I once asked my mother tales about her past and why she often stopped us from doing things that appeared enjoyable but have little chances of causing little harm. I always wondered why I was prevented from being free and i hated that fact. She was reluctant to respond, but after considerable persuading, she eventually did. I don't recall everything she said, but she stated she was born into a wealthy family in Bida, Niger State, although they later went back to Ilesha, Osun state where her parents were born. Her father was so wealthy that he could support a polygamous household, and none of his women were permitted to work or have their own businesses since he had enough to meet their needs.They would frequently slaughter rams and hold family gatherings, which were mostly for them to enjoy and mingle. Her father would often address all of her siblings and tell them hilarious stories while keeping an eye on their conduct to prevent them from developing negative habits. He would also take them to his cocoa plantation, present them to most of his employees, and show them around every piece of property he owned. Those were the finest periods in my mother's life, but everything changed when her father died. I'm not sure what caused it, but she said nearly everyone in the neighborhood cried since he had done so much good for them.Her mother eventually became a market seller because she had no formal schooling. She would also assist her mother in selling tomatoes and peppers since she had a knack for attracting customers' attention. She also made a lot of money, which her mother allowed her to save for herself. She would frequently travel to her uncle's house when she learned that her relatives who were living overseas had returned home. She enjoyed hearing them speak English and took advantage of the opportunity to earn money by helping them with housework. They would also support her in her academics and ensure that she does not suffer the sadness of losing her father at such a young age.
My mum described her secondary school beginning moments as suffering when things became though due to military ruling of Sani Abacha. military units would bring food to her town once in three days as there was scarcity of food. her community members would be made to line up in single files to purchase foods from the supply units even though the population of the community was large. they were not allowed to purchase more than the the amounts that would feed their family for three days. people in her society grew tired of queueing and watching people get beaten by soldiers. Soon, some parents began forcing their children to act as if they were representing other families that may not even exist in order to acquire enough food to last them for weeks. This deed obviously had consequences, but my mother claimed she despised even remembering it and cursed Abacha's children. I couldn't stop her from saying some hurtful things because she was the only one who knew what happened. Although Abacha's period was not the only time she faced hardships but she hated his times more. Soon she finished her secondary school in Ilesha grammar school and proceeded to selling things in garages and parks just to gather enough money to further into the university. Her mother also added to the little she managed to gather so as to pay up her school fees.
During her first year, she didn't have a stove and frequently burrowed from her roommate. Her neighbor was really sweet and would frequently assist her with tasks, despite the fact that my mother was pleased with what she had and would only use her stove at night to minimize disruption. Her roommate was soon requested to pay the home rents, unaware that my mom and the owner were also linked. During the day, while the landlord was visiting, my mother met him and introduced herself. He was surprised to find his relative in his courtyard and inquired whether she lived in his building. My mother reacted and also informed him that she was about to pay house rents for her apartment. He laughed as he inquired whether the child of a landlord pays rent. He advised my mother not to worry about paying home rents and informed her about the good her father had done for him before his death. When my mother arrived to her apartment, she praised God and informed her roommate what had happened. Her roommate was pleased and informed her she could retain her share of the home fee, but my mother refused. She insists that her roommate spend money for herself or to purchase something for her parents when she returns during the holidays.
living became easier for my mother as she began to win the hearts of those around her and came up with new ideas for products she could sell to her coursemates and people in Lagos Garage. During the intervals, she would go home and acquire as much foodstuffs as possible, which she would sell when she returned to Lagos. This enabled her to pay for all of her university tuition. One of my aunties also assisted her by providing her with food and other necessities to keep her going. This introduced my mother to her, and I enjoy seeing her as well, particularly for the cuisine and her kind, caring demeanor. I wasn’t told the rest of the story cos it was already dinner time when she finished but the story really did touch my heart. She also sang her father’s “oriki” which is a special greeting for great people in her family. Mothers are like gold in the family even though they humble themselves. They all deserve our respect.
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