, of course, but also grateful that I had tried. It was one of those moments that reminded me this job isn’t just about running errands. It is about navigating systems, rules, and sometimes disappointments. In the end, we replaced some of the restricted items with alternatives that could be shipped, and though it was not the same, the client appreciated the effort.
More Than Errands
Looking back at these experiences, I realize how much variety this work brings. One day, you are pulling together a romantic gift. The next, you are bargaining with butchers over a rare cow part. Another day, you are learning about customs restrictions while trying to get food across borders.
What connects all of them is the people behind the requests. A man who wants his girlfriend to feel loved even though he is far away. A father who wants to enjoy his favorite meal. A client abroad who just wants the taste of home.
Being part of these moments has shown me that errands are never just errands. They are bridges. They connect people to the things, traditions, and relationships that matter to them. And for me, being the person who helps make that connection happen is what makes the job worthwhile.
