By Tofarati Ige
President Goodluck Jonathan has joined millions of Nigerians to celebrate Mothering Sunday, a day many now confuse with Mother’s Day.
Mothering Sunday falls on 15 March this year and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each Lent.
The President marked the day at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja, along with his mother, Madam Eunice Jonathan; wife, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan, and top government officials.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, Jonathan sang for mothers, and promised greater affirmative action for women.
The statement reads in part: “President Jonathan reaffirms that his
administration will continue to progressively strengthen its affirmative actions in favour of girls, women and mothers while intensifying its actions aimed at promoting gender equality in the nation.”
A former Minister of Education and World Bank Vice-President, Oby Ezekwesili, also celebrated her mother, and at the same time, empathised with the heart-broken mothers of the over 230 students abducted from their school in Chibok in Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists in April 2014.
In a series of tweets, she wrote, “Q: Can U guess what song I sang to the greatest woman in my life today 4 #MothersDay? Guess!:) A: #SweetMotherINoGoForgetYou! Amazing Mom!!”
In another tweet, she wrote, “On a day like this, we cannot but all imagine the real vacuum in the hearts of the mothers of our #ChibokGirls. It’s day 335 today. It hurts.”
Her child, Chuba Ezekwesili, also sent out a tweet in appreciation of his mother whom he described as the coolest and smartest. He wrote, “To the coolest and smartest mother who uses Twitter and knows what ‘subbing’ is. Who is also a mother to many.”
Popular actress and politician, Kate Henshaw, also joined in celebrating mothers around the globe. She wrote on her Instagram page, “To all mothers out there who work literally 24/7 to raise their children and take care of their homes. Who stand through thick and thin…come rain, come shine. It is a job that has no salary attached to it but the benefits are immeasurable. God continue to strengthen you and bless you beyond measure. Happy Mothers’ Day dears…”
Ace comedian, Bright Okpocha aka Basket Mouth, uploaded a picture of his mother on Instagram with the caption, “Four words…..(You are the best) I love you mum.”
Singer, Chidinma Ekile, wrote, “I love #IyaLucky…Happy Mothers’ Day to all the mothers out there.”
MMMG’s First Lady, Emma Nyra also took to Twitter to celebrate her mom with the words, “Happy Mothers’ Day to my number one lady. Miracle Maryann Obi. I love you mummy. May you continue to bless others with your beautiful aura”
For popular OAP, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, it was, “Happy Mothers’ Day. This is not a day to bash fathers o. Celebrate your mother and keep it moving…”
Of course, one of the newest fathers on the block, rapper, 2shotz, didn’t miss out on the fun. He wrote, “Happy Mothers’ Day to my bae of life…”
‘Murda’ crooner, Seyi Shay wrote, “Happy Mothers’ Day to all our mummies. Thank you…we love you#iyaniwura.”
Chocolate City rapper, Ice Prince, also paid homage to mothers, while also remembering his late mom and dad. He wrote, “Happy Mothers’ Day to all moms worldwide. RIP Mom. I love you and miss you everyday. Say me hi to dad and know your seeds are good.”
Singer, Lami Phillips, took a stroll down memory lane when she uploaded a picture of herself with her mom with the message, “This is how I still see myself with you mummy. I am still, and will always be your baby. Thank you for being my friend and being so real with me all the time. Mostly, thanks for teaching me to always seek God first. You rock, you’re hotter than the best and I love you.”
The origin of Mothering Sunday stretches back to 16th century Europe when Catholics and Protestants would return to their ‘mother church’ for a service held on Laetare Sunday, drawn from the Latin ‘laetari’ meaning ‘to rejoice’.
Secularly, it became an occasion for honouring the mothers of children and giving them presents.
While it is a celebration of mothers, it is a separate occasion to the American holiday of Mother’s Day – although the origins of both are surprisingly intertwined.
