Who should be your next of kin?

The idea of next of kin is very important. It simply means that they are the persons to be contacted in the case of emergencies. Who do you think should be your next of kin and why? LifeXtra takes a look at varying views about the issue.

Many people choose their children, parents or spouses to be their next of kin for reasons best known to them. Having someone that can be called in emergencies is not the only reason this concept exists. They also have the right to represent you and make medical decisions for you in a situation where you are unable to. Let us see what Nigerians think about this matter.

Tahir Garba, 41-year-old resident of Katsina, said his father is his next of kin. He said, “I put that as my father ever since I was young and I haven’t changed it. Maybe I will change it to be my son when my father dies. I did that because my father is the head of the house. He is capable of making good decisions in my absence, unlike women who can be emotional when the worst happens.”

Ebubechukwu Okeke, 35-year-old civil servant, says her husband is her next of kin. “I believe my husband is my best friend and he knows everything about me. He is the next of kin in all my documents. I believe in his ability as a smart person to know what to do in case of any calamity which I do not pray for. Besides, whatever is mine is my husband’s too,” she said.

Lagos-based chef Aremu Ibrahim said he put his wife’s name as his next of kin. “I did that because she is my wife. And I know the situation in Nigeria where people can behave so irrationally. I wouldn’t want her and my kids to suffer if anything happens to me. She is also cool-headed and smart. She can make smart decisions when push comes to shove,” he said.

Kehinde Dickson, 30, told LifeXtra that her next of kin is her daughter. She said, “That would be my daughter, my first born. She is my next of kin. I did that because she is my next generation. She is the next person in line after me. Nobody prays to ever be in the position where the contact of the next of kin would be needed. But it is good to be prepared. I chose my daughter because I think that is the best thing to do.”