Peer group influence: Tunde’s journey to self-destruction

In the house where I resided in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State, there was a family consisting of a mother, a younger sister named Ada, and an elder brother named Tunde.

Tunde was well-known for his remarkable manners and steadfast moral values, which were instilled in him by their late father.

However, everything took a turn when Tunde gained admission to the esteemed University of Lagos. As Tunde embarked on his university adventure, he found himself immersed in unfamiliar situations and alluring temptations.

However, everything changed when Tunde got admitted to the prestigious University of Lagos.As Tunde began his university journey, he found himself surrounded by new experiences and temptations.

The freedom and independence that came with being away from home proved to be overwhelming for him. Slowly but surely, Tunde started to drift away from his family’s teachings and values. He began to indulge in vices that were once foreign to him.

‘Smoking, drinking, and partying’ became a regular part of his life. Tunde even started associating with the wrong crowd, getting involved in fraudulent activities as a yahoo-boy.

His mother, who had worked tirelessly to raise her children after their father’s passing, was heartbroken to witness her son’s transformation.

She tried her best to warn Tunde about the dangers of his newfound lifestyle, reminding him of the values their father had instilled in them. But Tunde, blinded by the allure of his new life, paid no heed to his mother’s words of wisdom.

One fateful day, Tunde fell gravely ill. It wasn’t just a physical ailment; it seemed to be a spiritual sickness that had taken hold of him. His family, devastated by his condition, gathered around him, praying fervently for his recovery.

Days turned into weeks, and hope began to fade as Tunde remained unresponsive.But then, on a sunny afternoon, a glimmer of hope emerged. Tunde, who had been silent for days, suddenly started to mumble incoherently.

His family rushed to his side, their hearts filled with both relief and anticipation.

As Tunde’s words became clearer, he began to recount his experiences during his illness. He spoke of a dark and desolate place where he had been trapped, surrounded by his own regrets and the consequences of his actions. It was in this place that he realised the gravity of his choices and the pain he had caused his family.

Tunde’s near-death experience had served as a wake-up call, shaking him to his core. He vowed to change his ways, to make amends for the mistakes he had made.

His mother, tears streaming down her face, forgave him wholeheartedly, grateful that her prayers had been answered. From that day onward, Tunde embarked on a journey of redemption.

He distanced himself from his previous lifestyle, seeking guidance from his mother and sister. With their support, he enrolled in counseling sessions to address the underlying issues that had led him astray.

Over time, Tunde’s transformation became evident to all. He regained his sense of purpose and channeled his energy into positive endeavours. He dedicated himself to his studies, excelling academically, and became an advocate for youth empowerment, sharing his story to inspire others to choose the right path.

Tunde’s journey from darkness to light not only mended the broken bond between him and his family but also served as a beacon of hope for others who had lost their way.

His story became a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and the strength to change. And so, Tunde’s life took a new direction, one filled with purpose, redemption, and the unwavering support of his family.

Together, they faced the challenges that life threw their way, knowing that their love and unity would always prevail.