Nigerian comedienne Anita Asuoha, widely known as Real Warri Pikin, has recounted her experience of attempting suicide due to a debt of N22 million.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, she shared that during a period of financial difficulty, a motivational speaker who met with her husband encouraged him to explore various business ventures.
Motivated by this advice, her husband pursued several business opportunities, which ultimately led the family into a debt of N22 million.
The comedienne, who shared her story in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, revealed that after all their efforts failed, she attempted suicide in June 2018.
“I tried suicide so you don’t have to, in 2018, June 6, 3 pm to be precise, I attempted suicide, I gave up on life because the burden was too much.
“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,” she said in a video clip shared on her Instagram page.
She said the intervention of a family member who visited at the right moment saved her.
She explained that though it might be tough, life is in seasons and phases, urging her fans not to make suicide an option when all hope seems lost.
“Suicide is making a permanent decision to a temporary problem. And most of all, hold on to God and do the one your power reach,” the comedienne said.
Asuoha had in 2019 said depression pushed her into comedy.
“I discovered my comedy talent through depression. In school, I used to dance professionally, host events, and do stand-up comedy. However, I didn’t take it seriously. Last year, I fell into depression. I didn’t have money, and a lot of things went wrong. I just said to myself, “Why not start making videos to motivate and inspire people in a funny way”? And here I am today.”