My name is Margaret and I am a Nigerian. This is a summarized story of my life.
I was born into a wealthy family in the late 90s. My dad controlled enormous wealth ranging from real estates, investment in oil and gas as well as a cement factory.
My mum was not working, she felt she didn't have to work, her husband's wealth made working unattractive. She didn't have any problems; they were madly in love.
Life was rosy until 2010, when I lost my parents in a plane crash, it was terrible. Sooner did I realize my tears couldn't bring them back, so I decided to man up.
I was courted by my father's brother, he was a source of strength and hope, he became my guardian. I didn't know he had a sinester motive; a dark game up his sleeves.
He wasn't happy my dad died, but nevertheless, he wasn't going to let go an opportunity to get richer. His wife was his source of dark energy.
By the time I would realize my self, I had lost my father's wealth to him. I was young and naive. For sure I wasn't able to do anything, help didn't come from anywhere, not the state or federal government.
I was left with nothing, but I refused to let it draw me back, I had the opportunity to commit myself to various vices; smoking, cultism, armed robbery. But then I decided to be strong, I decided to fight failure.
I was reduced to hustling day in day out, my friends would sale their bodies in exchange for lavished lifestyle, and flaunt them before me, but I was impervious to it.
I drove taxi after school each day, I did menial jobs, in my heart, was a sea of tears as I thronged myself towards every opportunity.
At 26, I had finished my university education. I sought for a job at a reputable and I wasn't ashamed to include taxi driving as an experience in my curriculum vitae.
Today, at 52, I am a regional manager of that firm.
I didn't allow my early situation to determine my future. I didn't give laziness a chance. I refused to be weak. I worked hard fending off pressure from peers.
I didn't get, pregnant, I didn't get STDs, I didn't get into prison, I exercised girl power.
You too can.