Tunde knew he didn't want to marry Amara, but he was too afraid to say it ..
She talked about their future, sent wedding videos, and dreamed out loud about their kids. But his heart wasn't in it.
Instead of being honest, he pulled away slowly. Late replies. Excuses. Distance.
One day, when Amara asked where the relationship was heading, he panicked.
"I've been hiding something," he admitted quietly.
"What is it?" she asked nervously.
He looked away. "I'm HIV positive."
The room fell silent.
A few weeks later, Amara ended the relationship gently and walked away in tears.
And just like that, Tunde got the clean exit he wanted.
But deep down, he knew the truth:
He didn't leave because he was HIV positive.
He left because he was afraid to be honest.
Today, my heart is heavy ..
Those of us who work in the health sector see many things every day, but some cases stay with us.
I spoke with a 16-year old boy living with HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Hearing his story was heartbreaking.
As we talked, he told me he was involved with a woman much older than him.
It reminded me that while we often focus on protecting the girl child, we must not forget the boy child.
Our sons also need guidance, attention, and open conversations about relationships, sex, and their health. They can be vulnerable too.
As parents, let's be watchful, listen to our children, and protect both the girl child and the boy child.
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The Dangers of "Garium Sulphide" (a.k.a. Garri): A Growing University Problem
In recent times, scientists (mainly hungry students in hostels) have started paying attention to a strange substance called Garium sulphide, also known in normal language as Garri.
At first, it looks simple. Just small grains made from cassava. But don’t be fooled. This thing has quietly become one of the most important survival foods in Nigerian universities and homes.
What makes Garium sulphide dangerous is how addictive it is. A student may start by saying, “Let me just take small Garri.” Before long, the same student is eating it every day and acting like it is a normal part of life. It slowly becomes a habit that is hard to stop.
The process is very simple. Once you take it, your body quickly gets used to it. Then it starts feeling like real food is not necessary anymore. It can be eaten in different forms: soaked in water, half-soaked, or even dry when things are really tough.
These days, the addiction is even worse because Garri is no longer taken alone. It now demands company like groundnut, milk, or kuli kuli. Without these, some people feel like something is missing, even though it is still the same Garri.
Another danger is how people strongly defend it. If someone calls it “poor man’s food,” it can cause serious argument. Many students will quickly explain how it is actually a smart and affordable choice for survival.
The truth is simple: Garium sulphide is very essential for survival in Nigeria, especially for students. Without it, many people would struggle to manage hunger when money is tight. It is cheap, easy to prepare, and always available when needed.
In conclusion, while Garri may look simple and harmless, it is a powerful addictive that students and people in Nigerian homes depend on daily. It is both a blessing and a habit that is hard to break.
Once you start, there's no stopping.