HID Awolowo clocks 98 today

A short service will be held this morning to mark the 98th birthday of the Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) PLC, publishers of the Tribune titles, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.

The service will take place at the Efunyela Hall, inside the Awolowo family house in  Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, (nee Adelana), popularly known as HID, was born on November 25, 1915 into a modest family in Ikenne-Remo.

Going down memory lane, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, described Mama as a solid rock behind her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as she held fort throughout the period of her husband’s incaceration and remained consistent and unwaivered.

While thanking God for sparing Mama HID’s life to see this day, Rt Rev Bolanle Gbonigi, retired Bishop of Akure Diocese (Anglican Communion) said “Despite attaining 98 years, Mama has remained alert. One can only achieve this through divine grace.”

He also thanked God that Mama was able to carry on with  the good works of her husband.

Gbonigi said, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was concerned about the unity and progress of the Yoruba nation, adding that this was evident in the series of projects he initiated and implemented when he was premier of the old Western Region.

Secretary of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Chief Ebenezer Babatope also contributing said, “Mama’s life is a source of inspiration to those of us who are believers in the ideals and political philosophy of her husband, Papa Obafemi Awolowo.

‘’We continously pray to God to grant Mama many more years of service to humanity so that we believers in Papa’s political ideals will continue to draw inspiration from her life and times.

“Mama at 98, still reads all newspapers that are made available to her at Ikenne before 7.30 in the morning. She is well informed on matters and events of Nigeria’s politics.

“At 98, Mama is ever politically and intellectually alert. Her grasp of events is simply wonderful. Little wonder that Papa described her as “my precious Jewel of inestimable value,” Chief Babatope said.

Bishop Sina Fape, Bishop of Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), who happens to be Mama’s bishop, said that Mama is a special breed of God. Longevity is a gift from God. It is one thing to live long, but it is another thing to be articulate and sound in mind.

“Mama is a beneficiary of God’s uncommon favour of long life and articulate mind. Of a truth, Mama is a living repository of political ideas. Her relevance to her generation is evidently shown in the way politicians of different political leanings still continue to tap from her wealth of experience.

‘’At 98 years, though not a card carrying member of any political party, yet, her voice reverbrates with echoes of soundness and clarity on issues affecting Nigeria. Many of her age mates have suffered dementia.”

Concluding, the cleric said: “Truly no one can receive anything except he has been given from above.”

In describing Mama at 98, the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Kaka sees in her a rare gem for this generation.

“Mama HID is a rare gem to the world. As she clocks 98 today, I can confirm to you that her memory is still sharp like a 30-year-old’s.
‘’She is a repositry of Nigeria’s history, without her memory failing her for a second.

‘’A woman who has kept all the legacies her husband left behind. Today, the titles of ANN Plc are still waxing stronger as the only surviving private newspaper under her leadership.

‘’Today, the Ikenne home of the Awolowos still remain a political Mecca in the country as the who is who in Nigeria visit, courtesy of her ability to sustain and keep the legacy.”

In his birthday message to Mama HID, who is the Iya Ijo of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Venerable Gbenga Babatunji sees her as  an epitome of faith, and godliness.

‘’Apart from the fact that she is at present the oldest of the congregation, she has always exhibited an  unalloyed support for my wife and I since the  inception of our ministry in Ikenne-Remo. She believes  so much in our ministry.

“As a believer, she has always remained undaunted even in the face of challenges.”

According to Mama’s vicar, Mama is the rallying point among the womenfolk in the church as she helps organise the affairs of women till date.

“Mama’s generosity is unequalled towards the development of the church. Of recent, Mama Awolowo  donated 10 five horse-power air conditioners when the project of the AC was embarked upon. She is one of those who gave generously when the Vicarage was being renovated. I cannot mention all what Mama has done for us in the church, financially and morally,” said Babatunji while also praying  that God spares her life and include her among  the few in the world who would have the grace to witness 100 years in life.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE