Portable Recounts Childhood Struggles
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has opened up about the painful circumstances that forced him to abandon his education at a young age. The Zazuu crooner revealed that poverty and a lack of support made it impossible for him to remain in school, despite his determination to succeed. Portable shared the details during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he reflected on his childhood struggles and expressed hope that he would one day complete his education.
Hawking Sachet Water to Survive
According to the singer, he had to fend for himself while still pursuing his education. Portable explained that he survived by hawking sachet water, using the little money he made to cover his school expenses because there was no one to support him financially. "I no finish school; the time wey I dey go school, I sell pure water, I no see anybody to sponsor me," he said. Eventually, the financial burden became too much, forcing him to leave school before completing his education.
Plans to Return to School
Despite dropping out years ago, Portable made it clear that his educational journey is not over. The singer disclosed that he still plans to return to school and complete his studies whenever the opportunity presents itself. "I will still finish school. I be student of Kwara Poly," he said. Portable also revealed that while his siblings enjoyed educational support from their father, his own experience was different. According to him, his father sponsored the education of his brothers and sisters while he was left to struggle because he was regarded as the "olodo" in the family. "My papa send my brothers and sisters go school, na me be Olodo," he stated.
From Underestimated to Provider
The singer added that life has since changed dramatically, as he now provides for the same family members despite once being underestimated. "But now, na me dey feed all of them," he said. Portable’s story has resonated with many, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many Nigerian youths who struggle to access education due to financial constraints.
Reactions from Social Media
Legit.ng compiled comments from social media users reacting to Portable’s interview. User @G_ntility stated: "Everything PORTABLE said on the podcast... he use to sell pure water to send himself to school, there was nobody to sponsor him... (Me wey dem dey call olodo na em dey feed my papa now). His dad didn’t send him to school but he sent his sisters and brothers and yet, government haven’t given them job." Another user, @fon4gud, noted: "Portable dey talk truth. Many people dey struggle to even finish school, talkless of getting job after. The system no dey favor anybody. Unemployment dey kill the youth spirit."
Portable’s Ongoing Feud and Other News
In related news, Portable recently leaked a private WhatsApp chat involving Ashabi Simple and an Islamic cleric amid their ongoing feud. In the chat, Ashabi confessed her love for a man named Kenny Hussein, who is not the father of her children, and expressed frustration that her feelings were not returned. Portable shared the chat online with the caption, “This life just be real loyalty pass juju,” following Ashabi’s earlier claim that he was a “one-minute man.”
