In the early 2000s, my world turned upside down. After the sudden demise of our parents, my siblings and I were left to navigate life’s challenges without the guiding hand we had depended on for so long.
The void was crippling, and I bore the heavy responsibility of caring for my younger brothers and sister. Living in Ajegunle, Lagos State, our situation felt bleak, but I was determined to keep our family together and provide for them.
Initially, the loss of our parents struck us hard. I remember the days filled with tears and quiet moments when I would look at my siblings, their innocent faces bewildered by the realities of life. I knew one thing for sure: I had to step up, take charge, and cultivate an environment where they could thrive, despite our new normal.
Finding a stable source of income became my first priority. With limited education and no formal job experience, I had to get creative. I started taking on odd jobs around the neighbourhood—selling snacks, running errands, and even cleaning homes. Each naira I earned went into feeding my siblings and keeping a roof over our heads.
It was tough work, and some days were more discouraging than others, especially when I realised I could barely provide the basics.
After a year of hustle in Ajegunle, I made a bold decision. I sought a change of scenery and more opportunities by moving us to Ogun State. I believed we could find better prospects there, and the supportive community could be beneficial.
With some savings and a few borrowed funds from friends, I found a modest apartment that would be our new home.
The transition wasn’t easy. We had to adapt to a new environment, new schools, and new neighbours. I juggled multiple jobs, often working late into the night.
Yet, amidst the exhaustion, I found solace in my siblings’ laughter and the dreams we shared. I was determined to ensure they had access to education and opportunities I could only dream of at their age.
My sister, who had shown exceptional diligence in her studies, became my source of pride and inspiration. Watching her graduate high school with outstanding grades rekindled my hopes. I encouraged her to pursue higher education, which she diligently set out to accomplish.
Today, she is flourishing at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), where she is now in her third year, studying diligently and pursuing her finances and even had to skip meals to ensure my siblings had enough to eat. We frequently faced criticisms for living in a neighbourhood that many deemed “unsafe.” Yet, we persevered, rooted in love and an unwavering determination to rise above our circumstances.
As we continued to navigate this journey, I learned invaluable lessons about resilience and the power of community.
Each setback taught us to adapt, and each success reminded us of the importance of family. Through hard work and sacrifice, we began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Reflecting on our journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the strength my siblings showed and the support we found in each other. Our parents may no longer be with us, but their love instilled in us a deep bond and a sense of purpose that can never be broken.