When and where were you born?
I was born on August 30, 1934 in Ifo Local Government, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
How many siblings do you have?
I had two sisters and one brother, but they are all dead, I’m the only one alive.
How do you feel being the only surviving child of your parents?
I’m thankful to God because it is Him that has kept me till today. I would have been long gone if not for His mercies over my life. I am grateful to Him; I don’t take His love for granted.
What were your parents’ occupations?
My father was a civil servant; he worked at Ifo Local Government while my mother was a trader. My parents weren’t rich; we could be classified as an average family but they worked extremely hard to send my siblings and I to school. My mother especially made sure we didn’t lack anything. If we wanted something, she would go out of her way to provide it. I also tried to support her, sometimes, I would forfeit going to school so I could help her sell her wares. She was very hardworking, she traded in almost everything.
Where did you have your education?
I attended Oke-Ila Primary School, Ifo and I had my secondary education at Methodist Grammar School, Arigbajo. I was an average student in school, but I always made sure that I passed all the subjects. I hated the shame that came with failing a subject or repeating a class.
After secondary school, what did you do?
I couldn’t go to the university so I ventured into trading just like my mother. I would travel from one state to the other to buy food stuffs such as garri, yam flour, palm oil, vegetable, pepper and so much more. Then I would bring them to Lagos to sell. Back then, things were very cheap so we would buy in large quantities. I continued in this business even after I got married. I didn’t enjoy doing anything else other than trading.
When did you get married?
I got married at a young age. I was 20 years old when I got married. That should be around 1954 but I can’t really remember the exact date. Back then, once one had found a potential partner or spouse, there was no need wasting time. I didn’t see myself as being too young to marry. I loved my husband and he loved me too. There was no need pretending otherwise to ourselves.
How did you meet?
I met him through my brother; he was my brother’s friend. The day he saw me he just liked me and he told my brother that he wanted to marry me. He was based in Lagos while I was based in Ogun State, but we used to visit ourselves regularly. If he wasn’t coming over to see me, I was the one travelling to see him. We courted for two years before getting married.
What qualities attracted him to you?
He was charming and good looking. I liked his physique. So many men had approached me, seeking my hand in marriage but I wasn’t attracted to them. My husband caught my attention the first day I saw him. Till today, I love him; my love for him hasn’t changed. I still remember our wedding day, it was a beautiful day; we danced until we had no more strength left in us. We were so happy and I can never forget that day.
What challenges have you faced in your marriage?
I have a sweet marriage and I still love my husband till today. The only issue I have is his weakness for women. He ended up marrying three more wives after me. When I realised that I couldn’t handle his having other women in the house, I moved out to be on my own. I’m someone that doesn’t like stress; I prefer staying on my own so I can enjoy peace.
How many children do you have?
I have seven children. Some are based in Lagos and others in Ogun State. They are all doing well for themselves.
Are you still married to your husband?
Yes, we are still husband and wife but we live separately. I live in my house here in Lagos while he lives in his house in Sagamu, Ogun State with his younger wife. He came for my 80th birthday. We rekindled our love for each other that day.
How do you mean when you said rekindled your love for each other?
I mean we re-read our marriage vows.
How was it like?
I was happy. We danced together just like the day we got married
How did you support your husband in raising your children?
I supported him with the money I made from my business. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. I’m happy that all my children have a means of income and are doing well for themselves.
What is your view on men marrying more than one wife?
It is not something every woman wishes for; I accepted it as my fate. My father also had more than one wife, so I see it as a weakness that is common among men.
What is your advice to young couples?
Life is about patience, there is no reason to rush into marriage. Young women should make sure they go into marriage with their two eyes open. They should also pray very well and listen to their parents’ advice.
At 80, how do you keep yourself busy?
My children set up a shop for me where I sell various food items. This keeps me busy. I don’t like sitting at home from morning to night doing nothing and being idle; I’m used to being busy.
Do you exercise?
Yes, I exercise. I enjoy talking long walks. That is the only type of exercise I enjoy and I’ve made it my exercise routine. I take long walks every Tuesday.
