![bave-pictures--tVKTP](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXLN4bPvHsxAYEoxUrX8ETucH7mV2ptmAqSbpYQuSkmX3/bave-pictures--tVKTPltxuo-unsplash.jpg) _{[Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-wearing-a-helmet--tVKTPltxuo?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink)} *** ‎When Inimfon finished secondary school, her mother asked her to get married. ‎ ‎_"You've gotten enough education for a girl. Now it's time to start planning your real future"._ ‎ ‎_"I'm doing that, mama"._ Inimfon whispered softly. ‎ ‎_"Then you are not doing well enough!"_ Her mother snapped. Slightly hurt by Inimfon's defiance. ‎ ‎Mama wanted the best for Inimfon. Finding a wealthy partner who would take care of her, give her Lamborghinis, and gradually liberate the family from the hand-me-down generational poverty that has lasted for more than 10 decades seemed like the simplest, quickest route. ‎ ‎_"You need to do what other girls are doing"._ _"Get a wealthy partner, Inimfon. Have a large wedding. Fill the home with kids. Can't you see Fortune? Can't you see how happy she made her mother?"_ ‎ Inimfon felt hurt. She wanted a better life too. But she didn't have a high-income skill that she could survive on. The jobs available only paid ₦8,000 - ₦10,000. How would she survive on that? Why should she look for a Messiah when she can also put in the effort? ‎

![muhammad-indradjit-b](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQWGWufc6TXwtgFkLaUhaEddZ1aYEYStPRc62hvQh1uTV/muhammad-indradjit-b3XYUgNWn6A-unsplash.jpg)_{Her dream}

She knew that the best way to liberate her family, community, and give her mom the comfort she desired was through education. Not some imaginary saviour from the sky. ‎Education will not only fill her mind with valuable knowledge but will also help her access higher paying jobs and opportunities. Who knows, she could use that knowledge to establish a thriving business, meet better clients and access better grants and support someday? ‎ ‎She informed her dad of her decision to further her studies in the university. He was ever ready to support her. ‎ ‎_"I know you'd make us proud,"_ He said happily. ‎ ‎Inimfon did make him proud. She put in a lot of effort when she arrived at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It wasn't easy — especially since she had to take multiple part-time jobs in order to raise money for feeding and tuition. There were no student loans so she had to work extra hard to supplement the little money her dad sends to her monthly. ‎ ‎Her effort paid off after 6 years. That's 5 years in school coupled with the pandemic and strike. She graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Got a huge contract at 23 years which set her up for life. ‎ ![bave-pictures-nNgcOq](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdP7ExxRbZFU196ADZwVQicBMKKFFptV58FEcaunyqkBE/bave-pictures-nNgcOqhdtj8-unsplash.jpg) _{[Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-people-writing-on-a-piece-of-paper-nNgcOqhdtj8?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink)} ‎She invested that money in a profitable business. Built a home for her mom and dad, and constructed borehole water for her community who struggled with having clean drinking water. ‎ Today, she partners with NGOs who offer scholarships to young girls so they can stay focused in school. She also solicited to the government to erect a state-of-the-art free primary healthcare centre to curb childbirth mortality, and help the villagers access quality healthcare services. ‎ During one of her tours, she met a pilot. They fell in love, got married and relocated to Canada to live happily ever after. ‎ ‎

**What I learnt from Inimfon's experience**

Many girls are pressured into getting married early, not because they are ready but because someone in their lives believes that they can't offer more than that. My key takeaway is that young girls can achieve more. They should be encouraged to acquire more relevant skills and knowledge that prepares them for the future. You'd agree that the true way young women can help their family and community is often through their own education. Inimfon didn't just escape poverty, she was also able to transform her village, restore quality healthcare and create a brighter future for other young girls. Every girl deserves access to quality education — whether formal or vocational. It helps them make more valuable contributions to their society. ‎_{This is a true life story laced with a touch of fiction to conceal the true characters' identities. It is written to celebrate every woman who has used their position to give back positively to society in one way or the other.} _{**Thank you for reading through.**
I'm specifically inviting @julietbella @pandora2010 and @blessedlife to join this amazing [contest](https://steemit.com/ladies-universe/@ruthjoe/contest-tell-your-story-64).
Published 22 October 2025}