“My two sons are Igbo boys, and Nigeria is now my home. I just want the right to work and care for my family.”
Those were the emotional words of Mrs. Divya Parmar, an Indian woman married to an Imo man, as she opened up about the painful struggles she and her family are currently facing in Nigeria.
Divya said her journey to Nigeria was not one of luxury or adventure, but one born out of fear, survival, and love for her family. According to her, she and her husband fled India after allegedly facing racism, violence, and threats that made life unbearable for them and their children.
Choosing to stand by her husband, she left her homeland behind and relocated to Nigeria, believing that his ancestral home in Imo State would offer them peace, acceptance, and a fresh beginning.
But years later, life has reportedly become very difficult.
The mother of two revealed that her visa has expired, and despite being a trained Beauty Therapist, Makeup Artist, and PMU (Permanent Makeup) Artist, she has been unable to legally work and support her family because of her immigration status.
“I am not asking for handouts,” she explained emotionally. “I am a skilled woman who wants to work and feed my children.”
Divya said leaving Nigeria is not an option for her because her husband and children mean everything to her.
“I cannot leave. I will never go anywhere without my husband and my two sons—they are my life,” she said.
In her appeal, she also disclosed that her husband is allegedly related by blood to the Governor of Imo State through their maternal family line, but despite several attempts, they have not been able to reach him for assistance in helping regularize her stay in Nigeria.
Calling herself an “Ogo” — an Igbo in-law — Divya appealed directly to Ndi Igbo to hear her cry and help share her story so that the right people can come to her aid.
“I believe in the Igbo spirit that says no one is a stranger,” she wrote. “Please hear the cry of your wife.”
Her touching story has continued to spark sympathy online, with many people describing her as a woman who sacrificed everything for love and family, while others are calling on authorities and well-meaning individuals to assist her in getting the legal documents and opportunities she needs to rebuild her life.
