A young graduate who completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in January 2025 has recounted how life has been tough on her and the emotional, physical and financial challenges she has faced since life after service.
The graduate of Benue State University shared her story during an emotional interview on the Lucky Udu Experience, shedding light on the pressure many young women face after relocating to cities like Abuja in search of better opportunities.
According to her, “Life favors some, while others have to struggle. I feel like my own time will come.
“I don’t know what some of my friends do to survive. The money people earn in Nigeria isn’t enough. That’s why many turn to illegal things to get by.”
During her NYSC days, she tried to support herself by selling headbands using her monthly allowance. But things became even harder after the program ended.
Despite numerous temptations to follow the path of transactional relationships, she remained firm in her values.
“If I wanted to sleep around for money, I would make it. But I don’t want to. It’s my personal decision to live a clean life,” she said.
She recounted a painful experience when she reached out to a male friend for help.
“I begged a friend for N200,000 to start a small business. He said if I would spend 10 days with him in a hotel, he would give me N1 million. I blocked him immediately.”
Calling for more dignity and respect for women, she added:
“If I’m seeking help, I don’t expect anyone to ask me for s*x first. It’s heartbreaking.”
She also spoke about the pressure of family responsibilities: I’m the one taking care of myself and my family. My mother and younger ones call me for money almost every time. Even when I have nothing, I try to explain. Going to university was not funded by my nuclear family — it was by God’s grace.”
Looking ahead, she remains hopeful about starting a business to regain stability.
“Since I couldn’t get a good job, I’m just trying to save up to get a shop and start something small. Most times, when I return from selling headbands on foot, I fall sick and need to buy medicine.”
Read also:
‘Life Is Tough, I Begged a Friend for N200k, He Offered N2M for S*x’ – Struggling Graduate (video)
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