Mother of Nigerian gay activist declares love for him

Gay Nigerian activist, Bisi Alimi has revealed that his mum, Idiatu Alake Alimi, has accepted his sexuality and has also declared her love for him.

The proudly gay Nigerian, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, shared a screen grab of his mum wishing him a happy birthday and ending the message with "I love you". Bisi Alimi says that was the first time his mum had ever said that on her own.

“As I celebrate my 40th today 17/01/2015, I woke up to this message from my mum. I had to wait 40 years for my mother to say “I love you”. Yes she has said over the phone before but that’s usually after I say it. Today, there is no greater gift than this. A Nigerian mother with limited education accepting her gay son. Thank you mum. #BisiAlimiat40,”  Bisi Alimi wrote alongside the screen grab of his mum’s message.

Bisi Alimi-born Ademola Iyandade Ojo Kazeem Alimi- is a Nigerian gay rights activist, public speaker, blog writer and HIV/LGBT advocate who gained international attention when he became the first Nigerian to come out of the closet on television.

Late last year, Bisi Alimi was named one of the world's most influential homosexuals by the World Pride Power List 2014.

He also recently showed off his white boyfriend describing him as  “the best gift from life in a very long time.”