The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Woman

  • ‘Being a woman naturally makes me a leader’

    ‘Being a woman naturally makes me a leader’

    Hadiza Otaki is the immediate past president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The graduate of Applied Chemistry was the only woman president in the university during her tenure. She tells SARAT ALABIDUN (300-Level Applied Chemistry) how she survived in a male-dominated association. 

    During your tenure, you were the only woman president on campus. How was the experience like?

    For me, it was a feat that does not come naturally. It was a kind of deviation from the norm, because in schools, such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University, the cultural and religious values are held in high esteem. All leaders, whether it is president, chairman or speaker, are male. So it was quite challenging, getting elected as female to lead male-dominated club. It took me a lot of time to summon the courage to contest.  There was a lot of discrimination against me. When I won the election, my first duty was to rebrand the club’s image because it is not religion-oriented.

    In a conservative school like UDUS, what challenges did you face as woman president?

    My major challenge was being a woman. Many people took me for granted and look down on me. Women leadership is still not being encouraged in the North. I have issues with what people would think of us. Even within students’ association, the male are hostile and feel that a lady should not lead them. Some of lecturers secretly called male members of the association and asked why they allowed a woman to lead them. All this were part of the challenges I face but I was not discouraged. I felt like a male, having conquered male-dominated association.

    Do you think being female affected any of your plans throughout your tenure?

    No. Although it almost affected my decisions. Some male students tried to take advantage of my being a female to influence my decisions at some point but I ensured that I took charge.

    What are your achievements as president?

    People had the thought that nothing good would come out of my tenure. But, I had an eventful tenure and achieved some of my plans. Under my leadership, the association reached out to many students. Though my predecessors laid the foundation, we built on it strongly. We visited Normal Children’s Hospital Sokoto for our humanitarian project, where we donated useful materials to children in need. We held trainings for members to improve their skills in community projects. We collaborated with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) to set up an Officers Training School (OTS) for students’ leaders on campus. We also organised “Operation Keep UDUS Clean” and held the JCI’s 30th anniversary, which had Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Mallam Danladi Bako, in attendance. Because of lecturers’ strike, we could not do other programmes.

    How were you able to cope with your study while you lead the association?

    Before my election as president, I was the Vice-President. I also headed various committees in the association.

  • Agatha, the wonder woman!

    There are some stories we hear that need to be retold over and over again so that we can have hope.   Agatha Ibeazor’s story is like that.  The 25-year old life’s story embodies hope or how else can we describe someone whose father’s death meant she could not attend private school and forced her to forfeit an admission to study Law at the Anambra State University yet went on to get two scholarships?

    There are many things I appreciate about Agatha’s story.  First is that she never let anything get in the way of her dreams.  Her mother told her that she sang before she talked as a toddler, and even sang the lyrics of songs correctly before she could read.  She was so impatient to join the choir that she was admitted into the youth group at age seven.  I smiled as I imagined her dragging the oversized choir robe, sometimes stumbling as she made her way from the dressing room to the choir stand.  I thought of the bullying she may have endured – how many in the group would have wondered why the choir authorities allowed a puckish underage girl to join them.  But for a girl as determined as Agatha, no amount of teasing would have had any effect on her.

    I wonder how Agatha felt when she had to forego her admission at Anambra State University because her mother just could not afford to pay the fees.  But she embraced the other alternative – MUSON School of Music gracefully.  In our certificate-crazy society, she deserves commendation for accepting to study for an Associate Diploma in Music instead of sulking about her situation.  The good thing was that she loved music and decided to stick with it.  Not many parents would appreciate their wards going to school to study music.

    The MUSON scholarship sponsored by the MTN Foundation definitely moved her closer to her dream.  But she did not stop there, which is another thing I really love about the young woman.  She sought for her scholarship to Truman State University in the United States in a most unconventional way.  Instead of collecting money for performing at an event, she asked that her admission letter be read out to the audience.  And someone in that audience, the late Levi Ajuonuma, was persuaded to sponsor her.  It simply shows that sometimes your dreams and techniques to reach your goal might seem foolish.  But they may just work, so if you have not tried them you should not just give them up because of what others think about them.

