I was in my mother’s womb for 12 months – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, said that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth.

Obasanjo said that the delay in his birth was ascribed to the influence of some witches and wizards who gave his mother a tough time before God’s intervention.

The former President, according to a statement on Thursday from his Media Assistant, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, disclosed this while speaking during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi” held to mark 66 years remembrance of Obasanjo’s late mother, Mrs Benice Obasanjo.

The drama was held on Wednesday at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Obasanjo had lamented that it was unfortunate that his mother never lived to see how great God had helped him to become in life and of course, enjoy the fruits of her hard labour.

He said that though his mother gave birth to nine children, only two of them, himself and his sister, survived.

Obasanjo said, “I was told I was in my mother’s womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once. She had nine children, but two of us survived, myself and my sister.

“I was the only one who went to school because my father’s belief was that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”

Obasanjo, at the programme, also promised to support the troupe’s quest to present the longest open drama to clinch a Guinness Book of Record.

Speaking at the programme, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said mothers will forever be the bedrock upon which the foundation of any society is built.

Abiodun described Obasanjo’s mother as a great woman, while alive, saying her influence would continue to endure through the lives of her children, especially Obasanjo, who remains a formidable figure in Nigeria’s history.

The governor added that the musical drama titled, ‘Aremu Omo Asabi’ performed in celebration of her life was not just recounting history, but was also a prompt reminder of the sacrifices mothers make and the indelible spirit they pass on to their children.

“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour and support mothers in every way possible. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment where every mother’s hope for their children can flourish.

“This is why the present administration continues to pursue policies which ensure access to quality education, healthcare and opportunities for all so that the dreams that mothers have for their children can be realised,” he said.

Also speaking, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honouring his late mother after 66 years, pointing out that mothers are special instruments in the hands of God and man, that must be treated specially and accorded necessary honour.