Women

Who Is An Ideal Mother?

Published

10 years ago

July 3, 2015

A mother carries her child
in her womb for nine months before she is delivered of it. This great sacrifice places the woman before her child as a perfect creature nature had ever witnessed hence, the loveliest and the most infallible. While it is very difficult to be the best of mother the society ever craves for, it is important to note that there are no fast and hard laid down rules on becoming the ideal mother. However , understanding one’s responsibility of instilling the best values in a child’s mind and bring the child up as a confident, happy and independent being remains paramount.
Therefore, an ideal mother is one who inculcates the best of family values in her children, she has tons of patience to put up with the childish tantrums and makes the child feel satisfied and happy without being over indulgent. She is the child’s best friend and is there for the child through thick and thin.
The role of a mother is a primary one for many, but not all women understand and act accordingly. Most mothers see motherhood as a major aspect of their personal and social identities, therefore, the media and culture place high value on being an ideal mother .
As a society, we are very quick to judge and condemn mothers whom we perceive as fulfilling their own needs at the expense of their children’s best interests.
Karl Jung stated that all humans are born with an innate capacity to recognize, seek out, and attach to a mother or mother figure to whom we look up to for safety, care and protection. No wonder children in the uterus (womb) recognise the mother’s voice when born, they use the familiar voice to know who the mother is .
As this continues, the relationship between the mother and child becomes so close especially as the ideal mother takes good care of the child with great joy in her heart.
Every child believes automatically on the mother’s verdict than any other person who tries to advise him on certain situation hence, a child without an ideal mother has lapses. In that case, such a child can never be compared to a child well groomed by an ideal mother it is obvious that there is great difference between a child well trained by the mother than the father. A child trained by the mother had more advantages over the other child trained by the father because mother as a home builder, builds the child in all angles to be well behaved.
The mother’s role is widespread. The early attachment experiences between the ideal mother and child helps to shape the brain, and can affect the adult to self-regulate emotions into the adult years. Where, there is non corrective experiences, the reverse is the case such as insecure attachment and childhood trauma which of fan lead to drug and alcohol addition, academic failure and adult depression, as well as relationship problems.
Since mothers seem to have a profound influence on children’s long-term wellbeing. An ideal mother should therefore have her eyes fixed on the child at all times to understand what is happening around the child, knowing the child’s feelings and providing the child’s needs. Mother intention should be of good and not of evil, advising them and enjoying their company all the times.
An ideal mother is one who understands her role as a mother in the house, she occupies the most important position in the house. I see her as a blessing to everyone that comes around her. She loves everyone equally. She is a good companion in times of loneliness.
The ideal mother shares in a child’s worries, fears, successes and disappointments often times, she gives up parts of her own dreams, needs, wants for the wellbeing of the child she is raising. She does these out of love for the child.
A mother’s love for her child is primal, that is the strongest pull nature will make you feel for someone because survival of your kin is more important than anything else. No matter how ugly a child may look , she rather finds the child very beautiful because the child is part of her. ” Oh how painful it is without an ideal mother!”
These days it is a difficult task to see a worthy woman who can stand in the gap for the family in time of difficulties at home.
Women generally are made to be an embodiment of chastity, generosity cunning and intelligence but most of what we are seeing today is the opposite of what is supposed to be in life generally. A person must chose what he/she wants but in the case of a mother, she becomes a mother without knowing the child that is to be given birth to.
Everyone needs a mother to love, show affection and care as well as treat others with protection. Child likes to be loved especially when he/she is ill and this can only be achieved by the very first acquaintance the child makes in life.
An ideal mother therefore teaches and correct the child, pointing out some mistakes in life that she wouldn’t want the child to fall victim of, such as having bad friends unnecessary chatting on phoneetc, giving the child the right advice is an attribute of an ideal mother.
An ideal mother comprehends the children easily than any one else in training, the mother incorporates for-bearance, longsuffering, perseverance, patience and composure.
An ideal mother is therefore found with the following good qualities which she transfer to her children. She is creative, attractive, confidence in herself. Confident is one of the best traits that a mother should have. This is one of the ideal mother’s ways of projecting what she is doing. Having every assurance and reflection of what she knows that she does not give a shit to what anyone else thinks.
There are pretty good grasp about what makes an ideal mother truly perfect. Considering this statement “no one is perfect” but to me some mothers are perfect when their advantages are more than their disadvantages. As humans, when our good deeds are more than the bad deeds we are considered good .
The first impression however is the attribute of attraction which leads to certain physical characteristics in a woman. Oh no ” beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Meaning beauty is a function of personal understanding.
A woman is naturally or inwardly attractive to a man before becoming a mother. The physical beauty of a woman is the natural attraction while the inward attraction is her reasoning and spoken ability in as much as the embedment of these is seen in a woman, she is attributed as a mother.
She never turns away a suppliant, she even possesses the wit to test her husband upon his return to the house at all times.
She remains faithful to her husband even when the husband has nothing doing to take care of the family. She does not allow her friends to understand those lapses in the house.
It is the duty of an ideal mother to as well mother her husband. Because behind every successful man there is a great successful woman ; also behind every great man is an even greater woman”.
A mother is the person who gives life to a child. A mother is the person who gives her life to raising of a child. A person who willingly accepts the burdens, responsibilities, heart-breaks and joys of raising a child. A mother is the person who takes commitment to hardwork of life, worry and the giving of one’s self for the best tomorrow of the child.
Don’t forget that she spends quality time with her children, teaches them etiquettes and mannerism creates a feeling of self-respect in them, listens to them very minutely, praises and encourages them profusely, teaches them to handle frustration, developed morality, and becomes their support system.
An ideal mother we need is the image maker of her husband, the family, the community and the state at large. If all mothers are in-deed ideal there will be a lot of elimination of criminality, violence, insecurity, addiction to drugs, unwanted pregnancies etc.

