The Sombre Years: Student's Edition

Robbers

About the Book

The Somber Years is a corpus celebrating the launch of the forceps of investigative Journalism into one of the world’s most ailing social vices-commercial sex. While some advocates give the impression that sex workers have every right to denigrate themselves by staying in the trade, the book, on the contrary offers profound hope, offering the way out to a better and healthier living for those in the trade. The book recognizes that, as human beings, sex workers are undeniably entitled to their fundamental human rights.

It however rejects the situation where women and girls are turned into moneymaking tools. In the course of doing this investigation, I had one-on-one chats with lots of sex workers in Nigeria and in the West African sub-region. One thing is pronounced from the interviews: 90% of these women and girls hate the thing they do-commercial sex and truly seek better alternatives. These better alternatives are honestly hard to come by. The good news however, is, this book brings that long-expected alternative.

The thematic presentation of the fruits of succinct investigation hides nothing about the solutions to this modern slavery. This becomes necessary following the fact that advocates of the legalization of sex work refuse themselves, to become sex workers, and they also will not allow their children or loved ones to practice the trade. So, who are they legalizing illegality for?

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Treasured

High Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs, DLB

In humble appreciation of your countless, unfeigned philanthropic works, especially in the area of awarding scholarship to the less privilege.

Dr. Atiemie Braide-Lolomari,

Truly exceptional with a genuinely large heart.

God bless you.

Capt. Irene Koki Mutungi

The first black woman to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, yet humble to the core. Congratulations!

Mr. Ikechi Uko

Renowned for his indefatigable promotion of tourism development in Nigeria and across the African continent, travel business consultant who has delivered on countless world-class projects. This is to say more powers to your elbows

In Memoriam

Komla Afeke Dumor

Ghana’s ace BBC broadcaster

3rd October 1972- 18th January 2014

&

Mrs. Bisi Olateru-Olagbegi

Foundress/Executive Director, Women’s Consortium of Nigeria. Your legacies live on.

TO YOU TOBORE IGHOFUME OVUORIE, JOURNALIST WITH A PRACTICAL PEN

THIS WAS YOUR SUBMISSION AGAINST THE DENIGRATION OF THE WOMAN:

My dearest parents, I know you care about your daughters but please, don't strangulate their dreams and future! Just had a very nasty experience that's why I'm writing you. Late 2012, a very young lady had written me for help. I was a relationship and life columnist with Saturday National Mirror then. I chose to meet her. Her problem? Her mother won't allow her proceed for a Master’s degree though she has a very good Bachelor’s degree. She wants to become a lecturer and researcher. Her mother felt and still feels men would run away from her if 'too educated'!

Well, from my then meagre salary, I bought her the Master’s Degree form at my school: University Of Ibadan. She was admitted and I struggled to pay her school fees and keep her in school. I must say it wasn't easy! Those of you who hear me complaining of being broke all those times, now you know one of the places my money was heading to!

She made a PhD proceed. She needs a PhD to be able to lecture and be a researcher. I don't have the funds to completely see her through school as I had become very ill and spending much on my health. Rather, I applied for scholarships on her behalf. I've been so excited for some time. She's been granted scholarship at an Australian University. She would also be a research assistant. Present problem? How would her mother react!

I thought the mum would be excited so I encouraged her to tell mum everything. This morning, there were thunderous bangs on my door. Jostled out of sleep, I ran to open the door. Lo and behold, I was pounced upon by her mother, hitting me from all sides and heaping curses on me. I got to know for the first time that the poor girl lied to the mum that she was working in Ibadan so she could complete her Master’s degree. Now, she told mum the truth of how she came about the PhD admission, scholarship, etc. I was the sponsor! Her father's family are excited. In three years’ time, she would be the first Doctor (academic) in the entire family. Since they aren't contributing a dime to the process, they were and are happy! 

Her uncle and a neighbour of mine were my saviours! They wrestled me from this woman's grip as she pummelled me early hours of this morning. She says I don't want her daughter to be married that's why I have done these horrible things to her. My flat was a theatre this morning. A crowd gathered! They tried explaining to the woman that I've done well for her daughter, worse still, I never knew her before I did those things. I have a passion for girls and women. I long for very good living for them that's why I'll cut an arm for a girl or woman.

This woman won't listen that she would be the ultimate 'enjoyer' when her daughter settles well in life. She had beaten me blue and black. Thank God one of my neighbours is a medical doctor. I was sneaked through the back door into his flat where he started treating me. He's placed me on sedatives but I can't sleep. There's a tigress out there who has promised to vandalize the doctor's property except he sends me out of his house. She's not yet satisfied. She wants to beat me some more! I hear my neighbour who is a senior police officer has been phoned and she's sending police officers to get the woman. 

I don't regret helping Mosunmola. I'll be very excited in three years’ time when she adds Dr. to her name and fulfils her dreams of becoming a lecturer/researcher. I pray she's retained in Australia. My only regret is that we still have too many Iya and Baba Mosunmola out there. Their only dream for their daughters is to get married 'sharply' and start producing babies!

