A Nigerian woman has sparked conversation online by publicly thanking her parents for their unconventional and strict disciplinary methods, which involved military-style exercises and punishments.
Gratitude for a Tough Upbringing
In a detailed Facebook post made on January 2, 2026, Ndonima Sam Wewe shared her personal story while reacting to news about a father in Taraba accused of assaulting his teenage daughter. Contrary to criticizing harsh discipline, Ndonima credited her own upbringing for her current conduct.
She revealed that her father, a retired soldier, used her to practice the military drills he missed after his service. "My dad retired from the military before I was born, he literally practiced all the exercises he missed during his service years on me, yet I was his favorite child," she wrote. This continued until his passing.
From Father to Soldiers Next Door
After her father's death, Ndonima's mother ensured the strict training continued. Her mother took an extreme step by taking her to soldiers who lived near their home for further punishment. "She got to the extent of taking me to soldiers next to our house for punishments, saying 'I am used to being beaten by armies'," Ndonima recounted.
She emphasized that she was only nine years old at the time, and these experiences profoundly impacted her mindset well before she reached puberty. "I didn't die after all these but it changed my mentality," she stated.
A Defense of Parental Authority
Ndonima concluded her post with a firm endorsement of her parents' methods. She expressed deep gratitude, asserting that the 'training' is "really working." As proof, she noted that her mother now has complete confidence in her behavior, even when she is away from home for months.
Her final plea was a direct call to allow parents the freedom to discipline their children: "Allow parents to train their children abeg." This stance presents a strong perspective in the ongoing debate about discipline, child rights, and parenting styles in Nigeria.
