A graduation gift of a goat in southeast Nigeria has unexpectedly turned into a viral sensation, with the animal garnering widespread online attention and local celebrity status.
Promise Okoro received the goat as a graduation present, a gesture carrying significant cultural weight among the Igbo people, where such animals are valued gifts symbolizing respect, appreciation, and goodwill. These gifts are often bestowed during important occasions like traditional weddings, family celebrations, and ceremonies honoring elders or distinguished guests.
Okoro, who has yet to formally name his prized companion, stated that he has no intention of consuming the animal. "It's now my pet, it's too precious to me, I have no intention of killing it," he told the BBC. His plans include acquiring a female goat to breed the pair.
The goat has become a notable presence in Okoro's life, roaming freely within student halls and exhibiting human-like habits. Okoro humorously noted the animal's fondness for fried rice, describing it as a "voracious" eater of leftovers.
The goat's burgeoning fame has led to public appearances alongside Okoro, including outings to a local supermarket where fans have sought to take photos with the animal. "It got on a car ride with me from my hostel to the mall... it was calm [even though] it's now a celebrity - more popular than me," Okoro said. He also takes the goat for evening walks around his street.
Okoro's mother, Chinyere, expressed her pride in her son through the gift, wanting to make her approval widely known. The video capturing the moment of the gift has been widely shared online, drawing thousands of positive reactions. Initially, some viewers questioned the practicality of the gift, but the video's spread highlighted the cultural significance and the strong bond forming between Okoro and his unique graduation companion.