Former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has shared a heartfelt revelation about what he told some of his female classmates who refused to date him back in the day due to his poor background. He recounted this experience during a recent interview with Daily Sun, where he opened up about his challenging upbringing and how it shaped him into the person he is today.
In the interview, Amaechi reflected on the harsh realities of his early life, noting that growing up in a struggling household meant that he and his family could barely afford the basics. He stated that feeding was a major issue, and that sometimes they could not manage to have three square meals a day.
He went on to say that clothing was also a major challenge for his family. Amaechi revealed that for nearly four years, he wore the same shirt and trousers because they simply couldn’t afford new clothes. He admitted that people often find this hard to believe, but it was indeed his reality at the time.
Speaking about a recent school reunion in Umuahia, the former minister said he used the occasion to reflect on the past with his old classmates—especially those who turned him down romantically because of his financial status at the time. He said that he often jokes with them during such gatherings, reminding them of what they missed out on.
“We’re going for a reunion in Umuahia, and I usually yab my classmates when we meet at reunions. I would say, ‘You see, one of you could’ve been Mrs Amaechi now, maybe if you had agreed by the time we were in school,’” he recounted with a laugh.
He further explained, “But, because we were very poor, we did not have the money to feed, we did not have cloths to wear, you people did not give us attention. You people did not think we’ve bright future. But one thing you do not know about men is that, they fight to be relevant. So, for me, I’m as simple as life can give.”
Amaechi’s candid reflections have sparked conversations online, with many applauding his resilience and the way he has remained grounded despite his success. His story serves as a powerful reminder that one’s current situation does not define their future.