31/10/2025
EVERY NIGERIAN MOTHER SHOULD READ THIS
FROM JUJU TO JOY : A MOTHER'S JOURNEY by Florence Ubajekwe
It's still like yesterday that I remember the day my son's grades dropped. I was shocked, disappointed, and worried. You know Nigerian mothers; we're always devoted to our children's education, providing for their every need and ensuring they have the best opportunities. But now, it seemed like all my efforts were unraveling. My husband's niece had come to live with us a few months ago, and I had been trying to make her feel at home. But as the days went by, I started to notice a change in my son's behavior and grades at school. Was it a coincidence, or was something more at play? I couldn't shake off the feeling that my husband's niece was somehow involved.
As I confided in friends and family, some of them whispered about juju - dark magic that could curse my child. I didn't believe in it, but I was consumed by thoughts of what could be. Could my husband's niece have been using some kind of supernatural power to sabotage my child's future? I told myself that I had to get to the bottom of it. I tried everything to help my son, but nothing seemed to work. I felt like a failure as a mother, unable to protect my child from whatever was going on.
Finally, the day of the Open Day arrived. I was nervous as I sat down with my son's teacher, eager to hear about his performance. The teacher looked at me, shook her head, and looked down. I wondered what had gone wrong and who I could turn to for help. But then, the teacher looked up with a warm smile and said, "Madam, your son is a bright child, but he's been struggling lately. I think he needs more support and attention from you." I felt a pang of guilt and regret. I realized that I had been so focused on providing for my family's physical needs that I had forgotten about their emotional and educational needs.
After the teacher had finished, I humbly asked for advice. She gave me some valuable guidance, and I took it to heart. I spent more time with my son, helping him with his homework and being part of his studies. I made sure to praise him for his efforts and encouraged him to keep trying. As the weeks went by, I saw significant improvement in my son's grades and behavior. He became more confident, and his love for learning was reignited. I felt a surge of pride and relief as I watched him thrive.
As I looked at my son's smiling face, I realized that it was neglect, not juju, that had caused his struggles. I apologized to my husband's niece and my son for my neglect, and we all hugged, tears streaming down our faces. In that moment, I felt a mix of emotions - relief, joy, and a deep sense of love for my child.
To all the parents out there, I want to say this: don't let fear and doubt creep in. You are your child's greatest advocate, and with love, support, and presence, you can overcome any obstacle. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be too proud to apologize. Being a good parent is not about being perfect; it's about being present.
To my son, I say: never give up on yourself. You are bright, capable, and loved. Keep pushing forward, even when the journey gets tough. And to all the children out there, know that your parents are doing their best, and that's something to be grateful for.
I learned a big lesson: being a good parent is not just about providing for your child's physical needs but also about being present and involved in their life. I vowed to be a better parent, prioritize my child's education and well-being, and never let neglect creep in again.
As I look to the future, I know we'll face challenges, but I'm ready. One step at a time, with love, courage, and determination. I'll be here, cheering my son on, and guiding him every step of the way.
