By Taoheed Ajao
In the late 50s and early 60s when the privilege to spend holidays at the Pilot Sawmill, Aponmu, near Akure, was part of the motivation for doing well in school, mama — Iye’Uka — was the one majorly responsible for turning our experience into a dream to be constantly relived by her unforgettable hospitality.
Unbelievably indulgent of children and unperturbed by the raucous of having as many of them as wanted to be with her around, Iye’Uka actually cut the figure of a woman tirelessly at work; and, boy, did she work! All her physical exertions when making sure that breakfast was ready by 7 a.m for all of the household — the Mimiko children and the visiting Ajao ones — and preparations for her “buka” business, confirmed the aphorism that “hard work never kills”!!
Her years of toiling were rewarded by God through having successful and high-achieving children who doted on her. Iye’Uka epitomized care and selfless love, a fact easily discernible in the sheer number of people and relations who had benefited from and passed through her mentorship. More than anything else, Iye’Uka always seemed to derive unquantifiable joy and fulfillment in this type of relationship. She was a mother in a million!
Regrettably, she passed on in the wee hours of Saturday, the 14th of December, 2019 after a brief illness.
May Allah grant her soul aljahna firdaus and give the children and relations left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
She will be greatly missed!
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