Ekemini, a young woman who was rescued after being raped at the age of 12, accused of witchcraft, and subsequently abandoned in Akwa Ibom State, has now gained admission to The International Class for Culinary Arts in Denmark.
As reported by LIB, Danish aid worker Anja Loven Ringgren, alongside her Nigerian husband, David Emmanuel Umem, took Ekemini under their care in May 2016 after they found her vulnerable.
The traumatic incident led to Ekemini's pregnancy, and she delivered a baby via caesarean section at the age of 13 due to the incomplete development of her pelvis.
In an update shared on Facebook on February 4, 2026, Ms. Ringgren announced that Ekemini, now 23, left the orphanage to pursue her culinary education, a decade after overcoming the trauma of childhood rape, teenage pregnancy, and abandonment.
"From suffering abuse at 12 years old and being labeled a witch to enrolling in The International Class for Culinary Arts!" she shared.
Ekemini was just 13 when she gave birth to her child, Abasiofon, having been rescued while eight months pregnant.
Ms. Ringgren reflected on the past, stating, "It has been 10 years since we brought Ekemini to the hospital, where she nearly had to undergo a caesarean due to her young age."
Despite her challenges, she noted that Ekemini never once complained, demonstrating remarkable strength; just one hour after childbirth, she was eager to leave the hospital.
At such a young age, Ekemini embraced her role as a mother with dedication and responsibility. Concurrently, she remained resolute in her desire to continue her education.
Last year, Ekemini graduated from secondary school, achieving her initial goal, and she recently embarked on a new journey for higher education.
Emotional in her post, Ms. Ringgren expressed pride in Ekemini’s journey, acknowledging the hard work she has put in to reach this point.
With the support provided to Land of Hope, Ekemini has been able to cultivate a hopeful future filled with dreams. She raised her son within the orphanage with immense love and pride.
Abasiofon will turn 10 this summer, and although leaving him was a difficult decision, Ekemini is confident she has provided him with a nurturing environment through Land of Hope.
As she embraces her well-deserved chance to experience life independently at last, her message resonates, "I have never lived my youth like others, and now is my time to thrive!"
In a closing heartfelt note, she expressed: "Congratulations to you, my daughter. Go forth and conquer the world. I am immensely proud of you!"
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