We almost killed Success, now her video has changed our live *** Parents

                  

ILUS ONOJEGHEN

 writes about how a video of the innocent outburst of Success Adegor, went viral, elevated the family and exposed problems in the educational system in Delta State

Finding Success Adegor’s home within the Urban Area of Sapele wasn’t difficult. Within a week, she has become one of the most famous people in the history of her community. The entrance to their one-bedroomed apartment at Brazilian-styled house, popularly known as Face-me-I-face-you, was swamped by visitors.

Urban Area is a poor neighbourhood but for the Adegor’s family, the situation is fast changing through their seven-year-old daughter, Success, who has become the toast of many Nigerians. Success’ claim to fame, a viral video in which she was venting her frustration and anger after being sent out of school over her parents’ inability to pay her examination levy, caught the attention of the state government and many Nigerians, including celebrities.

The primary three pupil of Okotie-Eboh Primary School 1, Sapele had said in the footage recorded by her neighbour, Miss Stephanie Idolor, that she preferred to be flogged to being sent out of school.

Meanwhile, from our correspondent’s interaction with other kids in the community, there are many others like Success who have either been sent out of school or do not attend school at all.

Success’ father, Godwin Adegor, is a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as okada rider, while her mum sells recharge cards and raw eggs. They have two other children – Gift and Marvelous – who are in Junior Secondary School. Both are said to be intelligent and they showed signs of this when they read the entire Tuesday edition (March 19, 2019) of The Gistfavour our correspondent had with him. They were fascinated by the picture of their younger sister on the front page of the newspaper.

As Saturday Gistfavour approached Success’ parents, proud smiles beamed from their faces. Mr Adegor said everything was happening so fast for his family as if it was all a dream. “Are Nigerians this kind?” He asked our correspondent, while still smiling. “We are short of words for what has come our way.”

Since Success’ video went viral, the Adegors have been receiving people of all social strata as visitors and some have been calling them on the phone. Popular social media celebrity, Mr Jollof, was among the early callers. Mr. Jollof immediate registered Success at a private school – Majesty Academy, Sapele – and paid for two terms starting from third term, promising to fund her education up to university level.

Success has also received scholarship for primary and secondary school education from the Sapele Local Government Area Chairman, Chief Eugene Inoaghan, along with cash gift. The family of the girl has also met with the Private Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Hilary Ibegbulem, while some Nigerian celebrities, including comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY, have also reached out to the family, with promises to help the little girl.

“At the moment, we have two scholarships for Success – one by Sapele LGA chairman (Inoaghan) and Mr. Jollof. I feel great. I thank everyone for their support.