Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday said that his mother as against nine months carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his eventual birth.
Obasanjo said that the delay in his birth was ascribed to the influence of some witches and wizards who gave his mother a tough time before the intervention of the Almighty God.
The former President, according to statement on Thursday from his Media Assistant, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, disclosed this while speaking during a drama presentation titled
“Aremu omo Asabi” held to mark 66 years remembrance of Obasanjo's late mother, Mrs Benice Obasanjo.
The drama was held on Wednesday at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Obasanjo had lamented that it was quite unfortunate that his mother never lived to see how great the Almighty has helped him to become in life and of course, enjoy the fruits of her hard labour.
He said that, though, his mother gave birth to nine children but only two of them, himself and his sister survived.
Obasanjo said "I was told I was in my mother's 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".
Obasanjo at the programme also promised to support the troupe’s quest to present longest open drama to clinch Guinness Book of Record
Speaking at the programme, the governor of the state, Dapo Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said mothers will forever be the bedrock upon which the foundation of any society is built.
Gov Abiodun described Obasanjo's mother as a great woman, while alive, saying her influence would continue to endure through the lives of her children, especially Chief Obasanjo, who remain a formidable figure in Nigeria's history.
The governor added that the musical drama titled, 'Aremu Omo Asabi' performed in celebration of her life was not just recounting history, but was also a prompt reminder of the sacrifices mothers made and the indelible spirit they passed on to their children.
He appreciated the drama crew for bringing the story to life, as their dedication to artistry had being a gift that transcended entertainment.
"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 which ensures access to quality education, healthcare and opportunities for all, so that the dreams that mothers have for their children can be realised".
Also speaking, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs. Salu Hundeyin, commended 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 necessary honour.
No comments:
Post a Comment