Dick Unwonawaji

Women

Women In Rivers’ Politics, Democracy

Published

1 week ago

June 12, 2025

The Tide

Since the return of democracy in Nigeria, in 1999, women have really been carried along in politics. Although their involvement may not have been enough, but it has gone a long way to showcase their intellectual ability towards the socio-political development of the various states and Nigeria at large.
Women were carried along during the former President Obasanjo’s tenure when his late wife, Stella Obasanjo championed the course of Nigerian women.
Within a very short time in office, the wife of late President Musa Yara’dua also contributed to the welfare of women.
Contribution made by Mrs Patience Jonathan, Phd, who became the First Lady of Nigeria went a long way to empower women who have done well. She advocated for 35 Affirmative Action for women during her husband, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, since then, women have got more appointive and elective positions especially in Rivers State.
As a Rivers daughter, her contribution towards the emancipation of women in Rivers State was enormous as well as Nigeria in general.
Indeed, as governance continued, various state government including Rivers heeded the call of involving more women in governance.When you talk about how well Rivers State has done since its creation 58 years ago in relation to women, I can say that it has produced capable persons who have served and are still rendering quality services wherever they found themselves.Since its creation on May 27th, 1967, the role of women in the development of the state can never be over-emphasized.
The story of politics, governance and democracy in Rivers State cannot be complete without recalling the impact of women.
Rivers State has produced Justice Mary Odili, a retired Supreme Court Justice. She is an eminent jurist.
During the administration of Governor Peter Odili in Rivers state, Justice Mary Odili’s gesture in terms of community development programmes and relief efforts were second to none. As the First Lady then, she initiated programmes that have direct bearing on youths and women. One of them was The Adolescent Project (TAP), where education, health improvement, social rehabilitation and empowerment services to vulnerable adolescent girls were advanced.Over 500,000 citizens were directly impacted and which went on to win the Global Health Council Award for Safe Motherhood in Washington DC in May 2001.
She was the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of council of Rivers State university.
Rivers State government became women-friendly to the extent that it got a woman as a Deputy Governor.
The return of democracy in Nigeria in general and Rivers State in particular, brought good news to women. A lot of women formed and made up the cabinets in many states. Women were elected and appointed into various levels of governance.
Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was a civil servant in the Rivers State Civil Service. She was the Secretary to Rivers State Government (SSG)/ Head of Service during the military era. When the two positions were separated, during Dr Peter Odili’s government, she served as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
For us in Rivers State, it was a new dawn when the first female Deputy Governor was elected in 2015, since the creation of the state. After the general election In 2015, the medical doctor by profession was elected the first female deputy governor of the state. This was one of the signs of the dividends of 35% Affirmative Action championed by Nigerian women. It was a testament that women have really been liberated. It was also a sign that women’s education does not and can never end in kitchen.
Dr. Banigo successfully served as deputy governor of Rivers State from May 29, 2015 till May 29, 2023 under the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
In 2023 general election, she was elected into the Senate to represent Rivers West Senatorial District. This is laudable as a female from Rivers State is in the Red Chambers to speak for the interest of her people.Dr. Harry-Banigo is the chairman, Senate Committee on Health.
History was made as another female deputy governor was elected into office in Rivers State, because of course, the first performed well. Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, is the second female deputy governor Rivers State has produced. What some states have been yearning for without success. A seasoned administrator, she has been a pillar to the current administration. Her support to the current administration of the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is what citizens of Rivers State deserve.
Rivers women are proud to have such personality as it is one of the best things that has happened in the history of Rivers State, women are optimistic that her wealth of experience will be brought to bear. Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, a university don, assumed duty as Deputy Governor of the State, from May 29, 2023. Expectations are high as she will bring her wealth of experience into governance.
Prof. Odu is not new in the political development of Rivers State. She had served as Commissioner for Education during which her contributions to the development of education were second to none. In an agency that protects the rights and interests of women nationwide, she was the President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS.
As Nigeria and indeed, Rivers State mark another year of democratic dispensation, the contribution of women in the development of the state can never be over-emphasised.Rivers women have made tremendous efforts in contributing in various fields of endeavour and their contributions have led to the rapid growth through politics, sports, education, judiciary, social, economic, medicare and engineering, just to mention but a few.
Indeed, since the creation of the state, it has not been a male dominated issue, women too have been given the opportunity to play key roles in their own little way.
Today, one cannot talk about women who made impact in the history of the state without mentioning Hon Justice Mary Odili, who served in Rivera State as a Judge. She also served in the Appeal Court. She rose to the peak of her profession in the Judiciary as the Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC).
Daisy Okocha served as Chief Judge of the state. Since the creation of Rivers State, she was the seventh judge and a woman to serve in that capacity.
