My name is Bukola. For most of my life, I had resigned myself to the idea of being a baby mama.
Growing up, I watched the challenges women faced in relationships and felt that no man could truly care for me. I thought it would take too much effort for someone to handle all my complexities, so I prepared for a life that was simple and independent.
But then, Olamide entered my life. He was charming and persuasive, the kind of man who could talk his way into anyone’s heart.
At first, our relationship was like a dream. He made me feel special and loved, and before I knew it, I was swept away. We married, and I gave birth to three beautiful children. For a time, I thought I had found my partner, my support.
However, it wasn’t long before Olamide began to reveal his true self. The sweet words and affection faded, replaced by harshness and neglect.
One day, he told me I was an “old cargo” and that he wanted to take a younger woman as his second wife.
The sting of those words was unbearable, but what hurt more was discovering that he had been unfaithful.
He had impregnated four other women, leaving me to grapple with feelings of betrayal and despair.
As I faced these realities, I found myself trapped. My health issues had worsened, forcing me to stay home and care for our children.
The weight of my situation felt like a heavy chain, binding me to a relationship that was suffocating me. I often lay awake at night, overwhelmed by the fear of my future and the well-being of my kids.
Despite my pain, I realized I had to fight for my children. They were my light, my reason to keep going. I started to connect with other women in similar situations.
Their stories gave me courage and a sense of community. I began to understand that I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and that knowledge ignited a spark within me.
As I focused on healing and building my strength, I took small steps towards independence. I began to seek help, both for my health and my emotional well-being. I enrolled in online courses, rediscovering passions I had set aside. Slowly, I built a support network of friends and family who encouraged me to stand tall.
Confronting Olamide was one of the hardest things I ever did. I told him I deserved respect and that our children deserved a healthy environment. I set boundaries and made it clear that I would no longer accept being treated poorly.
The journey was not easy. I had moments of doubt and fear, but I clung to the hope that I could create a better life for myself and my children. With each passing day, I became more resilient. I learned that I was not defined by my struggles, but by my strength to overcome them.
Now, I am working towards a future where I am not just a wife or a mother, but a woman who knows her worth.
I continue to advocate for myself and my children, ensuring they grow up in a loving, supportive environment. My story is one of perseverance and hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find the strength to rise.