Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian President, has disclosed that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth, as she battled with those he described as witches and wizards for being responsible.
Obasanjo spoke at the presentation of the drama, titled “Aremu omo Asabi” in honour of his late mother held at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on Wednesday. He however, lamented that it was unfortunate his mother did not live to enjoy the fruit of her labour.
Obasanjo said: “I was told I was in her womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once. She had nine children but two of us survived, myself and my sister but I was the only one who went to school because my father believed that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”
In his remarks, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Mama Bernice Obasanjo as a great woman while alive, saying her influence would continue to endure through the lives of her children, especially Chief Obasanjo, who remains a formidable figure in Nigeria’s history.
Abiodun, represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stated that mothers will forever be the bedrock upon which the foundation of any society is built.
He asserted that the musical drama was not just recounting history but was also a prompt reminder of the sacrifices of mothers.
“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour and support mothers in every way possible. It is a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment where every mother’s hope for their children can flourish. This is why the present administration continues to pursue policies that ensure access to quality education, healthcare and opportunities for all so that the dreams that mothers have for their children can be realised,” he said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Salu Hundeyin, commended Chief Obasanjo for honouring his late mother after 66 years, pointing out that mothers are special instruments in the hands of God and man, that must be treated specially and accorded the necessary honour.
