The YRAC chairman, Mrs. Margaret Udoh receiving 2024 PAN-African mother award, and her induction into the Advisory Board of the PAN-African Dialogue Institute, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
SPEECH BY CHAIRMAN
THE SPEECH OF THE MOTHER OF THE DAY TO MARK THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DIALOGUE AND PAN-AFRICANISM, SATURDAY, 25TH MAY, 2024, AT THE 1000-SEATER TETFUND AUDITORIUM, MAIN CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY OF UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA. Esteemed hosts and guests, The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, The Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, former President, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate in Literature, My elder sister and colleague at The West African Civil Society Forum, WACSOF, The Former Vice President of The Gambia, Her Excellency, Madam Fatoumata Tambajang, distinguished academics, Youth, and all highly esteemed dignitaries gathered here to celebrate International Africa Day, I am Margaret Udoh, here as the Mother of the Day at this epic occasion. I am delighted to have been given this remarkable position at this conference; it magnifies my divine passion and purpose in the world. I hope that my modest speech will clear the imagination of some of our guests that haven’t heard or seen Margaret Udoh. I tag my speech as: “THE JOY AND FULFILMENT OF THE AFRICAN MOTHER “
I am delighted and enjoy being called “mother” by my four biological children and many non-biological ones. I hail from Akwa Ibom State, and today I stand before you as a testament to the voices that journalists, like the late AKBC correspondent, and his colleagues globally, my publications and works have amplified. I extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. E. J. Udoh, the President of TPADI whose word “DISCOVER,” spoken on February 21st, 2024, has been a beacon in my journey of motherhood—a journey that began in 1983 and has since transcended my personal realm to embrace Nigeria, West Africa, and indeed, the entire globe. Dr. Udoh and his team may not understand what they have done by showcasing my talent in this conference. It has always been my desire to leave the world empty by impacting it with what God has given me, than to enrich the graveyard by leaving the world full.
Motherhood is a divine commitment, filled with challenges and joys. It is the essence of our nurturing spirit, the bedrock of our communities, and the foundation upon which our children build their futures. As African mothers, we are the major caregivers, the co-creators with God, providing sustenance from the womb and beyond. I recall the first time I was called “mother” of my first biological son, “Eka Ubong”. In that moment, I realized the profound responsibility and unconditional love that comes with this title. “Motherhood is a tapestry woven with threads of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering love. It is a symphony of lullabies, whispered prayers, and joyful laughter. It is a legacy passed down through generations, a gift we cherish and nurture with every beat of our hearts.”
Like the strong and graceful women of Akwa Ibom State, adorned in vibrant coral beads and intricate and adorable head and waist wraps, we embody the beauty, resilience, and cultural abundance of our heritage, a heritage shared across the African continent. We are the keepers of traditions, passing down ancient wisdom through stories, songs, and dance, ensuring that the flame of our ancestral knowledge is not extinguished, but continues to burn bright. Yet, our children are leaving, seeking opportunities in foreign lands, often accepting less than they deserve. They are leaving their greener pastures to the greyer ones. We must ask ourselves; are we instilling the self-esteem and confidence our children need to raise their heads above menial jobs that draw small monies without dignity? I shed tears for our children every time I see them outside their homes accepting any condition for subsistence. It is through love, appreciation, and encouragement that we can use to foster a sense of belonging and patriotism in them.
Mothers face unique challenges in their journey, from economic hardships, gender stereotyping to societal expectations. Yet, like the resourceful women of Africa, who navigate the adverse conditions with unwavering determination, we adapt and overcome, drawing strength from our community and faith in God and our ancestral wisdom. Our laughter rings out like the cheerful melodies of the udu drum, our tears mingle with the raindrops that nourish our fertile land.
Our children are crying for direction now, more than ever, because of the complexity of crimes and other degenerative and distractive elements in the global world. Though, there are no set rules, laws or principles of parenting, nonetheless, guidelines are available in books and other published materials. Most are provided by experienced parents and professionals after several parenting battles and research. Young parents are advised to obtain them and read to avoid or minimize some mistakes. Our lovely children are too precious to be guinea pigs for experiments. Civilization began in Africa, and it is our duty to ensure that our continent does not remain labeled as ‘third world.’ Parenting is the key; it is through nurturing love that we can prevent the tragedies of our past and present, such as slavery, from repeating.
We must cultivate patriotism in our children, so they may use their talents to improve our nations. Africans should provide space for the talented, to evolve from their cocoons into pure images that will enrich their heritage, failure to do this, is what is driving our youth to other places for their relevance. The Sustainable Development Goals are a call to action to improve living conditions in Africa. We must address hunger, poverty, gender inequality, health, education, and justice. We must remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and ensure that our children are not treated as miniature adults but are given the rights and protections they deserve.
In my book, “Parenting Bedrock,” I discuss the progression of parenting and the importance of child rights. A mother’s role is not confined to her household; it extends to the community and the world. We must combat the brain drain, encourage our leaders to promote excellence, and ensure that our children know their worth and rights. Whenever parenting is considered, Cora Hills, an Iowa housewife should be remembered for launching a campaign in 1906 to persuade the Iowa legislature to include the rearing of children as a research topic (Gleitman, Psychology, 1986, p 444). Her argument was based as follows: “….if research could improve hogs and corn, why not the rearing of children.” This campaign, eventually led to the establishment of various agencies devoted to scientific research in all areas of relevance to the physical and mental health of children. (Udoh, 2011, Parenting Milestones, P. 24). How can we dry the tears of African children?
How can we reverse the tide of events? The answers lie within us, the parents. We hold the keys. Let us train our children in the way they should go, as Proverbs 22:6 guides us, so that they may not depart from it when they are old. Let us awaken from our slumber and take action. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Africa, a future where our children’s tears are replaced with smiles of hope and prosperity.