What is your favourite food?
I enjoy eating amala with ewedu and gbegiri. I also enjoy semolina and pounded yam.
What are your hobbies?
I like singing and dancing. Church is my favourite place to be because of the praise and worship songs. My favourite song is Oluwa se mi lore o, (The lord has done me a great favour). When I’m singing and dancing, I’m always full of joy. Life is too short to worry over issues one can’t change.
What has kept you strong till date?
I love efo (vegetables) that is well-prepared, I eat that regularly. I think that is what keeps me strong. Vegetable is good for the body. Eating ewedu too nourishes the body. I don’t joke with fruits, I eat one fruit daily.
How many more years do you hope to live?
I don’t have a particular number in mind; all I pray for is to have a good life. I pray not to be a burden to my children, I also pray against encountering any form of problem that would stress me. I want to continue to live my life in peace until God says it is time for me to come home.
Do you have friends?
I don’t have many friends, but my neighbours in my compound are my friends. I once had a very close friend whom I called my sister. We were friends since childhood. She was nicknamed Kehinde while I was called Taye, we were that close. We did everything together until the day she died in 2005. We were always together. When she died, she left behind a void in my heart. I couldn’t stand seeing her children all alone, I had to take them as my own. I don’t think I can ever find a friend like her. Friends one makes today can’t be compared to childhood friends. The friends I have today are acquaintances; I keep them so I won’t be bored.
Over time, you would have learnt so many lessons, what advice do you have for the younger generation?
The only advice I have to share is on love. Love is very important, when you love your fellow brothers or sisters, you won’t think evil against them. The Bible teaches us that we should love our neighbour as ourselves. There are so many atrocities being committed in the country because there is no love. If we all decide to love one another, Nigeria would be a better place. It is high time we had a change of heart and do what is right.
What do you always do before you sleep and when you wake up?
The only thing I know I do religiously is to pray. I love praying. In this world we live in, one needs to pray. When I’m about to sleep, I pray that God keeps my family safe throughout the night, and that we should wake up strong and healthy. When I wake up, I thank God for keeping me because so many people slept but didn’t wake up. Here am I, alive, happy, and strong.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I don’t have any regrets; there is nothing to be sad for. I am happy, I have children who are doing well and they are all married. I’m alive, there is nothing to regret.
Are you fulfilled in life?
I am fulfilled; I have children and a house of my own. Every morning when I wake, I thank God for all what He has given me. There are people of my age who aren’t as strong and healthy as I am.
Which is your favourite programme on television?
I enjoy watching a morning show on Sundays.
What is your view on insecurity in Nigeria?
Boko Haram has caused a lot of havoc in the country, aside that kidnap is becoming rampant. My prayer is that Boko Haram will be wiped out. They have killed so many people, enough of bloodshed. I also pray that the Ebola virus disease will be wiped off. They are not bigger than God. I pray that He puts an end to the EVD in Nigeria.
Do you attend parties?
No, not any more. I used to enjoy parties when my best friend was alive, but now, I don’t enjoy them anymore.
Come 2015, who will you want to be the President of Nigeria?
Nothing has changed in Nigeria, I pray that God intervenes and puts the person He has chosen to become president. There is no food, no job, and no money. Our children come out of school with the hope of getting a job, but every time, their hopes are dashed. There are no jobs for them. We are tired of this, we want change in Nigeria. We want the person God has chosen to become president; we are tired of all what is happening.
Do you still have dreams which you still want to realise?
Yes, I hope to travel abroad someday. I don’t want to remain in Lagos all my life. I want to see what others are enjoying. There is nothing in Nigeria, life is better abroad. Things work better abroad, their roads are smooth, and electricity is stable. I also wish to build my second house, I’ve started building it but I don’t have the money to finish it. The house I’m living in now is getting small for us. I wish to build a bigger house. These are my dreams and I hope they come true soon.
You don’t use eye glasses; what is the secret to your good eyesight?
I like eating iru (locust beans). It’s the secret to my good sight. I use it to cook my food, sometimes, I eat it alone.
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