Three decades ago, a small six-year-old dreamed of the future. Dreamed of going to school. Dreamed of an education.
But this ambitious six-year-old was a girl. And being a female was enough reason to shatter those wishes. The little girl watched her dreams ebb away as her brothers were sent to school while she was kept at home to help her mother. All because she was born a female.
This little girl was my best friend, Iffy. Growing up we were inseparable. We played together, we ran together, we danced together. Then came the day when we were separated. When my own parents realised that if I stayed in Nigeria, my own future could be in doubt. So they sent me to London (where I was actually born) to get the education that Iffy and I both dreamed about. I was the fortunate one because that education altered my life. It was the education that Iffy was denied.
Today, I am passionate about helping other young girls just like Iffy. Just like me if I had stayed in Nigeria.
Today, I have a dream to empower as many young girls as possible in Africa through supporting World Vision.
Today, 131 million girls aged 6-17 do not go to school. Help us change that for the girls of tomorrow.
Born in the UK as the youngest of seven children, from an early age Chika was inspired by her African family who loved to cook and create recipes using unique African ingredients.
“Africa is at the heart of my family, with every holiday spent in Nigeria immersed in the culture and food. The young me fell in love with the sights, smells and sounds…”