Big Brother Naija star, Phyna, recently opened up about her challenging upbringing and early entry into the workforce, shedding light on the hardships she faced growing up. During a candid interview on The Nancy Isime Show, Phyna shared the remarkable story of her resilience and determination.
Phyna recalled that at the tender age of 3, she found herself living with her aunt, who owned a bustling restaurant. It was at this young age that she embarked on her journey of hard work and responsibility. Despite her tender age, Phyna took on the role of assisting her aunt at the restaurant, immersing herself in the world of service and hospitality.
She stated that “Growing up for me wasn’t really easy. I actually grew up with my aunt, my dad’s elder sister in Auchi. And my aunt sells food, it’s a restaurant.
Now, imagine a young girl at a restaurant at a very tender age. At 3, I was already in a restaurant serving men.
And there is a point my dad had an accident, they needed somebody to be with him at the hospital.
I think I just finished my JSS3 then and I had to go with dad from one hospital to another. That caused me SS1 and 2.
On coming back [to school], they said I should go back to SS1 but I was like, no, I will join my mates in SS3. They gave me a series of exams, I wrote, I passed.
Then my parents felt like I needed to go and learn handwork because furthering [my education] is highly impossible.
So, that was when I realised, dem don born me dem don born me, it’s time to hustle.”
However, Phyna’s life took a sudden turn when her father was involved in a serious accident. The incident had a profound impact on her family, prompting Phyna to put her education on hold temporarily. Instead, she devoted herself to supporting her family during this challenging period. For two long years, Phyna stayed by her father’s side in the hospital, providing him with the utmost care and unwavering companionship.