Victoria’s Victory: A Story of Strength and Perseverance

In Nigeria, women often face pressure to get pregnant immediately after marriage. From the very day of the wedding, subtle hints start coming from friends and family who expect a child within nine months. Some even go as far as making direct comments like, “We want to hear the cry of a baby in this house soon,” or “We want to come and eat jollof rice in nine months.” When pregnancy doesn’t happen quickly, some thoughtless individuals feel entitled to ask, “What are you waiting for? You’re here painting your nails instead of giving your husband a baby.” Such remarks can be deeply hurtful.

Esther, for instance, endured anxiety and societal pressure when, five years into her marriage, she was still unable to conceive. The fear, worry, and constant judgment weighed heavily on her. However, after years of praying and hoping, she received a prophecy that she would bear a special child who would change her family’s destiny. Esther eventually became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl named Victoria.

Victoria grew up in humble circumstances. Her family lived in a rough neighborhood in Lagos, an area notorious for crime and poverty. When Victoria was just four, tragedy struck—the sudden death of her father. This left her pregnant mother and young sibling in a difficult situation. Despite the hardships, her mother dedicated her life to raising her children, refusing to remarry and focusing solely on their upbringing.

Victoria’s mother was a hardworking tailor, though she barely earned enough to support the family. From a young age, Victoria helped out by learning how to make cornrows and knit sweaters. She even crafted wooden piggy banks to sell for extra income. By the time she was eight, Victoria had already joined her mother in sewing clothes. Their life was one of constant struggle, living hand to mouth, but they persevered.

Victoria had dreams of becoming a doctor and took the entrance exam multiple times without success. Eventually, she settled for studying biochemistry, a field she didn’t like, but she had no other choice. Throughout university, she balanced her studies with working as a makeup artist and hairstylist to support herself and her family. Her talent in these areas soon garnered attention, and she was able to earn a decent income.

However, the demands of her work took a toll on her academics. Frequent travels for jobs meant she missed important tests, and her grades began to suffer. When she tried to negotiate with her lecturers, she was often met with inappropriate advances. Some lecturers blatantly told her that she would fail unless she complied with their demands. Victoria, however, refused to compromise her integrity. She declined these advances, which resulted in further academic setbacks. Eventually, overwhelmed by the unfairness of the system, she made a drastic decision.

Victoria's story is one of resilience, determination, and defying societal expectations. Despite the challenges, she went on to become a successful fashion designer, transforming her family's fortunes and fulfilling the prophecy her mother once received.