In a world where dreams often clash with reality, one Nigerian family turned sacrifice into legacy.
Okewoye Lawrence, a teacher and part-time pastor, and his daughter have built a story of faith, resilience and purpose that is inspiring nurses across the continent.
Lawrence and his wife Folashade raised three children.
Their firstborn, Okewoye Unique chose nursing – a divine calling that tested the family’s finances but strengthened their bond.
The Divine Call to Nursing
Lawrence remembers the moment clearly.
His daughter, academically gifted and raised in a home of faith, announced her choice.
“It wasn’t funny when it was Nursing, considering my income,” he said.
Private universities were the reliable option amid public school uncertainties.
Fees soared to millions per session.
Yet he saw her focus, brilliance, determination and godliness.
“She’s worth more than the sacrifices,” he decided.
His daughter fell in love with nursing gradually.
She became fascinated by the science of the human body and the compassion it demanded.
“Nursing taught me vulnerability and care at a deeper level,” she said.
By her third year, she knew it was her calling.
The Weight of Support
Financing her education meant loans and delayed personal plans.
Lawrence sold his old car but could not replace it.
He joined public transport daily, with pride.
“I couldn’t get a small car to convey me to work until now,” he shared.
“Her success gives me joy always.”
One moment hit hard.
In her second year, fees increased sharply.
She offered to switch courses for cheaper options.
Her father refused.
“If God started this with you, we will complete it,” he told her.
That day, he chose her dream over his own plans.
She never forgot it.
Faith as the Foundation
Faith carried them through.
“Faith comes by hearing,” Lawrence said.
He encouraged her with words, moral support and constant prayers.
“Rest is only sweet after labour,” he taught.
She held on during tough times – not from pressure, but love.
His belief removed fear from her dreams.
She felt free to aim high.
From Student to Changemaker
Her journey shaped Health Impact for Youth (HI4Y).
Clinical postings opened her eyes to health misinformation and barriers, especially among young people.
HI4Y addresses these gaps with education, outreach and resources for youth under 25 in marginalised communities.
They have changed perspectives, challenged myths and provided school materials.
A new project will support 100 students with fees and supplies.
By 2030, the vision is to reach 10,000 young people.
A Message Across Generations
To parents struggling with fees, Lawrence says:
“Do every good thing possible to help your children fulfill their dreams. A girl child’s education is an investment on generations.”
To his daughter today:
“You mean a lot.”
She replies:
“Thank you for believing in me, sacrificing for me, building me, giving me wings to fly and loving me.”
Their story is more than personal triumph.
It is proof that with faith, sacrifice and unwavering support, dreams become legacies.
Young nurses reading this – your journey matters.
Start where you are.
The world needs your light.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing. We educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