    Agatha’s Truman education suffered a setback when Ajuonuma died two years into the programme.  There was no freebie anymore.  She had to work hard and long to make up the shortfall that was left after her school gave her a partial scholarship (she must have been promising for the school to help out).  Again, Agatha did not let that hard work bother her.  She successfully combined it with her work and her studies and made the honours roll – repeating a feat she achieved at the MUSON School of Music – this time competing against people who had had more privileged musical training earlier in life.  We cannot downplay her achievement at all, especially considering that the curriculum was not only about music.  She had to learn a whole lot of other subjects as well namely: Maths, sciences, writing classes, geography, philosophy, literature, and religion.

    Agatha’s story just tells us that, like the Yorubas say, it is not only one road that leads to the market.  This is a lesson for young people to learn.  If the normal route everyone takes seems impossible for you, try another route. And that route does not have to be illegal.  Like Agatha, you can come out victorious.

    Now, Agatha wants to study for her master’s and doctoral degrees at the same time.  I do not know how she intends to achieve the feat but she has already being offered admission for the two programmes at the Crane School of Music, State University of New York, and the Butler School of Music, University of Texas.  She needs sponsorship for these programmes.  If anyone deserves to get such support, it is Agatha.

     

  • Woman entrepreneur’s hunger for success

    Despite growing unemployment and economic crisis, a lot of female entrepreneurs  are  joining  the wagon  of builders, innovators and risk takers  fervent in their resolve to transform the economy. They are solving critical socio-economic problems and creating job opportunities, reports, DANIEL ESSIET

    Mrs Nkiru Nsofor is a graduate of Plant Biology from  the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    After her  fruitless search for job,  she  decided  to  go  into the  production of household cleaning  products. She started with N5000 in 2006.

    She conducted a thorough research and decided to produce something that would be acceptable in the market- a detergent for dish washing and floor cleaning.

    At the beginning, it was a challenge to build awareness for the product. Over time,it gained acceptabilityand  began to sell. At  a point, she had eight employees. They worked  side by side, manufacturing products, labeling, filling, loading, selling and nvoicing them.

    The   business boomed. But the happy days were shortlived long as she began to suffer police harassment. She was spending money to settle them at each encounter. This was because her products hadn’t the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration certificate.

    When the harassment was getting too much, she decided to reduce production volume in case they are confiscated so she would not suffer huge losses. This ultimately affected sales  and  profitability.

    Along the line,a saving grace came through the Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria(AMEN). Her joining the association has helped to reduce police harassment as it has assisted members to get NAFDAC registration for their  products. While the harassment   continued, Mrs Nsofor  was forced to reduce  her  staff strength  to two.  These were indeed bad times.  But  she   never  gave up.

    Thanks to all the entrepreneurial experiences  she had garnered advising her to fight with all vigour for success and get the best results. Today, Mrs.  Nsofor  is  happy  that  she  is one of  those  taking positive action to create an enterprising generation. The business though a micro enterprise is worth N400,000. Funding, however, has been her biggest obstacle. Though she has great idea and a business plan in place, not having sufficient funds is delaying the process.

    Since she couldn’t raise money, she had to start small. She still believes that the “shackles have been taken off” her growth because she has not been able to  strike a  relationship  with  a  company to finance her  production  for a small margin, giving her funding up front for expansion.

    With  increasing  customers  base, Mrs  Nsofor said  the company requires extra financial firepower so that it can increase its production volume and  employ  more  hands   to   sell her  products  to the market. Her   goal is to develop a company that will grow into a major enterprise

    She envisions a company that it will become a household name.

  • ‘God has restored my joy as a woman’

    ‘God has restored my joy as a woman’

    Married on November 28, 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Chukwuemeka Iruke lived happily. The only worry was that six years after the wedding they were without a child. The birth of their baby girl has ended the pain, prompting celebration with friends and well-wishers at Saint Thomas Anglican Church Avonipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State. In this interview with SUNNY NWANKWO, the couple relived their experience. Excerpts:

    Mrs. Iruke, what was your experience being childless after many years of marriage?

    As a woman, it wasn’t funny. Every blessed day, you kept on asking God whether you were really a woman. At times, one would cry, at times, you would go into prayers. At times you visited prayer houses seeking where God would answer you. It wasn’t easy, but thank God that at last, He has not only put a smile on my face, but has restored my joy as a woman.

