An elderly woman known as Adaure has opened up about the personal circumstances that shaped her decision not to marry, revealing that the weight of responsibility she carried from an early age left little room for building a family of her own.
In her account, she explained that much of her youth was defined by constant movement and relentless effort to earn a living. Rather than enjoying the stability or social opportunities that often lead to marriage, she found herself travelling from one place to another in search of means to survive.
According to her, the burden of caring for her siblings became her primary focus during those formative years. With limited support and pressing family needs, she had to assume a parental role, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring that her brothers and sisters were fed and looked after.
“I didn’t get married because, during my youth, I was doing oringo and hustling to feed my siblings,” she said, reflecting on the sacrifices she made at the time.
She further recounted that her journey in search of livelihood took her across several states in Nigeria and even beyond the country’s borders. The nature of her work required persistence and adaptability, leaving little opportunity to establish personal relationships or consider settling down.
Looking back, she emphasised that her life choices were not driven by preference but by necessity. The demands of survival and family responsibility dictated her path, ultimately shaping the course of her life in ways she could not have anticipated in her younger years.
Her story highlights the difficult realities faced by many individuals who, due to economic hardship and family obligations, are compelled to make significant personal sacrifices.
