Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on his late mother’s struggles and sacrifices during the presentation of a drama titled “Aremu Omo Asabi” at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. He noted that despite being carried for 12 months in her womb and facing numerous challenges, his mother did not live to see the fruition of her labor. Obasanjo shared that while his mother had nine children, only he and his sister survived, with him being the only one who went to school due to his father’s beliefs about female education.
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’s belief was that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Mama Bernice Obasanjo’s enduring influence and emphasized the critical role mothers play in society. He described the drama as a tribute to the sacrifices mothers make and a call to support and honor them by ensuring they have access to quality education and healthcare.
“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.