Popular Nigerian comedienne, Anita Afoke Asuoha, widely known as Warri Pikin, has opened up about a personal experience in which she nearly attempted suicide after being influenced by a motivational speaker’s advice.
The comedienne took to her Instagram page in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, sharing that the incident happened in 2018 when her husband had fallen into severe debt. The couple, she explained, was convinced by a motivational speaker to try multiple business ventures in a quest for financial success. Unfortunately, these ventures resulted in them being burdened by a debt of N22 million.
In her words, she recounted:
“I tried suicide so you don’t have to. On June 6, 2018, around 3pm, I attempted suicide. I gave up on life because the burden was too much to bear.
“Life just dey hit me left right and center, life dey turn me round like barber chair. And I felt like the only way to escape is to end the pain.”
Warri Pikin went on to advise her followers that suicide is not the solution to life's challenges. She emphasized that no matter the hardships one faces, they are temporary and should not be met with a permanent decision like ending one’s life.
She also shared photos, introducing her followers to Irene C. Anaenye, the woman whom she credited with saving her life on that fateful day, June 6, 2018, at Garki Hospital.
In the same vein, she continued to encourage people battling with suicidal thoughts to seek help and support. She reminded her audience that “Suicide is making a permanent decision to a temporary problem.”