SHE came, she saw and she contributed her quota in building a better society for all. Though she might not have won accolades from the international community, her conviction in life was: “Live and let others live.” Her constant dictum was: “If you dare to do good, you must dare to do it right.” This is one abiding lesson I got from my late Sweet Mother.

My mother started her childhood life in Olose Village with her focus on better and greater days ahead. Soon after the World War II came to an end, my mother told me that her parents relocated to Abeokuta around 1948, but she chose to stay in Ifo with her father’s late brother, Mr. Tiamiyu Olawunmi. When I asked her why she chose to stay back in Ifo, she said: “I was used to the environment and I felt comfortable living in Ifo.” She told me that she used to help her father’s brother’s wife popularly called Iya Rafiu to hawk pap (ogi) around the neighbourhood.

She explained to me that she got married to Mr. Solomon Akintobi in no time in Ifo in 1951. Here she started another life and was also exposed to another trade entirely.

According to her, the sister-in-law, popularly called Iya Olobi introduced her to kolanut trade, which took her to most parts of the country. Her marriage to Mr. Akintobi was short-lived and she moved back to her father’s brother’s house in Olose two years after but continued buying and selling of kolanuts.

My mother told me that she met my father, late Chief Amos Sowunmi in the course of her business trips to surrounding villages in Ifo around 1953. They later got married in early 1954.

Shortly after her marriage, she was baptised on December 10, 1954 at St. David’s Anglican Church, Ibogun Sowunmi Village and was christened Janet. She later did her Confirmation in line with Anglican Communion on September 24, 1983.

From the business of kolanut, she moved on to become food vendor shortly after she settled down in her marital home in Ibogun Sowunmi Village. She had flair for culinary activities. I still have a nostalgic remembrance of some of her wonderful delicious dishes. My father would most of the time return home only to ask for his food no matter how late in the day.

Growing up, my mother constantly drummed into my ears the importance of education and ensured that I got educated. “Idowu, you must remain determined to be well educated. You must read your book and be the best in life,” she would say to me.

At first I could not fathom her passion for education considering the fact that she did not have any formal education. On November 18, 1993, as a fresh graduate of Ibogun Comprehensive High School and a birthday boy, I chose to unlock the “mystery” behind my mother’s strong belief in formal education.

I summoned the courage to ask my mother what informed her decision to encourage me to read. Her   first response was teardrops. Her eyes were filled with tears. It then dawned on me that the very matter she often cracked jokes about was actually a painful issue in her heart. I begged her to forgive me for asking the question.

But in an emotion-laden voice she replied: “There was nothing wrong with your question my dear son but...” She started crying again. At this point, her cry became infectious and I joined in the exercise.

I decided never to discuss the matter again with her. As if she was reading my mind, my mother cuddled me and kissed me on my forehead. Then came one of the most memorable prayer sessions I ever had with her. I got worried at some point but the diction and efficacy of her prayer points could not be resisted.  This was one emotional moment I ever had with my mother. It’s a memorable incident that often reverberates most times even till date. The closest of this incident was when my mother was admitted into Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos, where I saw my once strong, able and agile mother lying helplessly on her sick bed! She was only able to say to me that “it’s well with you” when I engaged her in a discussion. The simple message of the November 18, 1993 incident was never to disappoint my mother and myself.

Mama died on November 17, 2012 some few hours to my birthday celebration and was buried on December 28, 2012.

My Sweet Mother, you were indeed my sole financier and the pillar behind my success. Mama, words are not enough to express my gratitude to you. You moulded me and made me a successful man. I owe my success to you and God. I would forever remember and love you. Thanks for your encouragement.  Sleep well, Mama.