    Sometimes, you would hear people asking if she is sure she is a woman. Why doesn’t the husband remarry? What is she even doing there? She should be abandoned. At times you’d greet people outside and they would pretend not to hear you It was a bitter experience.

    How were you able to handle the pressure from in-laws and other relatives?

    When my father and mother in-law were alive, their attitude was that God determines all things and that one day, God will do it. Where I got pressure was on the part of my sisters-in-law. But now they are all giving thanks to almighty God. It was not easy then. Thank God that everything has come and gone and today, we are all happy.

    Did you at any time doubt yourself?

    At a time people suggested I should visit doctors and hear from them. I took a step like that and was told to come with my husband. We went and after several tests and scans, the result was positive. The doctors said that was no problem.

    Did you consider quitting your marriage as a result of the pressure you mentioned?

    I thought of that, but I never did it. I didn’t do it because I depended on God. I recall that while I was trying to marry, there were three suitors that came. I asked them to wait because I had to pray before marrying. At the end, God told me that the man I am marrying was my husband.  So, in everything, I always reminded God that He gave me the man I married.

    Did you seek alternative solutions?

    No, God forbid! I didn’t try that. It was just a particular prayer house (Assemblies of God Church) that I normally visited.

    How supportive was your husband when the baby wasn’t forthcoming?

    He had no problems. He is a man to marry any time, any day. There was never a problem.

    But I want to thank my mother and parents in-law for their supports. They are all dead, but I will forever remain grateful for what God used them to do in my life. They were wonderful and tried on their own part as mothers and father.

    Some of the things I learnt from them is being patient and content with what I have and to share things with those around me.

    Why did you choose the names you named her?

    In fact, when I put to bed and saw that it was a baby girl, I said, really this is a gift from God because all those years, nobody has ever said, okay, take this let me compensate or console you with this but the ultimate God did it and that took after the names; Onyinyechi and Treasure Chukwuemeka because she is treasure from God that I can’t even buy with money.

    Do you have any advice for other childless couples?

    God is always the ultimate. Let them believe in God and remain prayerful because sometimes, some of these things can just be challenges of life which, if you show God that you know Him, God at a time could say, “I was only trying to pull your legs.”

    They should go to hospital and back it up with prayers. They should also imbibe the spirit of almsgiving.

    Mr. Iruke, what was your experience in those trying years?

    Well, in the first place, I am Christian and you know that the Bible teaches every believer to be patient and that aspect of teaching is what by nature that I imbibed so much. I decided to remain with her because on the altar, on the day of our wedding, I promised to live with her for better or for worst.

    Where you under pressure at this time?

    So much, the pressure was at a time becoming overwhelming but I was patient, as my parents, precisely, my father, taught me. I imbibed and inculcated it and then also considering the fact that there are some other people out there who had similar experiences and God answered their prayers. So, that encouraged me.

    How were you able to manage this pressure?

    I knew it wasn’t necessary to look for an alternative. I had made up my mind because I knew that things had not gone to the worst. I believed God and that with Him, all things are possible and I knew that nobody should count my wife out from conceiving a baby because she wasn’t that old.

    Did you consider remarrying?

    I didn’t because I know women’s reproductive system and I can tell you that my wife is not infertile. We consulted experts in the field and the results we got were all positive and with that, one wasn’t that perturbed.

    Did you seek spiritual help?

    There was an academic colleague at school who at a time heard that we were still waiting for the fruit of the womb; he gave me his own experience that was spiritual, but I didn’t do anything about that. He asked that I consult him so that we begin a process of praying and fasting to torpedo the devices of the wicked.

    How did you feel when the bundle of joy finally came?

    Excited, of course, giving glory to God. The business is between me and God. I have been showing God gratitude by His very grace. I feel elated, happy, giving testimonies to people when they ask me and always returning glory to God for His mercies.

  • Woman held for girl’s murder, missing son

    A woman has been arrested for the murder of a four-year-old girl in Lagos.

    She was arrested by operatives attached to the Orile Police Station, following the death of Nosifat Mubo who was recovered after she was declared missing with her seven-year-old brother, Lateef, on October 3.

    Their father, Moshood Mubo of 305, Church Street, Lagos Island, reported at Adeniji Adele Police Station that two of his children left home around 6pm to buy biscuits on the street but did not return.

    On October 9, Lateef was recovered from a woman, Aminat Akanni of 20, Mosallashi Street, Alakara bus stop, Orile, who allegedly stole the siblings.

