Betty Irabor, publisher and founder of Genevieve magazine, has revealed her battle with a health challenge in 2015.
In a post via Instagram on Wednesday, the entrepreneur shared a throwback picture from 2015 alongside a recent one taken in the same garden, reflecting on the time she was unwell.
She didn’t disclose the nature of the condition but described it as one “no one spoke about”.
She revealed that after a decade she is now a “different woman who is stronger, freer, whole and restored”.
A new season doesn’t erase the past – but it does redeem it. This July, I posed for a picture in my sister’s garden before heading off to the Access Bank Polo UK on the invitation of @yemiedundf my London series host,” she wrote.
‘Suddenly, it hit me: 10 years earlier, l’d posed in that same spot. The narrative was different then.
“In 2015, I was battling a health condition no one spoke about, silently wondering if that wilderness season would ever end.
“I had just returned from a health retreat in the UK and New York Fashion Week courtesy Genevieve Magazine and our Sponsor, Virgin Atlantic – people said, “go out, it’ ll make you feel better but healing doesn’t work that way.
“Fast forward July 2025 same garden, different woman. Stronger. Freer. Whole. Restored.”
She also listed the five things people should adopt to move forward after a trauma.
They included acknowledging their pain, choosing community, investing in wholeness, redefining their story, and walking boldly.
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She wrote: “Here’s what l’ve learned: trauma has a long hand, but with intention, it can be broken. 5 steps to step into a new season.
“Acknowledge – Be honest about where you are. You can’t heal from what you won’t name.Choose community -Don’t walk alone. Safe people remind you that you’re more than your trauma.
“Invest in wholeness – Care for body, mind & spirit. Small habits build a stronger you. Redefine your story – Shift from “why me?” to “what now?” Scars = strength.
“Walk boldly – Say yes again. Dream again. Believe that what’s ahead is greater than what was lost. If I could step into mine, you can step into yours too.”
In 2022, the columnist recounted how she tried to kill herself because she felt “unaccomplished”.
