It was all glitz, fun and razzmatazz over the weekend at Ejigbo, a
densely populated area of Lagos as commercial sex workers, otherwise
known as prostitutes gathered to celebrate one of the top members of the
bed-to-wealth business who turned 70.
The well-attended event reunited both retired and active members of
the Association of Nigerian Prostitutes (ANP) who came to shower praises
on the septuagenarian who they described as their ‘Matron’
Over 60 prostitutes converged at a popular brothel in Ejigbo, a
shanty house built with wooden shacks, which accommodates over 15
stakeholders in the ‘dirty’ business.
Madam Juliet (surname withheld) who turned 70 got a surprise birthday
bash from members of ANP for her distinguish role. She described it as
her best gift ever.
According to the septuagenarian who once acted as the Treasurer of Lagos
South chapter of ANP, life has been boring since she retired from
active prostitution.
“I can say that I am the happiest person on earth today because I never
knew some persons still love me like this. I came into this business at
the age of 21 and now I am 70. I am so happy because people are
celebrating me not because I embezzled government fund or killed
anybody. I’m being celebrated because I made some people to understand
that you can make it even if you are not a politician”
Everybody must not work in Aso Rock or NNPC, so I find joy in
whatever I do, now you have heard all the testimonies. I thank God for
everything. I know some people are out there condemning this profession
but the gospel truth is that, they are the worst pretenders.
Asked how she ended up as a prostitutes, Zion Gate, as people would
call her because of her gap teeth, frowned at this reporter, “We are not
prostitutes, we are relievers. If you want to see prostitutes, go to
Ikoyi or Island at night you will see them. So mind your utterance young
man.
When prodded further, on what pushed her into the sex-for-money trade,
she said angrily: “I think you are a journalist and you are happy
writing, right? Asking me why I ‘relieve’ people is just like me asking
you why you eat food.”
Asked if she still service people even at 70, she said: “Seriously, like
they say, old wine tastes good, some of my old customers still call me
for servicing, but I made them to understand that old age has finally
caught up with me that I need to rest now.”
She disclosed that her memorable day was the day she tricked a
pastor’s wife into prostitution. According to Zion: “Then I was
squatting with my aunty at Ikotun and the pastor’s wife happened to be
my friend, she often complain that her husband doesn’t have her time
because of ministerial work. I tricked her into the business and she
abandoned her husband, the saddest thing was that she died 8 months
later, while on her way to Imo to service one of the top government
officials,” she recalled with nostalgia.
Recounting further, Zion told this reporter that before she clocks
100, she hoped to have trained over a thousand girls on how to make
money without the government.
One of the ringleaders in a chat with DailyPost extolled Zion for her
excellent role. According to her, the celebrant did not only bring her
into the business, but got her established . “I’m happy to know her,”
she said.
She was presented with a gas cooker and a TV set.