President Bola Tinubu revealed on Tuesday that he inherited his resilience, determination, and discipline from his late mother, Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, who passed away on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96.
Speaking after watching the play “Abibatu Mogaji: An Opera,” staged in her honor at the Conference Centre of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President described his mother as “tough and determined.”
President Tinubu watched the play alongside Vice-President Sen. Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep.
Tajudeen Abbas, and other dignitaries. He praised his mother’s remarkable legacy of service to her family, community, the underprivileged, and the nation.
“My first restaurant was the best. My first toilet was the best. My first bedroom was her back. There is no way I could have come this far, and become this old without her care,’’ the President said, reflecting on his upbringing.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Executive Producer of the play, Mr. Ola Awakan, and the Director, Dr. Ahmed Yerima, for their work in immortalizing his mother through the play.
He commended the “thoroughly researched” production, which accurately depicted his mother’s life and character.
“I could see that they know her very well. She was tough. She was a disciplinarian. I can thank God for the gift I got from her. It was an enduring gift of character and determination. Never to give up,’’ the President stated.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in culture and arts, promising that his government would create pathways for future generations through such investments. He emphasized that theater plays a vital role in conveying lessons from history through re-enactment.
In his vote of thanks, the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, expressed gratitude to the managers and crew for their brilliant performance in immortalizing the late Iya-loja of Lagos.
Awakan thanked the President for the opportunity and support to stage the play at the Presidential Villa
