Tinubu rekindles fond memories of mum at play presentation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was empathetic yesterday as he relived memories of his late mum Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

It was at the sneak peek of a stage play titled: “Abibatu Mogaji: The Play,” written by a renowned playwright Prof. Ahmed Yarima and produced by Ola Awakan.

The President recounted how his mother’s breasts served as his first restaurant.

“Mama’s grandson (Seyi) didn’t partake in my first breakfast with Mama because my first restaurant was her breast, my first toilet was her lap and my first-ever bedroom was her back. There is no way I could have been this old without that care,” He said.

The President applauded Awakan for his thorough research and insightful showcase of the life of his mum, a prominent businesswoman, who was the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.

Alhaja Mogaji died on June 15, 2013. She was 96.

Tinubu promised to invest in Nigeria’s Arts and Culture sector.

Sharing the fond memories of his childhood and the values instilled in him by his mother, Tinubu appreciated the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.

He pledged his support to the arts and culture sector because of its importance in the preservation of Nigeria’s heritage and promoting its rich cultural diversity.

The President left the State House Conference Centre midway into the presentation, pleading for the understanding of guests as he had another meeting with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

According to President Tinubu, the sub-regional leaders had been waiting for the meeting for three days.

He directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to stand in for him.

Tinubu said: “I thank Ola Awakan. He’s a very great researcher, producer and thoughtful person to have come up with this and I can see some faces of Mama’s children – Tunji Alausa and the rest of the people are here.

“I will invest in the play; nothing could have been better than rewarding a very thorough research.

“I can see Adams Oshiomhole there, they knew her – many of you here knew her.

“Though, she was a disciplinarian and I thank God for the gift that I got from her and that gift is an enduring one – character, determination, and never to give up.

“I’m so grateful to all of you in large numbers, I would have enjoyed the audience more with you. 

“I’ll find another opportunity to do that, but I asked for this assignment. Through your exercise and commitment, you gave it to me.

“Only 48 hours ago, they renewed my mandate as the Chairman of ECOWAS. So, if they now give me an assignment, I don’t have a choice, but to do it.

“Seyi, you didn’t partake in my breastfeeding, I enjoyed it better than you. So, enjoy the play. I thank all of you immensely from the bottom of my heart.

“Ola Awakan, Yerima and the members of the cast, I say thank you. We will invest in Nigeria’s culture and art for the education of our children and for the benefit of mankind and all of you.

“I thank you for sparing your evening to celebrate my mother, a great woman. Thank you,” he said.

The event was graced by notable figures.

Oshiomhole and Alausa attested to the late Alhaja Mogaji’s legacy.

Seyi appreciated the managers and crew for putting up a brilliant performance.

Awakan express gratitude to the President for the opportunity and support to stage the play at the Presidential Villa.