A Tribute to My Priceless Mother at 75
Happy 75th birthday to my incredible mother — a woman of uncommon courage, grace, and quiet strength.
Today, I celebrate you for choosing Nigeria in the 1970s, embracing a culture not originally yours, learning the language, and living it fully with dignity and love. Thank you for staying in Nigeria with us as a family for over 20 years, for teaching us Yoruba and speaking it to us while we were growing up, even though you are not Nigerian by birth. You became Nigerian by heart, by service, and by sacrifice.
“When I Clock 90, I’ll Do Something I’ve Never Done Before” — Pastor E. A. Adeboye Reveals
Thank you for standing firmly beside my father through every season of life — the highs and the lows — and for being a hardworking woman who never gave up. You taught us, especially us women, that we must aspire, grow, and thrive so we can support our partners through life’s trials. You showed us strength without noise, loyalty without complaints, and love without conditions. I never saw you argue with my father — only respect, patience, and wisdom.
Thank you for bringing my father back to Nigeria in the 1970s against all odds, believing in his roots and in the future of our family. Thank you for being a remarkable daughter-in-law to our grandmother, Late Alhaja Sefinatu Tinuola Sarumi. She loved you deeply — so much that she openly declared, even while alive, that her private home was for her *oyinbo* daughter-in-law. She fondly named you *Sariyu*, and she told everyone she met, “This house is for my daughter-in-law.”
Your love did not stop there. You also took on the care of her own mother, Iya Amina, who was bedridden for many years. You told your mother-in-law, “Alhaja, let me take care of Iya Amina so you can rest,” and you did so faithfully, without complaints, for almost six years. I was named after Iya Amina, who died at the age of 98 yrs old. That level of selflessness shaped my understanding of love, service, and family.
Growing up, I watched you live these values daily, and they molded me into the woman I am today. Because of you, I valued my mother-in-law deeply, and I always encourage others to do the same. You taught me humility, strength, grace, and resilience. I am bold, confident, and classy because of you. You were never proud or arrogant — always humble and down to earth — and those same values guide my life today.
Mum, you are truly priceless. Thank you for making me who I am. I am forever grateful.
I love you always and beyond words.
Ur Amina jeun jeun koyo and the peoples BASA .
