By Muhammed Akindele
Many Nigerian women have been subjected to threats and abuse by their romantic partners, often leading to fatal outcomes. Additionally, a significant number of young women, often referred to as “slay queens,” have fallen victim to online fraudsters known as “Yahoo Boys,” who exploit them when they need to sustain their dubious sources of income.
The critical question that arises is why women are disproportionately affected by this menace.
Recently, a suspected ritualist was apprehended in Port Harcourt, allegedly murdering his girlfriend with whom he was studying at the University of Port Harcourt. Shockingly, he also mutilated her by removing her eyes and breasts. A similar incident occurred in Edo State where a Yahoo Boy was accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend.
There are several factors contributing to these disturbing incidents in our society. However, one of the most prominent reasons is the lack of self-reliance among the victimized women.
A majority of our women nowadays fail to make independent decisions and instead rely heavily on their boyfriends to cover all their expenses. This reliance on others is why some women choose to date Yahoo Boys who appear capable of providing for their needs. Regrettably, these Yahoo Boys or ritualists engage in sinister transactions.
Self-reliance is a crucial quality for our young women. It empowers them to be emotionally, sexually, and financially stable, ensuring they can support themselves without complete dependence on others.
At this juncture, it is essential to clarify that self-reliance does not mean that women cannot seek help and assistance from those they trust. They should, however, strike a balance between being dependent and self-reliant.
There is a saying, “You are the architect of your destiny. Seeking advice from your elders is natural, but the final decisions should rest with you and not be surrendered to others.”