    When detectives at Orile Police Station, where the case was earlier reported, interrogated her, she confessed to stealing the siblings and taking them to where she “murdered” Nosifat.

    Further investigations revealed that Aminat is the step-mother of the children she stole, “owing to a misunderstanding she had with her husband and his first wife.”

    The woman was said to have confessed to drowning the child and dropping her dead body at Orile where she was discovered by the police.

    The command’s spokesman Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident, saying that the case had been transferred to Orile Police Station for further action.

  • Ikwerre buries ‘world’ oldest woman

    It was a celebration of life at Rumuorlumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state last Saturday as Ikwerre sons and daughter gathered to bid farewell to late Mrs Wordu Grace Wamanda, who at a reported age of 145 years was the oldest surviving woman in Ikwerre land before her death.

    Five months ago families and relatives of the Late Mrs. Wordu rolled out the drum to celebrate her record breaking 145th birthday. She had already surpassed the age of any living woman in her clan and the ceremony was marked with fanfare and various traditional and religious rites a day prayers for ageless woman.

    However, Niger Delta Report investigation revealed that members of the late woman’s family were unhappy about perceived non-recognition of her feat by both the local and state authorities.

    Some elders in Ikwerre land who spoke with our reporter argue that  Mrs Wordu was not only the oldest woman in Ikwerre, but in Rivers State and probably in the world.

    It was gathered that the debate on whether Mama Grace Wamanda had broken the world record for longevity resurfaced shortly after her death two weeks earlier.

    Sources within the family agreed that it was indeed difficult to ascertain the accurate account of her age due to the fact that she had outlived traditional historians and her contemporaries who are the custodians of her family records.

    “Most of those who are elders in the various families said they could not give good account of mama because they met her in the family at her old age, that means those who could give a detail account of Mama are no longer living. It is difficult to meet anybody who knew her as a young lady,” a member of the family told our reporter.

    Consequently, it was learnt that the age of 145 was unanimously adopted based on the oral accounts of her younger relatives, who have clocked 100 years and their memories of how older she was based on other historical events such as eclipses and natural events and disasters.

    But some of the elder members of the family,  especially the women folks maintained that Mama is above 145. They lamented that the Ikwerre nation had been robbed of record of producing the world’s oldest woman because of lack accurate and verifiable records.

    Mrs. Chinyere Nchelem  Manuyewhor Wordu, one of the family’s daughters-in-law, who spoke to Niger Delta Report said. “I was married into the family at the age of 25 years with the approval of Mama. But I met her as a very old woman. She was already using walking stick; she was very old and today I am above 50 years and we are still taking about 145th as her age it can’t be, mama was more than that.”

    Speaking further, Mrs Wordu revealed that longevity ran in the family, recalling that, “Mama’s father died at the age of 130 years. I will say that is part of her family’s grace. Mama was a very nice woman who cared for everyone in the family she took us all like her sons and daughters. She never antagonized anybody to the extent of being push to the wall. She was discipline, courageous and hard working woman.”

    Chief Sunday Wahunoro, 88, who is the current head of the family and kindred also averred that the late Mrs Wordu’s age could be over 145, adding that the family merely relied on the fact available to them.

    “She is older than the  age they calculated because my own mother died at the age of 135 years. Mrs. Grace was among the pioneer member of Evo-nu-Apara women meeting of Rumuolumeni in the 70s and 80s. She was the President of Evo-nu-Apara Women’s meeting in Rumuorlumeni and she was a member of Rinya Ohna Rumuorlumeni group.”

    Another member of the family,  Dr. Agwnu Justice Oduchi, a media consultant said, “Mama should be celebrated as Ikwerre world’s oldest woman, I think it sounds unbelievable to many people but it is rea. The world should know that  people in Ikwerre ethnic national  are  living with the grace of God. If what happen to us was to be other part of the country the news would have been everywhere but here it looks as if we don’t appreciate God. Mama was a peace loving woman she made a lot of sacrifice in pursuing peace in the family and the entire community.”

    The Biography of Late Mrs. Wordu, which the family presented to NDR,   showed that she had no biological children of her own, but she ‘adopted’ her stepchildren and all the children around her, who she treated with love and care as she would her own children.

