Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has renamed newly built estate, Plain Field Estate, opposite Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, after the late matriarch of Awolowo dynasty, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo.
Also, the yet to be completed Model school in Ikenne town is also named after the woman, whom many have described as a great icon.
This was revealed Monday during the celebration of the lifetime of the late wife of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The Governor, while addressing a huge crowd at the Gateway International Stadium, stated that the greatest honour to be given to the woman by anybody is,
“to continue with those good virtues she was known for”.
According to him, “today, we are here celebrating Mama. She played a very prominent role during her life time. She stood resolute with Baba during the tribulation period, not only for the stability of Awolowo family, but for the whole nation.
“We are celebrating a good life of a great mother, an amazon. Although she will be sorely missed, her exit will create a big vacuum.
“The greatest honour we can give Mama is to copy all the good virtues, all the good work she did. If we keep the flag flying by continuing with all the selfless service she and Papa Awo rendered, they will be happy.”
In his tribute, the former Interim Head of Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, described Mama as a woman of exemplary character and a great pillar of support for her husband.
“Mama left an indelible mark, she was a virtuous woman. Her untiring efforts in steering the political wheel of the Yoruba race will never be forgotten. She will be missed, not only by her family but the entire people of the country.
“Mama HID Awolowo came, lived and contributed to carrying on the political philosophy of her husband. May her soul and that of her late husband, the late sage rest in perfect peace,” Shonekan prayed.
NADECO leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo eulogised the deceased, whom he said he had known since 1952.
He recounted a lot of good deeds and supportive roles played by Mama, especially during the dark era of the nation.
He advised wives of political office holders to be strong supporters of their husbands, adding that those were some of the good virtues no woman had surpassed Mama with in this country.
The former administrator in Ekiti state and the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun in 2011, Chief Tunji Olurin said the free education policy introduced by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1955 helped him and so many of his generation to become what they are today.
He thanked the Awolowo family, on behalf of his generation, for giving their father, the late Obafemi Awolowo, the support and courage to championed the herculean task in his lifetime.
“I am speaking here today on behalf of my generation and those after us. As a young boy in primary school in 1955 when Awolowo brought free education, many people, including me, benefitted from it.
“All these could have not been possible, if not that someone was right there at home, holding forte for Baba Awo. Mama was a very dutiful wife, strong housewife, diligent supporter of her husband, a strong hearted woman, useful to the community and nation.
“She was an excellent woman in life and same in death. She did not snub anybody but admired everybody,” Olurin said.
Responding on behalf of the family, the first daughter of Awolowo, Revd. Omotola Oyediran expressed appreciation of the Awolowo family to everybody who had come from far and near to celebrate the demise of their mother with them.
“Let me warmly greet our excellency. I do not have so much to say, Nigerians have expressed their feelings towards Awolowo since Mama departed. It has been a wonderful celebration, indeed, Mama is celebrated. This is exactly what Mama wanted.
“You all have demonstrated to us that you appreciated what Baba and Mama did for Nigeria and Nigerians. We want to assure you that as Awolowo, we will always be there for you and we will not disappoint you,” she promised.
Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, who is also a grand daughter of Mama, thanked all the women in the state, including wives of some state governors, who accompanied her to the celebration of her grand mother.
She declared that she had lost a very close companion, adviser and real mother and prayed that her legacy will forever live on.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Minister of Solid Mineral, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, some House of Representatives members from Ogun State, wives of governors and former governors.
Others are religious leaders such as Pastor W.F. Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Ministry, various political groups, transport unions, student groups, marker men and women and artisans.
Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo will be buried on Wednesday, the day she would have clocked 100 years.
She will be buried beside the grave of her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, at the Maosoleum inside the Awolowo house in Ikenne.