Relationship therapist Blessing Okoro, aka Blessing CEO, responds to critics of her upcoming marriage to IVD, calling out emotional damage caused by past traumas

Controversial Nigerian relationship coach Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has fired back at critics who are sceptical about her upcoming marriage to Ikechukwu Ogbonna, aka IVD.

Also read: Blessing CEO advises women: Prioritize financial independence over relationship necessity

In a lengthy video shared via her social media page, the mother of two addressed the backlash trailing her announcement, blaming it on the widespread emotional damage many people have suffered from broken relationships, failed marriages, and social media negativity.

“A lot of you are damaged. When you’re damaged, everything beautiful becomes too good to be true,” she said. “You don’t believe that you deserve good things. You doubt yourself.”

Blessing CEO, known for her blunt relationship takes, described emotional damage not as a crime or insult but as a mental and emotional condition triggered by personal trauma, societal pressure, and the constant portrayal of broken relationships online.

“It comes from our past, our pain, things that we’ve seen, things that we’ve heard. For example, a lot of you have seen so many celebrities, popular people, break up  relationships and marriages,” she explained.

The Blessing CEO IVD marriage announcement sparked controversy largely due to the controversial nature of their relationship.

IVD, a well-known businessman, has been embroiled in public drama surrounding his late wife’s tragic death in 2022  an issue that brought heavy scrutiny on his personal life.

However, Blessing has remained unshaken. In her post, she described the criticism of their union as a projection of collective fear and insecurity, especially from those who have lost faith in the idea of lasting love.

“Those celebrities that you look up to, that made you love marriage, they’re no longer there anymore,” she noted.

Despite public reservations, Blessing CEO maintains that her decision to marry IVD is personal and deeply rooted in their understanding of each other  urging the public to focus on healing their own emotional wounds rather than projecting bitterness.

She ended her address by encouraging people to embrace love, healing, and second chances, regardless of how flawed the people involved may be.

“Being damaged is not a crime… but don’t let it stop you from accepting happiness when it knocks,” she concluded.

The Blessing CEO IVD marriage continues to stir debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the relationship while others defend their right to love freely.

Also read: I started dating at early age due to parental neglect – Blessing CEO

As Blessing prepares to walk down the aisle, she seems more determined than ever to redefine love on her own terms  even if it means challenging societal norms and public opinion.