Safety First: Why Pere Egbi is Urging Single Nigerian Women to Rethink Solo Living

The tragic and untimely passing of rising music star Ifunanya Nwangene has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, sparking a somber conversation about safety, emergency preparedness, and the hidden risks of living alone. In the wake of this heartbreak, reality TV star and actor Pere Egbi has stepped forward with a sobering piece of advice for young, single women across the country: do not live by yourself.

Pere, widely known for his stint on Big Brother Naija, took to social media to share a heartfelt warning. His message was rooted in a sense of protective urgency, suggesting that having a roommate, friend, or family member present is no longer just a lifestyle choice, but a necessary security measure. For Pere, the concept of “independence” shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s immediate safety.

The catalyst for this national dialogue is the harrowing story of Ifunanya Nwangene, a 26-year-old powerhouse vocalist who first captured hearts on The Voice Nigeria. Ifunanya was a young woman on the verge of superstardom, busy preparing for her debut solo concert in Abuja. Her life was cut short not by a public tragedy, but by a silent intruder in the sanctuary of her own home.

Reports indicate that Ifunanya was bitten by a snake while she slept. In a country where urban sprawl often meets untamed greenery, such incidents are a terrifying reality. However, the tragedy was compounded by a failing healthcare system. Despite being rushed to medical facilities, the search for life-saving anti-venom turned into a desperate, futile race against time.

Ifunanya’s death has highlighted a terrifying “perfect storm” of risks. It isn’t just about the physical danger of a home intrusion or a venomous animal; it is about the critical moments following an emergency. When a person lives alone, the window for seeking help is dangerously narrow. If an individual is incapacitated or loses consciousness, there is no one there to raise the alarm, call an ambulance, or drive them to a clinic.

Pere Egbi’s stance is that having a companion—be it a sibling or a trusted friend—provides a vital layer of defense. In his view, “living alone” is an ideal that many young Nigerians aspire to as a sign of success, but he argues that the current climate makes it an “uncool” and high-risk endeavor. He emphasized that having someone else in the house ensures that in a moment of crisis, you are not fighting for your life in total isolation.

The public reaction to Pere’s advice has been polarized. Some netizens argue that the focus should remain on government accountability, demanding better healthcare infrastructure and more reliable emergency services. They point out that Ifunanya’s death was ultimately a failure of medical logistics—the lack of accessible anti-venom in a major city like Abuja.

Others, however, find wisdom in Pere’s pragmatism. They argue that until the state can guarantee rapid emergency response, citizens must take personal steps to mitigate risk. For women specifically, the vulnerabilities are often magnified by security concerns that go beyond wildlife, including the threat of domestic intruders or sudden health crises like the one that claimed Nwangene.

This conversation also touches on the socioeconomic shifts in Nigeria. More young women than ever are pursuing careers and seeking autonomy, often moving to cities like Lagos or Abuja where studio apartments and solo living are seen as milestones of adulthood. Pere’s intervention serves as a cultural speed bump, asking young women to prioritize communal living as a form of mutual aid.

As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of Ifunanya, the debate continues to rage. Her death is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how the “lone wolf” lifestyle can leave one exposed in a system where help is often miles or hours away. Whether or not one agrees with Pere’s perspective, the underlying message is clear: in an unpredictable environment, your greatest asset might just be the person in the next room.

The tragedy serves as a call to action for both the public and the authorities. While individuals like Pere Egbi advocate for personal safety strategies, there is a loud, growing demand for the Nigerian government to address the “anti-venom deficit” and the general state of emergency medicine. No Nigerian should lose their life because a hospital lacks a standard vial of medicine, regardless of whether they live alone or with a crowd.

Ultimately, Pere’s advice is a reflection of a society where people feel the need to look out for one another because the formal systems of protection are seen as unreliable. It is a plea for a return to a more communal way of life, driven not by tradition, but by the raw necessity of survival. As Ifunanya Nwangene is laid to rest, her legacy may well be the lives saved by those who heard her story and decided to never sleep in a house alone again.