Elsie Nwanwuri Thompson was a Judge of the High Court of Rivers State and Deputy Vice President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). She was the first Nigerian to be elected to the African Court on Human and People’s Rights.
A landmark in the educational sector of Rivers State cannot be complete without looking at the contribution of the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Rosemund Dieye Green-Osaghogulu (blessed memory).It was under her supervision that the official approval of the institution, Rivers State College of Education (COE), was renamed Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), in the administration of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
In the administration of Old Rivers State, the first female commissioner, Constance Sarowinyo was appointed to oversee the affairs of higher education and later appointed as commissioner for economic development and planning. During her time at the helm of affairs of Information ministry in the state, the three arms of government media organisations, Rivers State Television (RSTV), Radio Rivers and Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) got the best.
As Rivers State continued to grow after its creation, more women were given the opportunity to serve in various capacities.
Medline Ngo Tador was appointed Commissioner for Information and Culture under Military Admistrator, Captain Sam Ewang. She also served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development between 1997and 1999.Mrs Julie Wika was appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Under Dr. Peter Odili’s administration as governor of Rivers State, Mrs Tolu Ofili was appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs in 2003 after serving as Senior Special Assistant, special duties, in charge of social services in 2000.
Another woman who was in that cabinet was Ms Gloria Fiofori. She served as Commissioner for Women and Youth Affairs. Her resume became richer as she served as the Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA. For the first time in the history of Rivers State, a female was appointed Commissioner for Works, which is termed to be a male-dominated ministry. She is in the person of Okpete Ovai. She obtained an MSC in Mechanical Engineering.
An erudite scholar and academic, Prof. Mildred Amakiri was appointed Commissioner for Higher Education during Dr. Peter Odili’s administration. One of Rivers daughters who served for a long time in the development of Rivers State was Prof Roseline Konya. She served as chairman, Civil Service Commission. One of the impacts she made was re-instating of 200 civil servants whose appointments were erroneously terminated at that time. A university don, she also served as Commissioner for Environment in which her contribution helped in sanitising the state of environmental hazards as a result of activities of illegal refining of crude oil in Rivers State.
Still under Dr Odili’s administration, a woman was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. She was Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam. She also served as Secretary to the State Government. She was appointed the Sole Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority. Dame Alice Lawrence Nemi, a lawyer, became Commissioner for Education.
Mrs Joeba West was for Women Affairs and Patricia Simeon Hart for Water Resources, Mrs Emmanuela Izunwa were all female commissioners in Rivers State and their impacts were greatly felt by women.
One- time Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari was appointed Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In the political history of Rivers State, such name as Betty Apiafi cannot be left out as she was the first female member elected from Rivers State into the Federal House of Representatives. She represented Abua-Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers. Also an elected woman who represented Port Harcourt Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers was Hon. Blessing Nsiegbe and was re-elected.
Talking about Rivers State House of Assembly, the likes of Mrs Anthonia Membere, blessed memory, Mrs Linda Stewart, Hon. Felicia Tane, Irene Inimgba as well as Victoria Nyeche, have made valuable contributions to their constituencies and remarkable growth of Rivers State in their various endeavours.
Before now, women were appointed caretaker committee chairmen of local government areas of Rivers State.
As from the Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, the vice chairmen of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State were women. That shows how important the roles of women in socio-political development of any state and indeed the nation are.
Currently, another woman, Mrs Blessing Chigeru Amadi is representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency II in the 10th National Assembly, House of Representatives.
Under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, in the 10th Rivers Assembly, we have such women as, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, Queen Williams, Justina Emeji, Barile Nwakoh, Nkemuika Nkemjika-Ezekwe and Emilia Lucky Amadi.
Dr Roseline Uranta is the commissioner for Women Affairs.
Dr Adaeze Oreh is the Commissioner for Health. A lot of reforms are ongoing in the health sector in Rivers State. A round peg in a round hole. The determinants of health issues are women and she will use her experience as a female medical doctor to proffer solutions to problems associated with maternal and infant mortality.
Of course, no society, state or nation can develop without women.There is no doubt that women who have contributed and are still contributing to the growth of the state are all educated.
Women are important in decision-making especially in things that concern them as well as the children. Nothing should be a barrier to their full participation in politics in Rivers State. There should be policies and programmes in place to encourage the advancement of women in the political arena.
As we celebrate 2025 Democracy Day, it is important to look at where women are coming from and how far they have gone. Like Oliver Twist, women are asking for more political and elective positions in governance.
They are as beautiful as flowers. They add glamour to political programmes as they dress in different beautiful attires singing and dancing to entertain political gatherings both in the urban and at the grassroot level.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

