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LOUD WHISPERS: The ‘Jewel Of Inestimable Value’

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Monday, October 3rd, 2016
21 comments

Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo passed away on September 19th2015, just a few weeks shy of being 100 years old. The activities that had been planned for her centenary birthday were turned into a celebration of her glorious life. One of the activities was a Women’s Celebration for Mama, which took place on November 23rd 2015 in Ikenne, her home town, in Ogun State, Nigeria. I was asked to speak at the event, so I gave a presentation on ‘The Role of Political Spouses in Our Evolving Political Space’. On September 19th 2016, one year after the passing of Mama, the HID Awolowo Foundation was launched, as part of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation. I was invited to join the Advisory Council of the new foundation, which aims to promote the values that Mama HID stood for. I have decided to share an abridged version of the speech I gave last year, to celebrate this great woman who, unlike many other political spouses, will not go unsung.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the former Premier of the then Western Region of Nigeria,  is a legend, and our history as a country is never complete without reference to his achievements, perspectives and soaring vision. His wife, fondly known as Mama HID, by virtue of the role she played in his life and the contributions she made to society at large, is a legend in her own right.

 

Full reading in Loud Whispers cover final

 

 

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com

 

 

 

 

21 Responses

  1. Hmmmmmm….. Behind every successful man/politician – is a strong woman/spouse. Mama of all women (HID) – This is a woman who has been a source of inspiration before her demise, she left an indelible mark on this nation, smiles on the faces of countless victimized fellows. There is no way she will not forever be remembered. She has touched a lot of hearts, and has her name on the sands of time. REST ON MAMA HID

  2. Well said Timmie_K – this post has just made my week. Times when i read articles like this, i get so firing on the inside, i know there are “Women of Women” – women of strength, courage and honour (political wives/spouses), women who are not intimidated by the number of who stands by/against them – “THE GOAL GETTER” kind of women. I AM MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED ALREADY.
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful post, God Bless you Ma.

  3. Interesting article and i hope all other political spouses as termed in the article can actually learn from mama awolowo p.k.a mama HID…God bless you Ma

  4. Mama HID was an inspiration through the way she lived…this article as just said it all though i must say its not easy combining soo many roles together but i think with time and the right strategy it will work out…

  5. This is a step in a good direction…i hope they get to emulate Mama and not just be carried away with the political title…we should always remember no one reigns forever but the legacy you laid will speak for you after your reign just like it did for the Awolowo’s

  6. Nice write up. Most of the political spouses we have now are women who only look for their own interest. Some can’t even manage there home talkelss of a nation. Mama Awolowo has laid down a legacy that can’t be forgotten. Rest on mama.

  7. God bless the writer of this article. Have learnt some many lessons from this writeup. Our world would have be a better place if only we can have political spouses who have the mind of Mama Awolowo. You can be forgotten and your legacy lives on.

  8. This is a lesson to all. Been a political spouse or not. Having a rightful & supporting spirit as a woman goes a long run. Don’t be carried away with title in any position you find yourself as a woman. There is so much responsibility been a mother. Mama Awolowo was not just a political spouse but a mother of all.

  9. To start with, I will like to quote the statement ” Behind every successful man there is a woman”. To address the political aspect of this matter, a political leader that fails in his assigment, mostly do not have the kind of woman fitted for the assignment. Even the bible says can two work together except they agreed? How a home is build influence our nations. Kudos mama Awolowo. Rest on.

  10. I love this write up and most of all our great magnanimous mama HID, she was really an ICON and a beauty to behold. R.I.P, you will ever be remembered for playing a good political spouse role in Nigeria.

  11. Mama Awo I love your indomitable strength, you were really a great icon and a rare jewel of inestimable value. God bless the brain behind this wonderful write up. More Grace maam!

  12. She is indeed a “Jewel of Inestimable Value” – No Controversy. A rare gem. I would really love if this article can get publicised and get women inspired out there.
    There are lots of us who are willing to do – but requires a CATALYST – in the form of this. Great article #MassiveThumbsUp God Bless You Ma.

  13. What a great Icon that all political and non-political spouses should emulate. For a woman to be given such a description, I’m very sure she had gone through the thick and thin in the race with her husband. May Mama HID’s soul continually rest in peace.

  14. I think the height of greediness in the political scene as corrupted most of the political spouses we have in this present time. It is hard to really pinpoint selfless acts seen by the likes of Mama HID though i know we still have them. I pray for strength and courage for our political spouses to stand firm for what is right.

  15. “We hereby create a black market where everyone knows where to buy something that is supposed to be illegal but they buy it anyway because it is needed and not available elsewhere.” I was really touched by this quote, it is relevant in every sphere of our society. This is a touching piece

  16. A man can really achieve nothing without his wife’s support and vice versa. In this modern society, I think men can also learn from this article as their wife may be the ones in political capacities. Mrs Awolowo is a legend to all

  17. Rest on Mama HID Awolowo. She has really left a great legacy for us all to follow, political or non-political. Even the men are not left out to learn from her legacy.

  18. Indeed, Behind every success man/politician is a strong, courageous, knowledgeable woman/spouse. Mama touched lives, imparted to people and supported her husband in his political race. Rest on mama HID Awolowo. You left the world touching hearts and you also lived a fulfilling life.
    Great and encouraging article. I pray we learn from her legacy. Welldone ma for giving inspiring us with this great article.

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