Oshiomhole: What my mother taught me

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, has described his mother, Ahaja Aishetu Oshiomhole, as “a strict disciplinarian’’ who gave him good moral upbringing.

He made the remarks on Saturday in Iyamho, near Auchi, at the launching of a book, “ Igovina Emosi.’’ a biography of Ahaja Aishetu Oshiomhole, mother of the governor.

The book was written by Mr Imuzeze Ofen-Imu.

The governor said that from his experiences with his mother, there was need for children to honour and listen to their mothers.

He said that his mother was a disciplinarian, who believed that sparing the rod would spoil the child.

He said that whatever he is today was the result of the upbringing he got from his mother.

He said that in spite of the strictness of his mother, “she is always caring and committed to humanity,” adding that he acquired wisdom from his mother.

Oshiomhole said that in spite of his age and status in the society, his mother still found time to advice, admonish and instil the right values on him.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Donald Boi, described the governor’s mother as “a mother to all exemplifying truth, honesty equity and humility.’’

Mr Sam Oboh, the Chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Council, described Alhaja Oshiomhole as “a community mobiliser’’ who had been in politics long before her son.

The book reviewer, Prof. Marcel Okhakhu said the book chronicled the life and times of the mother of the Edo Governor.

He said that the book could be likened to a tale of two cities — Paris and London.

“It dealt with the life and times of Mama at Ayua, her native village and Iyamho, her village by marriage.’’

Okhakhu said the book chronicled Mama’s activities as a woman with leadership quality who was influential and pivotal in the affairs of Ayua.

About N27 million was realised at the book launch.