A medical laboratory scientist and public health practitioner, Mrs Blessing Ijeoma Omorowe-Nwune, has urged people experiencing separation, divorce and other forms of family breakdown not to see such challenges as the end of their lives, but as an opportunity to begin a purposeful new chapter.
Omorowe-Nwune, made the call at the public presentation of her book, ‘When Families Fall Apart: Navigating Separation, Divorce and Spousal Loss with Healing, Faith and Hope’ in Ibadan.
At the book launch, which was held at Richland Hotels, Yemetu on September 7, 2026, the author said her personal experiences of childhood trauma, growing up in a broken home and difficulties in her marriage inspired her to write the book as a source of hope for people struggling to recover from painful family experiences.
“I’m always broken when I see broken people not able to survive from what has really broken them. And I think I am a victim of such a situation, and I was able to stand. So I just thought, if I could do it, others can do it too,” she said.
Omorowe-Nwune, who described herself as a humanitarian and advocate for children, women and young people, said she realised that although she could not personally reach everyone facing similar challenges, a book could enable her to speak to millions.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Omorowe-Nwune urged people going through separation or divorce to believe that they could rebuild their lives.
“For those experiencing separation and divorce, they should never see it as the end of their life. It should not be the end of their story, but should be the beginning of a purposeful life,” she said.
The author also emphasised the importance of faith during difficult family transitions, noting that some people mistakenly believe that Christians should not experience serious problems.
She described the book as a “tool” designed to help readers navigate difficult periods while maintaining faith and hope.
The chairman of the occasion, Rotarian Oyebode Adesina said he was “delighted and honoured” to celebrate Blessing’s book When Families Fall Apart, noting marriages break down due to “misunderstandings, fights, ignoring red flags” and urging patience, early counselling, and recognizing that “you cannot trade your life for love” for safety and wellbeing in marriage.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Purpebloom Publishers, Mrs Adejoke Adepoju-Oyekan, described the publication as more than a book, saying it was a message of hope for people whose lives had been disrupted by separation, divorce, loss and grief.
“There are some books you publish because they are good books. But there are books you publish because you know that somebody somewhere is going to read those words for life because of the circumstances,” she said.
Adepoju-Oyekan said the book reminded readers that the end of a relationship did not necessarily mean the end of their future.
“Sometimes what ends is the relationship. I want you to know that it’s not your future. Sometimes what you lose is a person. I want you to know that that’s not the purpose. And sometimes the chapter that closes is not the end of the book. It is simply the end of that chapter,” she said.
Reviewing the book, the Dean of Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Professor Kester Oluwaseun, represented by Dr Abiola Omokhabi a lecturer in the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, described it as a timely and compassionate work that combines psychology, African family wisdom and Christian faith.
She commended its practical approach, noting that it provides prayers, reflection prompts, guidance on boundaries, co-parenting advice and grieving practices.
He described the book as being suitable for people experiencing separation, divorce or spousal loss, as well as pastors, counsellors and Christian leaders.
He praised the author for addressing difficult emotions such as anger, shame, loneliness and feeling trapped without resorting to “toxic positivity.”
Professor Oluwaseun said the book’s central message was that even when families fall apart, healing and hope remain possible.
The occasion was attended by family, friends, Rotary Club, Orita Mefa and colleagues from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.