BBNaija’s Hermes Opens Up: “My Mother Left Us After My Dad Lost His UNICEF Job”

Reality TV star and model, Chibuzor Iyele, popularly known as Hermes, has emotionally recounted a painful part of his childhood — growing up without the presence of his mother. During a heartfelt interview on the WithChude show, Hermes revealed that his mother abandoned their family following his father’s job loss at UNICEF.

According to the ex-Big Brother Naija housemate, his father’s sudden job loss deeply affected the family’s financial situation. Hermes disclosed that this difficult period marked a significant turning point in his upbringing. After his father’s employment at UNICEF ended, the family’s standard of living deteriorated drastically, forcing them to move into an unfinished building.

“When things got bad, we moved into an uncompleted building. My mum didn’t want to come with us, so she left that night and didn’t return for seven years,” Hermes recounted with visible emotion.

Despite the hardship and the emotional strain of losing his mother during such a critical time, Hermes praised his father’s courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He explained that it was his father’s nurturing and steadfast support that enabled him and his siblings to stay grounded even in the face of abandonment.

“My dad raised us with love, and that’s why I still have love for my mum today,” Hermes said.

He further explained that although his mother’s departure left a lasting void, he has made a conscious choice not to harbor bitterness towards her. Instead, Hermes reflected on the possibility that his mother did what she believed was necessary in a troubled marriage.

“Their marriage wasn’t happy, and maybe she just did what she had to do,” he added.

Hermes’ vulnerability during the interview has sparked compassionate reactions from fans and mental health advocates, with many praising his emotional maturity and forgiveness. His story is a striking reminder of the resilience of children raised in challenging environments and the profound role a loving parent can play—even in the absence of another.