Becoming Bukki: A Story Of Triumph Amidst Trials

As Bukunola Popoola steps boldly into the future, she reflects on her past. This is her story so far. It begins with an idyllic childhood in a middle-class Nigerian family, where academic excellence and exemplary behaviour is expected of her. As she enters higher education, she is curious about the world outside. Marriage promises happiness and security. Instead, it delivers only disappointment and abuse...and the chance to emigrate to the United Kingdom. Here, away from family and community, Bukki finds the courage to walk away from an abusive marriage, contend with the Home Office while pursuing a career and raising a boy child on her own. Whatever life has to offer ahead, Bukki can look back to one of sacrifice, courage, dignity, resilience and victory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bukunola "Bukki" Popoola (nee Fasanya) was born on the 11th of March 1973 in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, the first child in a family of six children. She attended Children's Home School, Molete, Ibadan, Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Odo-Ona, Ibadan and continued her secondary education at Fiwasaye Girl's Grammar School, Akure, Ondo State. She studied Education/Mathematics at University of Ilorin, Kwara State, after which she worked at New Life Community Bank, Agidingbi, Lagos before relocating with her ex-husband and son to the United Kingdom.

Bukki is now a registered Mental Health Nurse and works as a Senior Staff Nurse in Northampton.

She lives in Northampton with her son.