Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Chinney Love Eze Ogunje has made a poignant return to Nigeria with her newborn daughter, offering a raw glimpse into the challenges of new motherhood abroad. The director, known professionally as Chinney Love, shared her experiences of solo parenting in the United States following the birth of her daughter, Adele Oghenetega Chibusonma Ogunje.
In a heartfelt Instagram post accompanied by photos of herself and her infant daughter aboard their flight home, Chinney Love opened up about the demanding reality of managing alone in a foreign country as a new mother. It’s been months of surviving and doing it by myself,” she revealed, expressing newfound respect for Nigerians living abroad. Her candid admission, “Una wey Dey live for abroad una Dey try oo. E no easy!” resonates with many in the diaspora who navigate similar challenges.
The filmmaker’s return journey marks the end of a significant chapter that began with her pregnancy announcement and culminated in the joyous arrival of her daughter last month. Despite the challenges, Chinney Love demonstrated foresight in arranging for her mother to accompany them on the journey home, acknowledging the importance of support systems in child-rearing.
Her experience abroad gains additional context when viewed alongside her previous encounters with Nigeria’s social challenges. In July, prior to her departure, Chinney Love had shared a troubling incident where she was robbed of her car’s side mirrors by a tout after refusing to give him money. This experience, which occurred while she was en route to the airport, had led her to express deep concern about the state of affairs in Nigeria, despite her traditional reluctance to advocate for emigration or “Japa” as it’s colloquially known.
The filmmaker’s journey from that difficult departure to her return as a mother reflects both personal growth and a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced both at home and abroad. Her statement “I Love Nigeria regardless” carries particular weight given her recent experiences, suggesting a complex relationship with her homeland that transcends its challenges.
The announcement of her daughter’s arrival last month had been met with celebration from fans and industry colleagues, with many noting how she joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities welcoming children in 2023. Her humorous note that “Adele only receives Foreign currency” adds a light-hearted touch to the serious undertones of her message about the realities of international living and parenting.
Chinney Love’s candid sharing of her experiences abroad offers valuable insights into the often-glamorized perception of living overseas. Her honest depiction of the challenges faced while managing pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood in a foreign country provides a realistic counterpoint to idealized views of life abroad.
The filmmaker’s return to Nigeria with her daughter represents more than just a physical journey home; it symbolizes the completion of a transformative period in her life. Her experience highlights the universal challenges of new motherhood while also touching on the specific difficulties faced by those who navigate these life changes away from their traditional support systems.
As she prepares to introduce her daughter to her extended family network of “big aunties and uncles,” Chinney Love’s story resonates with many Nigerians who balance international opportunities with the pull of home and family. Her experience underscores the importance of support systems in child-rearing and the unique challenges faced by those who undertake major life transitions abroad.
The filmmaker’s journey from experiencing crime in Nigeria to facing the challenges of solo parenting abroad, and finally returning home with her newborn, presents a nuanced narrative about the complexities of modern Nigerian life. Her story touches on themes of resilience, the importance of family support, and the ongoing negotiation between opportunities abroad and the comfort of home.
