A Nigerian techpreneur has shared a disturbing account from her childhood, revealing the severe abuse she endured while working as a domestic helper. Ekwotosi Okeh was only ten years old when she was subjected to a cruel and dangerous punishment by her employer.
A Childhood Stolen: The Harsh Reality of Domestic Work
Ekwotosi Okeh recently decided to break her silence on the traumatic events of her past. She revealed that one of the most horrific incidents involved her employer, commonly referred to as "madam," forcing her to perform a degrading and hazardous act. Okeh was made to use her tongue to clean up spilled kerosene. This shocking revelation highlights the extreme vulnerabilities faced by many children placed in domestic service across Nigeria.
The Promise of More Stories
The techpreneur indicated that this painful memory is just the beginning. She stated, "I will start talking about my maid experiences soon," suggesting that more details about her difficult childhood as a maid will be forthcoming. Her decision to speak out, likely from a place of healing and advocacy, brings a human face to the often-hidden issue of child domestic labour and abuse.
Facts and Context
The incident, as recalled by Okeh, occurred when she was just 10 years old. The public announcement was made via a social media post on January 6, 2026. While the specific location where this abuse took place was not disclosed in the initial report, such stories are, unfortunately, not uncommon in various Nigerian cities and households. The act of forcing a child to ingest or clean with kerosene—a toxic and flammable hydrocarbon—poses severe health risks, including:
- Chemical poisoning
- Damage to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract
- Respiratory issues
- Long-term neurological damage
Okeh's story transcends a single act of cruelty; it points to systemic failures in protecting children. It raises critical questions about:
- The prevalence of child domestic workers.
- The lack of legal protection and oversight for these vulnerable children.
- The psychological and physical scars that last a lifetime.
By sharing her experience, Ekwotosi Okeh, now a professional in the technology sector, is using her voice to shed light on a dark corner of society. Her journey from a victim of child labour to a techpreneur is a powerful testament to resilience, but it also underscores the urgent need for stronger child rights laws, enforcement, and societal change to prevent such atrocities from happening to other children.
