May Edochie has shared a heartfelt public birthday message to her daughter Danielle who turned a year older today, April 10th, 2025. The estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie took to Instagram to celebrate their daughter with emotional words that highlighted their special mother-daughter bond.
Accompanying her message were stunning photographs of Danielle, showcasing the young woman’s poise and elegance in what appears to be a photoshoot featuring designs from Becca Needles & Stitches. The images captured the birthday celebrant exuding confidence and sophistication beyond her years.
“Someone, please tag all the runway makers. @d3forareason is about to take over, shining so bright in this elegant @beccaneedlesnstitches dress, exuding sophistication, grace, and confidence,” May wrote in her caption, displaying maternal pride in her daughter’s blossoming beauty and presence.
The proud mother continued her tribute with touching reflections on watching her daughter grow: “My precious darling daughter @d3forareason, you have grown into a strong, beautiful, and kind young woman. This gives me so much joy.”
In what many followers described as a particularly moving part of her message, May emphasized the permanent place Danielle holds in her heart regardless of her age or accomplishments. You may be all grown up now, but you’ll always be my little girl, my ada beeke, my one and only girl child, my first fruit,” she wrote, incorporating the Igbo term “ada beeke,” which refers to a treasured first daughter.
The birthday celebration comes amid what has been a challenging period for the Edochie family following the highly publicized marital issues between May and her husband Yul Edochie. The couple’s separation became public knowledge after Yul announced his marriage to actress Judy Austin in 2022, introducing her as a second wife—a development that sparked significant controversy across Nigerian social media.
Despite these personal challenges, May has maintained a dignified public presence, focusing on her children and professional endeavors. Her birthday message to Danielle appears to reflect this continued commitment to prioritizing her children’s wellbeing and celebrations above the ongoing public discourse around her marital situation.
Throughout the turbulent period, May has received substantial public support from fans and followers who have praised her strength and grace under difficult circumstances. Her social media pages have become platforms where supporters regularly offer encouragement and express admiration for how she has navigated the situation.
In her birthday message, May also shared her optimism for Danielle’s future, writing: “I’m super proud of everything you’ve accomplished and even more excited for everything that lies ahead. Keep dreaming big, loving fiercely, and living fully. I want you to know that the world is lucky to have you, just like I am.”
The message concluded with prayer and blessings: “May God’s protection, blessings and goodness be upon you now and always. May no evil eyes ever see you in Jesus’ name. Love you always.”
May’s reference to Danielle as “my first fruit” carries significant cultural meaning in Nigerian context, where the first child often holds a special place in family traditions and parental affection. The term underscores the unique bond between mother and firstborn child, particularly meaningful in Igbo culture from which the Edochies hail.
Danielle, who uses the Instagram handle @d3forareason, has been gradually establishing her own identity on social media while pursuing her education. While keeping a relatively low profile compared to her famous parents, she has occasionally appeared in family photographs and celebrations shared by both May and Yul.
The birthday celebration has garnered significant attention from followers and fans of the Edochie family, with many commenters noting the striking resemblance between mother and daughter. Several Nigerian celebrities and influencers joined the chorus of well-wishers in the comment section of May’s post.
May Edochie, a successful entrepreneur and brand influencer in her own right, has been raising her four children with Yul: Danielle, Kambi, Karl, and Victory. Throughout their marital challenges, both parents have publicly expressed commitment to their children’s welfare, though they have taken different approaches to addressing family matters in the public eye.
For many observers, May’s birthday message to Danielle represents not just maternal love but remarkable resilience in maintaining positive family celebrations despite personal difficulties. Her focus on highlighting her daughter’s character qualities—strength, beauty, and kindness—rather than material achievements has been particularly noted by followers.
The mother-daughter relationship showcased in May’s post reflects what many Nigerian social media users have described as exemplary parenting during challenging times. By celebrating her daughter publicly while navigating her own personal challenges, May continues to earn respect from many who follow the family’s journey.
As Danielle steps into another year, her mother’s public affirmation and blessing serves as a touching reminder of the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters, regardless of external circumstances. The “first fruit” celebration reinforces family connections that remain steadfast even as personal situations evolve.
