Nigerian singer Aituaje Iruobe, better known as Waje, has opened up about her experience with teenage pregnancy and raising a child as a single mother, revealing how the journey tested her resilience and determination.
Speaking on the Honest Brunch podcast, Waje shared that she became pregnant at just 16 and didn’t tell her mother until she was five months along. The father of her child initially denied responsibility, leaving Waje and her family to navigate the situation alone. “My mom had gone to his family and said, okay, so your son and my daughter… and he was like, no, it’s not him,” she recounted. Following Igbo custom, her family assumed full responsibility for the child.
Years later, the father resurfaced, expressing a desire to meet his daughter. Waje said she was cautious, concerned about his stability and the potential disruption to her child’s life. “Many times when fathers or mothers are protecting their child, it’s because you already know that this person is not stable. This person can come and destabilise the life of the child,” she explained.
Education has always been a priority for Waje. She made it clear that her daughter would receive the best schooling she could afford and insisted that the father contribute if he wanted to be involved. Attempts at a DNA test were proposed but never followed through, delaying other opportunities, including potential immigration options. “She turned 18 and you can’t file for a child at 18,” Waje noted.
Despite these challenges, Waje ensured her daughter’s education remained a top priority. She eventually enrolled her in Middlesex University, paying the fees in dollars to guarantee she received the quality education she had envisioned from the start.
Through her candid revelations, Waje highlights both the struggles and the unwavering commitment it takes to navigate single motherhood, emphasizing the importance of stability, foresight, and love in raising a child.