    Manuyewhor Samuel Wordu, one of those she took as her children said. “Mama Grace got married as the first wife (Ogbotu) to the Late Chief Wordu Wawhnunoro in Mgbu-Iriata of Rumuorlumeni in Akpor Kingdom. Mama was very supportive to her husband who was a teacher at the time of their marriage. Despite the fact that the marriage was not blessed with a child, her husband loved her. Being a well groomed woman she understood what friends may say to her husband, so she advised her husband to take another wife on her behalf like Sarah in the bible. The second wife died after giving birth to two children and they became hers.”

  • Woman, three others remanded for alleged kidnap, robbery

    A woman and three other suspects have been remanded in Aba Prisons by a Magistrate’s Court sitting at Mgboko in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    The accused were brought before the Mgboko Magistrate’s Court for alleged kidnap, impersonation and burglary.

    It was learnt that one of the accused, Mrs. Grace Ahuruonye Ugorji, escaped arrest when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ohuru Isimiri, Titus Anayo Ugwoke, and his team dislodged some kidnappers from a hideout in the area.

    She was re-arrested, following police surveillance on her movements.

    The police at the Ohuru Isimiri Division arraigned Mrs. Ugorji and the other suspects for alleged kidnap, impersonation and burglary after police had concluded investigation on their alleged involvement.

    The police said they arrested a man for allegedly impersonating an army officer.

    The suspect was said to have ridden a tricycle and worn a military camouflage when he was arrested.

    The police said when he was quizzed, the suspect could not account for his camouflage.

    The other suspects were allegedly arrested after breaking into a shop at Ohuru Ismiri.

    The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges read tom them.

    The magistrate directed the police to remand them in prison custody until the next adjourned date.

  • Woman in police net for buying stolen vehicle

    Woman in police net for buying stolen vehicle

    The joy of Mrs. Caroline Akinlosotu knew no bound few days ago when her fourth son came home with a two-year American visa on his Nigerian passport.

    When the young man who had been pursuing the American visa for some time now to enable him join two of his elder brothers in the United States returned home with the travel document, Akinlosotu, a widow with four sons heaved a sigh of relief.

    But the joy was cut short few hours later when a team of anti-robbery squad from the Ondo state police command stormed her home in Ondo town and arrested her and her third son on allegation of receiving stolen vehicles and motorcycles from a fleeing suspect identified as “Labuta”.

    It was learnt that on September 3, a black coloured Nissian Primera car with registration number AGL-582 AV, suspected to have been stolen by armed robbers, was abandoned by unknown person somewhere around Ijimekun Street, Ondo town.

    On the receipt on the information, a team of detectives from Yaba Division, Ondo were deployed on surveillance around the street where the vehicle was parked.

    At about 3p.m on the same date, the suspected stolen vehicle was found being cannibalized by one Onyekachi Anya for transportation to where it would be sold to customers.

    However, police investigation into the criminal act later linked Mrs. Akinlosotu with the matter by allegedly receiving both stolen vehicles and motorcycles.  Others arrested in connection with the crime include one Gbemisola Adeyefa and Nike Bolodeoku.

    When the suspects were paraded at the State Police command headquarters, along Igbatoro, Akure, Mrs. Akinlosotu said amid wailings that her joy was shrouded in sorrow.

    She confessed to buying the cannibalized Nissan salon car from “Labuta” who is now on the run, for N25,000.

    Asked why she bought a car for N25,000, Akinlosotu said; “it is God that punished me because I am a cloth dealer and I don’t deal in cars. But what pained me most in all these is that I have two of my sons currently in America and I was arrested the day my last son got his travelling visa to United States of America (U.S.A).”

    About 30 other suspects were also paraded by men of the police command for various crimes ranging from armed robbery, cult activities, internet fraud and drug related offenses.

    The state commissioner for police, Isaac Eke said the arrest was made possible following a serious onslaught against criminals in the state.

    According to Eke, 34 suspects were arrested at different locations across the state for various criminal offences, with a major crackdown on cult groups in the state.

    The commissioner said 20 suspected cultists, including one Bayo Akinfemiwa, a member of Eye cult and chairman of Okada riders’ union in Ondo town were arrested by the police.

  • Two arrested for ‘hacking’ woman to death

    Two men have been arrested in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for allegedly killing a woman.

