"I don't have step kids, they are all my kids' Annie Idibia opens up in new interview

In this very revealing interview withSunday Sun, mother of 2Annie
Idibia opened up about life before the fame and money; how her mother
coped after they were abandoned by their father, her acting career,
marriage to 2face Idibia, her relationship with his other kids and
much more.

Excerpts from the very interesting interview below....

Ordinarily, people would expect to see the pompous wife of a big star
like Tuface but that does not seem to be the case with you. You're so
humble?

Thanks for the compliment. I am a very playful and down-to-earth
person though, there are times I prefer keeping to myself in order to
avoid people taking advantage or abusing me. However, I am a very
simple person. I am from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. I am from a family of
four children; three brothers and myself, the only daughter of the
family. My mum and dad divorced 20 years ago.

Your parents separated 20 years ago. How did it affect you?

My mother bred us from childhood to adulthood because of the divorce.
I was almost a tom boy growing up with my brothers. It's heartbreaking
when you live with your parents happily and suddenly, they part ways.
Sincerely, we were terribly affected emotionally. It was especially
tough where it was only our mother that was attending functions in
school and taking care of our needs. It was emotionally sapping and my
brothers have their own fair share of memories. It affected me so much
while in secondary school because I was always sad going home after
school hours to see my mother living without my father. But mum tried
her best to make life meaningful for us; she is my hero. And I
appreciate God for being there for us.

How old were you when your parents divorced?

Maybe, nine or 10. I was in primary school when it all happened and I
remember everything but it is irrelevant talking about it now because
we have moved on.

Could you talk about the sacrifices you made as a kid to support your
mother financially?

I was always running home during lunch break to prepare lunch for my
younger brother but unfortunately, we lost him at 15 years of age. It
was really tough! I had to assist my mother in her shop which was very
close to our house after school. She was also working to make ends
meet.

How did your brother die?

We don't like talking about it in the family because we miss him
dearly. He was an intelligent and brave boy; he died of tuberculosis.

Where did you grow up?

We lived in Ibadan with our parents when my father was working with
Mobil and my mother was a house wife. She remained a house wife until
they separated. I was born with a silver spoon but I didn't grow up
with it. After their divorce, my mother got a job with Mobil working
as a cook to support us. Thereafter, we moved to Jakande Estate,
Lekki, Lagos. From there we moved to Thomas Estate, also on the
Island. After the entire struggle, God has blessed us tremendously. I
am the last child. My eldest brother is married and my elder brother
lives in Atlanta; he is also married.

How did that experience shape you?

It made me stronger and independent as a woman. As the only girl, my
mother taught me to do domestic chores. Today as a married woman, I
have domestic staff but I still cook and do house chores. I started
working immediately after I graduated from secondary school at age 15.
I worked as a sales girl in a boutique and two other places before I
got admission to study, leading up to my diploma. I also worked part
time as an undergraduate of Computer Science at the Lagos State
University when I was 18-years-old. Thereafter, I got admission into
the University of Lagos where I bagged a degree in Theatre Arts.
Growing up wasn't easy, my sister. I have never shared this before in
the media but I think God wants His name to be exalted in my life.

What is your advice to couples on divorce?

Honestly, divorce is the worst punishment any parent could subject
children to because it's the children that will face the consequences
of their actions. Divorce shouldn't be considered as an option when
couples face-off. It is advisable to settle rather than divorce. Why
did you get married if you cannot forgive and reconcile with your
partner? I don't wish my kids to pass through my experience regarding
divorce. I always use my parents-in-laws as an example and I try to
emulate them in my marriage. After all these years, they are still
deeply in love with each other. Even at their age, they still enjoy
each other's company and that is amazing.

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