A Soulful Reflection on the Vanishing Essence of African Motherhood
By Debo Adeoye, Inquisitiores News
“There’s no one like mother to me; no matter how poor she may be. I have traveled over land, I have traveled over sea, no one like mother to me.”
– Queen Salawa Abeni, circa 1990
Over three decades ago, legendary Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni, gave voice to the deepest truths of African motherhood. Her song, rich in cultural wisdom and emotional depth, painted a portrait of the mother as the unshakeable foundation of every home — resilient, nurturing, and selfless.
Each time I hear this song, my heart sinks with a sobering question: Do we still have such mothers in Africa today? And if they do still exist, what is their number compared to the growing population of women who have strayed far from these traditional values of motherhood?
What confronts us now across the African continent — most glaringly in Nigeria — is a tragic erosion of motherhood as we once knew it. The moral compass of many has spun off-course. The identity of the “African Mother,” once synonymous with sacrifice and self-denial, is under siege.
The Changing Face of Motherhood
Can today’s children truly sing Queen Salawa’s song in honour of their mothers?
It’s difficult to imagine that they can — not when some mothers now abandon their homes and children over minor economic setbacks. Not when some desert their roles in search of fleeting comfort and vanity. In stark contrast, African mothers of old sold their treasures, gave up comfort, and bore hardship to ensure their children survived and thrived.
Back then, children came first. A mother would go hungry so her child could eat, remain awake so her child could sleep in peace. She carried the home on her back and wore pride only when her child succeeded. Today, it’s not uncommon to see mothers claim the lion’s share of resources meant for the entire family. Many no longer spend quality time with their children, nor do they exhibit the same depth of emotional investment.
And the result?
A Generation in Crisis
The social vices and criminality plaguing our societies are not random. Terrorists, kidnappers, fraudsters, ritualists, and political thugs are often products of failed parenting — especially failed motherhood. The foundation of character, morals, and discipline is laid at home. And where the mother falters, the home collapses.
Modern-day mothers — many of them — have drifted into a deep, metaphorical sleep. They are no longer alert to their children’s whereabouts, interests, or company. In their absence, children are swept away by the currents of peer pressure, social media, and street influence. There is little to no correction, no redirection, and no reinforcement of values.
Gone are the days when a mother’s tears could heal a child’s broken resolve. Today, many mothers no longer weep for their children; instead, they shrug at their failures and laugh at their wrongdoings. But back then, a single tear from a struggling mother could propel a child to greatness. Those tears became motivation in exam halls, during job interviews, and while climbing the ladder of life.
Call to Action: Reclaiming African Motherhood
We cannot continue to watch in silence. The motherhood deficit is a ticking time bomb. The consequences are far-reaching — a threat not only to our homes but to the future of our nation and continent.
We must act. Collectively. Deliberately. Urgently.
- Places of worship must rise to the occasion. Let sermons address responsible parenting. Let real-life stories of resilient mothers be told and celebrated.
- Government at all levels must make life more bearable. Education must be affordable. School fees should not be a death sentence to ambition. Health care must be subsidized or free for the masses. Many mothers fall into despair because their meager income cannot sustain their children’s basic needs.
- Civil society and NGOs must engage in aggressive sensitization. Organize community seminars in markets, town halls, and workplaces. Encourage mentorship between older and younger mothers. Create platforms where mothers can share, learn, and be supported.
- Corporate and political institutions should recognize and reward outstanding mothers publicly — not just on Mother’s Day, but year-round. Role models should be lifted. Good parenting should be promoted as a national value.
A Prayer for the True Mothers
As we mark Mother’s Day 2025, let us not only send flowers or cards — let us send a strong message: that Africa still needs her mothers.
To every mother still carrying the flame of traditional motherhood — those sacrificing daily for their children’s future, those keeping the home in moral balance — we see you, we salute you, and we pray for you.
May God continue to strengthen your hands, renew your spirit, and preserve your lives to witness the greatness of the children you so selflessly raised.
Africa owes you everything. And we will never stop singing your song.
