The First Daughter Syndrome (Ada)
You see the title, Ada? It should actually be a chieftaincy title or an award in itself. Welcome to the blog lovelies. If you’re not Igbo or non-Nigerian, Ada is the name given to a first or only daughter in an Igbo household. The Ada is usually the one on whom the onus falls to take care of the siblings, to be responsible for chores, caretaking, cooking, and a list of other activities too numerous to mention. In my place, Ndoki, in Rivers State, Nigeria, the Ada is also known as Nwunne (or like my dad called it, small mommy) because when the mothers aren’t at home, the Ada must step in and play the motherly role. Being Ada has its perks, you are respected, lauded, sometimes, but with the perks of being Ada come the numerous responsibilities. In every home, Nigerian, African or not, the first daughter syndrome is an actual thing. There’s a daunting neglect for that child because they should be independent, dependable, and of their own self take initiative at all times. They are the one...