IPC, NAWOJ Move To Encourage More Women In Politics …Seek Growth In Journalism

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

The Tide

In time past, the role that was ascribed to women in Africa, especially in Nigeria, was full-time house wives, which involves staying at home to give their husbands spiritual and physical foods as well as home managers.
Women’s representation in the political space remains low in Nigeria which has led to women’s voices in political offices unheard despite the adoption and promises made to ensure inclusivity of gender sensitive electoral policies in Nigeria.
Today, the scenario gradually is changing as it now involves the full time house wives, home managers, and career women and one of the reasons that women are now breaking the ceiling tops and occupying sensitive positions in politics, businesses and even in the journalism profession. Women journalists are winning awards for uniquely distinguishing themselves from just reporting to investigative journalism.
Yet, the number of these women doing well in politics and journalism profession is very insignificant compared to their male folks in Nigeria, hence, the reason why International Press Centre (IPC), through the funding by the the European Union (EU) collaborates with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to beam their searchlight on encouraging more women go into politics as well as for the growth of more women journalists especially those undertaking investigative journalism that promotes gender-sensitive reporting.
A one-day consultative meeting organised by IPC in collaboration with the European Union and NAWOJ which has the theme, “Advancing Female Journalists’ Impactful Reporting on Women Issues In Election and Democracy”, held on May 23, 2025, in Port Harcourt, focused more on the growth of women journalists, who are promoting gender-sensitive reporting, especially amplifying women’s voices during electioneering periods.
The IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, who spoke on: “Enhancing Professionalism Of Media Practitioners, especially Women’s”, stressed on the EU’s commitment to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and to increase women’s participation in politics using various strategies. The intervention strategy is an engagement with media key stakeholders and gatekeepers which will be implemented in 2026.
“This will be fully implemented in 2026 and shall include series of advocacies/interfaces visits including Participation in editorial conferences with cross-section of editors/management of print media outlets on the imperatives of the role of the media in consolidating democracy by setting agenda via issues focused, professional, public interest reporting of the electoral issues and particularly facilitating media buy-in for editorials/special reports to rebuild citizens’ confidence and trust ahead of the 2027 electoral process.
“This responds to the MTE recommendations of up scaling media intervention beyond capacity- building of journalists to include tapping into the opportunities of top management level priority influence,” Arogundade added.
He also explained the need for media engagement in promoting women, youths, and marginalised groups in politics, saying, “The intervention strategy will have a baseline assessment and media facilitated engagement on the challenges and prospects of female candidates ahead of 2027 election”.
Arogundade further revealed that plans were underway to provide training supports for female journalists so as to enable them effectively cover more women-related issues such as during electioneering periods, women from nothing to frame, wives battery, among others, so as to positively project Nigerian women in business and politics globally.
On her part, a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Titilayo Osuagwu highlighted some problems confronting women in politics and the need for women’s recognition in politics, while stressing on some norms that have dragged women backwards and encouraged female journalists to always give women the prominence needed in their reportage.
“There cannot be meaningful development without the integration of all genders in the political sphere. There is a need to raise women’s voices in the political sphere in Nigeria. There is a paucity of recognition of gender perspectives in election and post-election reportage” Osuagwu added.
