My beloved Mother, Mrs Clara Uzoamaka Onyejekwe (JP), is 91 years old. Coming from a somewhat privileged background, she had the advantage of early Western education and became a teacher; a profession she held dear until retirement several years ago. She lost her beloved husband, my late father in 1966, during the pogrom that befell Nigeria.
With five children, the eldest of whom was just 10 years and being pregnant for what later became twin boy and girl, she managed to flee Kaduna in the then Northern Nigeria region to Enugu by train, carrying nothing else but her children.
At a time when help was urgently needed to console and rehabilitate her distressed family, the Nigeria Civil war of 1967 set in and she became compelled to move her now seven children from one town to the other, on foot and with no food, in a bid to resettle in a comparatively safer location.
The next three years (from 1967-1970) were horror, horror that could have made any woman contemplate abandoning her seven children and fleeing for greener pastures, as some women of that era ultimately did. My beloved mother did not. How she managed to keep her sanity remains incomprehensible.
The rest of her story from 1970 till a few years ago was no different. It was hardwork in the face of hardship, integrity in the face of temptations, calmness in the face of panic, hope in the face of hopelessness, prayers in the face of blasphemy. At last, victory was won despite all odds.
Today, she has seven graduates, all married and with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She remains happy, never slept in the hospital, and does her daily exercises. She has forgiven all her enemies, including those who slaughtered her beloved husband, my father, in our presence, when she was just 34 years.
Oh! My mother in whom I am well pleased, you taught me everything; how to read and write, you taught me integrity and contentment, you taught me Latin and brought me to the altar of God, you are my mentor and intercessor in my moments of distress, you are still teaching me how to forgive and forget, the values I have and cherish were all products of your endeavour.
Sweet Mother, Ezinne, whoever envies you battles the Holy Spirit. Whoever engages you in battle will have God to contend with. To all women who have shown resilience, decorum, and enterprise…
To all women who continue to make the difference in the society; churches, varying industries – in Sports, in Business, in Media, in Diaspora, in Politics and Government, in the academia, in Communities, in Leadership, in Entertainment, in Groups, in families, in HHOG…. I hail you all as we mark International Women’s Day. Please rise to be recognised.
I am not exactly sure how to salute you today. It should have been THREE GBOZAs if you were all in Warri!!! However, please permit me to say:
#WeFor She!!!!!
#We For She!!!!!!!!!!!!
#WeFor She!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
