Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow over the death of his mother, who he revealed carried him for an extended 12 months in her womb.
Speaking at the 66th remembrance event for his late mother, Mama Bernice Obasanjo, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo recounted his mother’s struggles, including battles with witchcraft during her pregnancy.
Obasanjo noted that despite her efforts, she did not live to witness the success of her children. Out of nine children, only he and his sister survived, with Obasanjo being the only one who received formal education due to his father’s views on gender roles.
Obasanjo stated, “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 lasting influence and highlighted the importance of supporting mothers.
He emphasized the need for policies that provide access to education and healthcare, ensuring that mothers’ hopes for their children are fulfilled.
“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 disclosed.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honoring his mother’s memory after 66 years, underscoring the special role mothers play in society and the necessity of treating them with respect and honor.
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