Nigerian singer Niniola Apata has opened up about the pain of losing her husband, businessman and music executive Michael Ndika, saying nothing prepared her for the reality of becoming a young widow.
The Afro-house star shared the emotional message in a post on her Instagram page on Sunday to mark two months since Ndika’s sudden death.
Reflecting on her grief, Niniola said she initially wanted to record a video but found herself unable to do so because of the emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager, and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
The singer said that although she lost her father at a young age, the experience did not prepare her for the pain of losing her husband.
“Even though I lost my Dad at quite an early age, nothing ever prepared me for the reality of becoming a young widow. It has been hard. It has been exceedingly difficult,” she added.
She described the grieving process as unpredictable, saying some days had been manageable while others were “painfully indescribable.”
“Some days are good; some days are just painfully indescribable. What do I do with myself? Where do I start from? So many things left undone and unsaid. So many emotions I am unable to put into words,” she noted.
Despite her pain, Niniola said her faith had sustained her through the difficult period, even during moments when she questioned God.
She also expressed gratitude to family, friends, fans, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and support since her husband’s death.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and everyone of you – but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she added.
The singer prayed that those who had stood by her would never experience a similar tragedy.
Niniola’s latest post comes after she sparked concern among fans following her first public appearance since announcing her husband’s death. In videos shared online earlier this month, many fans commented on her noticeable weight loss, saying it reflected the emotional toll of her bereavement.
In May the singer announced Ndika’s death through a series of emotional posts on her Instagram Story, writing, “God took him,” and later adding, “My husband died.”
Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music. The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed.
By Christabel Ndoeche