    A source said the deceased was hacked to death with multiple cuts to her head, neck and hands.

    She was said to have died on the way to the hospital.

    Serifat Olasunbo was suspected to have been killed by a bricklayer who came to carry out a repair on the building. The murder suspect is said to be at large.

    Her remains were deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Adeoyo.

    Police spokesperson Mrs Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor confirmed the incident, saying the police were on the trail of the prime suspect.

    The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the suspects be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

  • Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    Exit of a ‘virtuous’ woman

    The funeral service for Madam Felicia Oluremi Abina, wife of the General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Elijah Oludele Abina, has been held at the church’s headquarters at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was the celebration of a life well spent. Notable Christian leaders and members of the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Worldwide, family members and friends turned out for the ceremony.

    They converged on the headquarters of GOFAMINT at Km 40, Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Aseese, Mowe-Ibafo in Ogun State last Saturday for the funeral of Madam Felicia Oluremi, wife of the General Overseer, Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina. She died in the United States (US) at 75. She is survived by her widower, six children and many grand children.

    Her body was not laid at the service because it arrived late from the US.

    The church hall and its gallery were filled. Guests also sat under a large tent outside the church. The church hall and the tent were decorated with blue, red and white fabrics. The ushers were dressed in either cream shirts and green trousers/skirts; or black skirts/trousers with white shirts.

    The service began with a processional hymn “Great is your faithfulness”, with the choir leading its singing. The ministers and family members entered amid the hymn.  All the ministers wore suit; the choir wore white shirt on navy blue skirt/trousers.

    The children wore gold lace with red head gear/cap; the grandchildren wore blue lace.

    The Bible reading from 1Thessaloninas 4:13-18 was taken by the first son, Folorunso.

    The second hymn: “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven” was taken next.

    The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Felix Omobude and Chairman of PFN’s Lagos chapter, Bishop Sola Ore prayed for the deceased and her family.

    Chairman of Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board Rev Adega Balogun took the second Bible reading from 1 Corinthians, 15: 35-58.

    The children sang in memory of their mother, followed by choir’s ministration.

    In a sermon, The General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Headquarters, Abuja, Rev Williams Okoye, spoke on “Build your life on values that would last”.

    Rev Okoye urged the gathering to stop being carried away by worldly things.

    “You can die at anytime and you will face God to give account of how you lived on earth. When you think of death, it will help you to re-evaluate and re-examine your life,” he said.

    Evangelist Bola Aare, a popular gospel singer, rendered soul-lifting songs with the congregation singing along.

    The service ended with the recessional hymn: “O Lord of Heaven and earth and sea”.

    Outside the church hall, Layo Daniel Classical Entertainment life band entertained guests.

    Pastor Abina said the most memorable moment with his wife was when they had no child in the early days of their marriage.

    The widower said: “My late wife endured the time and it was wonderful.  Today, we have three boys and three girls. My wife also supported me when I had financial problem and in all things. When I felt sick, she came to the hospital to stay with me, as a matter of fact that was when her sickness started. “She was loving and caring; she is a woman that I cannot forget in my life.

    “When she fell sick, I felt her absence because nobody was like her to me. But one thing I believe is that she did not die; she sleeps and she lives on.”

    Mr Folorunso Abina, the Chief Executive Officer, Micro Alliance Limited in Abuja, said his mother was the closest example of Jesus to him.

    “She was a true servant of God, a genuine and authentic leader that I wish every leader and Christian lives like her. She left the legacy of love, sacrifice and prophecy which she has poured into every one of her children even her grandchildren. I will miss her love and godly counsel,” he said.

    The first daughter, Mrs Olabisi Ogundele, described her mother as loving, generous and accommodating.

    “I learnt many good things from her that helped me in my marital home. I will miss everything about her – her presence, cooking and encouragement,” she said.

    Her last son Mr Femi Abina, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Development, described his mother as an awesome human being with unique qualities.

    A son-in-law, Pastor Sunday Ogundele of GOFAMINT in the United Kingdon, described her as a woman that brought to pass the fullness of God in the life of everyone who came around her.

    The reception continued in Pastor Abina’s house at 1/3, Elijah Abina Street, off Lake View Estate Phase Two, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.

    Her body arrived at night and she was buried around 9am on Sunday.

    A thanksgiving service was held at Pastor Abina’s church, in Mushin, Lagos.