My dearest mummy and daddy please let your daughters dream and attain their dreams. They deserve more in life. You'll be gladdest for it when they turn out well and even make your family name famous. Thank you.

KindestRegards,

Tobore IghofumeOvuorie,

Very Concerned Woman

I dedicate this page to you:

PRINCESS ADA, YFM PRESENTER, TAKORADI.

Your captors showed optimum bestiality and painted a raunchy picture of African men. I salute your courage in the face of gruesome molestation and your ability to stick to the decency of womanhood against all odds.

You are a heroine of your generation.

Beatitude

The road to discovery walked along the balcony of uncommon fact finding is often hazardous and capital-intensive. At first, I thought I was not going to get any reasonable fact about the subject of my mission. But over and above all I imagined, the work is done.

The completion of the work would have been named impossible were it not for the sustenance of God Almighty whose supremacy supersedes all we know, think and have. To Him, I remain ever thankful.

At every turn in life, there are people who, in spite of all odds, show appreciable concern, love and support.

My appreciation also visits Rev. Fr. Kierian Ogechi Alaribe, C.S.Sp who spared time for some insightful discussions on the subject matter. My regards to Rev. Fr. Peter Benson Okwori, C.S.Sp and Rev. Fr. James Chijioke Nwauzor, C.S.Sp.

Rev. Fr. Abel Agbulu, CM, has been helpful in several ways, so a sincere acknowledgement is an understatement.

To my very good brother and friend, Rev. Fr. Innocent Orduah, I lack words to appreciate you. I ask God to bless you beyond old age.

I congratulate Dr. & Mrs. Emeka & Evelyn Osunwoke on your wedlock. Wishing you much more than nuptial bliss.

I sincerely thank you Dr. Atiemie Braide-Lolomari. You took a really bold step to do me a profound favour that many who know me better than you do could not do. Your letter of recommendation was doubly honoured.

I will not forget the kind gestures of Dr. Christiana Alaribe Ajaps. Thank you very much.

The train of gratitude will feel empty in the absence of Mr. Damian Ogini, Diocesan President of the Apostleship of Prayer, League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, who stood by me when a devoted ingrate blew the odd wind. Thank you sir.

My respected pilot friend, Capt. Irene Koki Mutungi, your unfeigned humility and gentility keep me speechless. Your starring record as the world’s first black woman to fly a dream liner airplane is remarkable among other awards. Congrats! I thank you and wish you more fruitful flying years.

To my beloved adopted sister, Lumbuka Kaunda-Mununkila and friends from Zambia: Pastor Vivien Cheembe, Kudzai, Natasha, Penjani, Mwiza of Radio Christian Voice, I hold you dear.

Special regards: Rev. Sr. Chinenye Keke,DC, Rev. Sr. Teresa Eke,DC,  Bart Thompson, CEO, Nodal Communications, Gaius Sile, the oga at the top of Sile Communications, Johanna Jibril, Angela Longs Dengwat, Sebastian Kpalap, Priscilla Kpalap, Uche Onwuka, Priscilla Namadi of Skye bank, Nyanya, Abuja, Uyai Favour of Diamond bank Abuja, Blessing Ambrose of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Barr. Jane Itam, Barr. Lydia Ojigwo, Charles Ekeh, KSC, Christopher Itor-ue, Mr. Okpanachi Attah, Chief Odimegwu Onwumere, Akpana, aka Miss Resourceful, Mrs. Mission Gborote, Mr. Ibrahim Bakare, Mr. Ken Nwoye, MD/CEO Bobby’s Fashion House Ltd., Bridget Barika, Cyprian Giadom, and a young friend of mine who beams with clear-cut sense of decency, Vivien Sorgia. Each of you has been a wonderful contributor to this work, one way or the other. A line of gratitude is due you Angela Denor. You are an embodiment of the reminder of your late dad. May God Almighty exceedingly bless you.

I will like to take a special time out to salute High Chief (Barr.) Dumo Lulu-Briggs for his profoundly outstanding philanthropic gestures.  I witnessed your lifting indigent students from dropping out of school and today they are better Nigerians. Thank you Sir. Let me also salute the hardworking Mr. Nelson T. Amieye, fondly known as Baba T. You are unique too. More grace!

Felix Idah Waboso, a medical doctor who does not like titles, deserves salutation. I congratulate Benefit Vilokpo, Daniel Deerah, Mira Simboroba, and Golden Mbere who got wedded. I also acknowledge Mr. Brownson Bealo. Together we worked as a team for the Gokana Youths for Growth, GYG, and I learnt so much from you.

To you Mrs. Helen Igwe, I owe indescribable thanks for always telling the truth just the way it is. Your type is rare to find. You are blessed beyond your imaginations.I won't forget Udochi Anokwu, Judith Chukwu of NAPTIP, Grace Anidibie, Zainab Yahaya Adekunle, Mrs. Adaku Bekee, Mrs. Peju Mordi, Mrs. Esther Dumbiri, Mrs. Nonye Nebolisa and Dumle Kinen. All of you deserve profound gratitude for