A young Nigerian woman has captured the attention and admiration of social media users across the nation for her unwavering commitment to caring for her mentally challenged mother.
The video that sparked this wave of support shows a young woman, well-dressed and caring, visiting her mother who roams the streets in ragged clothes.
The video was published by ObiCubana News on Wednesday.
The stark contrast between the daughter’s neat appearance and the mother’s disheveled state is striking, yet it underscores a narrative of love, resilience, and societal neglect.
The mother is filmed sitting in a dilapidated area, with an abandoned building and overgrown weeds in the background.
According to some social users, the scene likely to be somewhere in the Southeastern part of the country. The girl is heard speaking to her mom in Igbo and English.
In the emotional video, the daughter speaks candidly about her mother’s condition, revealing that it began to deteriorate after the death of their father.
The daughter, despite the financial and emotional strain, continues to support her mother with the little resources she has.
“I know people refer to me as the daughter of a madwoman. Yes, I am proud. I am proud to be somebody’s daughter. At least I have a mother,” she says in the video, her voice tinged with both pride and sorrow.
She emphasizes the importance of caring for one’s parents regardless of their condition, urging others to show kindness and support to those in need.
The daughter’s commitment to her mother is not just a personal mission but also a statement against societal stigma and neglect.
She describes the pain of watching others’ mothers who are well and the heartbreak of seeing her own mother’s condition.
Her visits, which include bringing her mother food and money.
Social media users have been moved by this story, expressing a mix of admiration, support, and calls for action.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the daughter for her dedication and calling for more substantial support for both her and her mother.
One user, Ogaranya Inc, commented, “She doesn’t seem mad; she understands what her daughter is saying. This might just be a mental illness that could be managed if Nigeria cared about everyone.”
Iampelumi, another user, expressed concern for the daughter’s well-being, saying, “Imagine the names she will be called at school or in society. I really hope she continues being strong for her mother.”
This comment highlights the additional challenges faced by the daughter, who must navigate both personal hardship and societal judgment.
Calls for practical assistance have also emerged. Michael Ogwo asked, “Is there any way we can help her and her mom stay away from stress and the public eye?”
Similarly, Onye Igbo urged for direct support, saying, “If possible, let’s get the girl’s information to support her and take her mother to the hospital.”
Emeka-Emx-Ezenduka suggested a potential solution, recommending that the family seek medical help and provide love and care to manage the mother’s condition.
He emphasized, “Take her home, seek medical help, and show love and care. This will help her manage depression. Stay strong; this too shall pass.”
However, the discussion also brings to light the systemic issues in Nigeria’s mental health care system. April 11 Media highlighted the lack of adequate facilities, stating, “The government should have hospitals to treat such cases, as it’s beyond the children’s capacity.”
The situation has also prompted reflections on the broader societal and economic context.
Diary of a Naija Boy pointed out the financial challenges of mental health care, noting, “Rehab ain’t cheap. A month we are talking about close to 300k naira or more. Do you think she can afford it? Healthcare in Nigeria ain’t cheap, guys. We should support her.”
In a related note, Sammy UgoNabo proposed that the National Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu could be a potential solution, advocating for the establishment of better mental health care facilities in Nigeria.
“Let’s get her into a rehabilitation center. Nigeria may not be big on mental health care, but we can start now,” he said.
This story has also prompted deeper reflections on the nature of mental health and societal responses. Prof. ChªrlΞsFℓowz… Odogwu Billion emphasized the hope for improvement through proper care, stating, “In cases where the individual can still communicate and comprehend, there is hope for better management.”
The emotional weight of the story is further highlighted by user Alade, who prayed for divine intervention, saying, “Oh dear God, You healed the madman of Gadara before. Please manifest that same power for our sister and her mother.”
