Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently shared a poignant memory about his late mother during a speech at the burial of Doyinsola Abiola, a pioneering female journalist.
Momodu recounted how his mother believed that witches and wizards from his father’s village were targeting him due to his prolonged job search after graduation. He reflected on his journey, stating, “I came to Lagos in 1988 in search of greener pastures, and I was desperate for a job. I studied Yoruba for my first degree and I couldn’t get a job as a teacher.”
He humorously noted that his mother questioned his choice of studying Yoruba, wondering if he intended to become a “Babalawo,” a traditional priest in Yoruba culture. Despite pursuing a master’s degree in Literature in English, Momodu still faced unemployment, leading his mother to worry about supernatural forces at play.
Momodu expressed gratitude to Doyinsola Abiola, affectionately known as “Iya Paper,” for her support during his early days in Lagos. He acknowledged the significance of navigating the complexities of a polygamous family, referencing the wisdom imparted by his father.
His heartfelt remarks shed light on the challenges faced by graduates in Nigeria and the cultural beliefs surrounding joblessness.
#DeleMomodu #JobStruggles #WitchesAndWizards #NigerianCulture #MKOAbiola #IyaPaper #YorubaStudies #EmploymentChallenges
