Adieu, Mama HID Awolowo

SIR: The nation was thrown into mourning upon the announcement of Mama H.I.D Awolowo’s glorious exit on Saturday, September 19, in her country home Ikenne, Ogun State. The matriarch of the Awolowo’s, answered her Lord’s call at the golden age of 99, while in the comfort of her progenies and grandchildren.

There is no denying that her death sent shock waves to the entire country. Because hers was a life dedicated to exemplary service to humanity. She was that titan who probably is the descendant of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Mama, without contradiction was a replica of the caring Florence Nightingale. Indeed, she was a political leader in the mould of British ‘Iron Lady’ and former prime minister, late Margaret Thatcher.

The flood of encomiums that greeted her passage is an eloquent testimony to the fact that her life was colourfully signposted with indelible accomplishments in all spheres of life. She was indeed the pillar to her late spouse, foremost nationalist and Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Like a true disciple, she weathered the storm with her progressive husband.

As a woman endowed with the spirit of unity, she was such a detribalized feminist that championed an egalitarian Nigerian, together with her late husband. In her social cohabitation with non-Yoruba, she radiated unmistakable warmth, tolerance and pure love to them.

It is no misconception to state that she deployed her righteous wealth, inspiring counsels and influential clout towards the formidable unity and accelerated progress of the Yoruba race. The late Mama HID was a powerful divine creature. Though, she may not have been a political gladiator of some sorts, she possessed the rare traits of a powerful mortal. Lending credence to her sheer power is the amazing wisdom of Brook Astor, an American linguist. He said: ‘’Power is the ability to do good things for others who cannot repay you.’’ On that premise, it is safe to conclude that she was a rare gem of immense authority.

And, as we inch towards her internment on November 25, 2015, I say: “Happy centenary birthday to the Jewel of Inestimable Value, posthumously.”

• Abdulsalam Mahmud,
Minna. Niger State.