TRIBUTE TO A DEAR MOTHER OLUFUNMILAYO MABEL AKINYEMI (1950- 2015)
Death is illogical – mama got to the peak then died, Mummy even though you are no more, your good work lives after you. A gift of gold is precious, a gift of diamond is valuable, but a gift of you as a mother is priceless. I was lucky to have you as a foster mother. Your love, nurture, word of discipline and encouragement, moral and education were inestimable. You did not only teach me how to live, you showed the example yourself. As a teacher you gave education for you were educated, you inspired me to get to the pick for you got there yourself, you taught me business, you taught me to run my home when the income is little, you gave beauty for you were beautiful, you gave kindness for your were kind, you showed me Christ for you were a Christian worker; you fought poverty and won for you became the NAPEP coordinator. You love children so much you had many (Akinsola, Abayomi, Taiwo, Idowu, Titilayo, Abimbola, Adewale, Lanre, Kunle,Taiwo, Zacheus, Damilola,Lekan,Adefunke….. these children you nurtured – these one you influenced, these one you made. Mama, your valuable words I will keep in my heart, your audible voice I will treasure- all your instructions will guide me. I still remember all that you taught me- you gave all that you had. Words of mouth not enough to thank you, a thousand thanks not sufficient. Little wonder you dance to your grave. Mama indeed you have gone to sleep, but your memory is very much alive. All your children are celebrating you today.
Iya Rere: Iya Awon Omo- Maa Sun Laya Olugbala Titi D’Ojo Ajinde. (Adewale)