She frowned at the under-representation of women in politics despite all the promises and pledged made by the President since 2014 which was revised in 2023 to increase women’s political participation to 35 per cent and to support the enactment of laws promoting female employed in public places as well the promise to reserve senior positions and advisory roles for women in his cabinet, yet nothing significantly has been done as only 18.75 per cent of women, that is to say only 9 out of the 48 ministers.
Also speaking, the NAWOJ National Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, represented by Deputy National Chairperson, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo-Agabu, appreciated IPC’s initiative and pledged collaboration on women’s empowerment and social responsibility issues.
On the aspect of grooming young journalists to grow in the journalism profession, a popular broadcaster in Nigeria, If Onyegbule stated that it was high time for women to support fellow women, especially women in politics that deserve more of women journalists reportage to get the necessary prominence they deserve to win in the election.
In her words, “The International Press Centre (IPC) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are committed to promoting democracy, human rights and gender equality through various initiatives and programmes.”
The meeting was attended by NAWOJ officials, media practitioners, and IPC representatives.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Women

MD Clinches NCDMB’s Women In Leadership, Empowerment Award

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

The Tide

Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starzs Investment Company Ltd (SICL), Mrs Iroghama Ogbeifun, has emerged as one of the winners of maiden Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB) ‘Champions of Nigerian Content Awards.
She clinched the much -coveted’ Women in Leadership and Empowerment Award which took place at the Board’s content tower headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, recently.
Receiving the award, Mrs Ogbeifun reiterated her continued commitment to use her office and expertise to empower more women, saying she has the knack to empower the female gender.
She said, “I never expected this award, I never saw it coming. This award will strengthen me and my staff to continue our quest of empowering more women”.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving the award, the Starzs Investment CEO promised to keep the firm’s flag flying in the maritime and other sectors of the oil and gas industry.
“Starzs Investment Company Ltd (SICL) was founded by my father 40years ago. When I took over as MD/CEO of the firm, I felt within me that there’s need we empower women and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.
“Under my leadership as MD/CEO of SICL, we’ve grown our fleet of ship from three to twelve. We’ve trained female seafarers and today, we’ve a female captain and still counting”, she added.
The Tide reports that Starzs Investment Company Ltd (SICL) is maritime logistic provider for the oil and gas industry.
Other awardees in various categories include, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Aradel Holdings Plc, Professor Emenike of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Mr Tony Attah of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, Bank of Industry (BOI), ThisDay Newspapers, NNPCL(now Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd), amongst others.
Earlier in their separate remarks, the duo of the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatshola-Ogbe and the Chairman of the NCDMB award advisory committee, one -time Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Ernest Nwapa underscored the need for the award.
The NCDMB’s Scribe, Ogbe who reiterated his desire to improve on the gains of the Board, promised a continued implementation of the NOGIC-D Act within its guidelines, saying the new Presidential executive order has also strengthened the Board under his stewardship.
The 2025 NOGOF was themed: “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development”.
The Executive Secretary of the Board emphasised that the biennial event provides industry players and stakeholders with a strategic platform to share forward-looking insights, showcase upcoming projects, and deepen collaboration across the oil and gas value chain.
“More importantly, this event reminds us of the power of local capacity innovation, and inclusive partnerships in shaping the future of our industry”, Ogbe said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa