Ace Comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, popularly known as Alibaba, has expressed concern over the increasing number of single mothers in the country.
Alibaba, who raised the concern in an online article, said: “There is an epidemic out there; It’s not EBOLA, but the challenge single mothers are going through daily.
Alibaba
“Single mothers are increasing in numbers; what have you done to prepare you for the child or children you plan to bring into the world?
“What are your plans towards taking care of them as they grow… Knowing that it cost more to bring a child up now than it did when our parents had us?’’ Alibaba asked.
“I get whatsapp, twitter, Facebook and text messages from single ladies who are pregnant or have kids, but do not know what to do to take care of themselves; not to mention the kid or kids they have.
“With the access and opportunities social media has opened up, these requests for assistance based on the challenges of raising kids by single mothers, have become a regular feature in my inbox, DM, whatsapp and even one-on-one.
“And this always makes me ask, is it not possible to avoid being caught up in some of these tough situations?
“I know it’s impossible to know if you will be a widow and left with 2 or 3 kids to raise by yourself, as a mother.
“But when it happens, what is the solution?
“And it’s how to be a single mum and still hold your head high in the face of school fees, house rent, parental demands, sibling responsibilities, looking good, career pursuit, peace of mind, remain sexy and responsible.’’
Alibaba explained that he often met and got messages, from ladies who either lost their jobs, widowed, pregnant and no job.
“The guy who impregnated them absconded, or is around but doesn’t give a hoot, or working but can’t meet the financial demands of raising kids on their own;
“Or the guy agreed to having the babies and to support with their upkeep … But things happened and he couldn’t come through with the promised support.
Alibaba observed that some ladies just want to have kids, because their friends do too.
“To be honest, you don’t want to know what she does to make those kids look desirable enough to make you want to have yours.
“May be she has a job. May be she has a rich husband. Or may be she has a loaded boyfriend or saved up wealth,’’ he said.
According to him, that friend could be the “saving grace” of a guy who has been looking for a child or may have rich parents.
“She could be a surrogate mum, who bore the kids and is caring for the kids for the true parents…. May be, just may be…,’’ Alibaba said.
The comedian, however, noted that in spite of the challenges, there are ladies who can hold their own and still put the guy who they are with on a monthly allowance.
“But, hey, nobody can stop you from wanting to have your own child or children. You ought to; and if they don’t come naturally, adopt.
“There is no issue with that,’’ he stressed.