My mother, Comfort Eezzuduemhoi, nee Comfort Ugheosomeh Iteghie, was born in a small village called Apana, in Edo state, Nigeria. Married young, but also followed her dream as a faithful wife to an educated man she admired. His quest for knowledge led her to Thessaloniki, Greece in 1960’s where, as a wife of the first African student of the Aristotle University, she raised four children with dignity and courage. She became a vocational nurse and was the pillar of the family while my father embarked on his graduate and doctoral studies. She was loved by neighbors and was called Κυρα Φωφω, κυρα Φωτεινη, καλημερα. She was a multilingual lady who spoke the Greek language fluently as well as five other languages which are English, Etsako, Yoruba, Hausa and yes Kanuri.
My mother’s greatest achievements in her lifetime were to be a devoted wife of which she was, and a mother to my siblings and I. She taught us right from wrong and was always our number one supporter in all that we did. She instilled in us the value of hard work, and derived great joy with each one of our accomplishments even if it were big or small.
Mother loved God: “Erama no yo ohui, naya po selile.”
Although we will no longer hear “Era Omosi” and “Baa Debo” from her, or “Daali o” from my father, she will continue to be in our hearts for eternity among us and within us. The way her face always glowed and the unforgettable smile that appears whenever she hears the voice of any of her adult children and grandchildren would always be in our memories.
Lastly, the love, joy, peace, and philanthropic effects she had on so many lives will be missed, but in all, our Mama, our Comfort, my one and only beloved mother, my best friend, and our guiding angel was a beautiful woman who had a beautiful soul. May her soul Rest in Perfect peace as she lives on forever. Amen.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Apaibu Iwenekhai Eezzuduemhoi; her children, Deborah R. Eezzuduemhoi-Medical Doctor, Dorcas Fagbemi-Economist/Nurse, Samuel Eezzuduemhoi-Engineer, Theodoros Eezzuduemhoi-Physical Trainer/Nurse; her grandchildren, Dr. Gloria Eezzuduemhoi-Medical Doctor, Engineer, Oluwasegun Fagbemi, Oluwakemi Fagbemi-registered nurse, Anna Onopuwa Eezzuduemhoi- Psychologist, Opeoluwa Fagbemi–Pharmacist, Deborah Eezzuduemhoi-Student, James Anewho Eezzuduemhoi Jr., Samuel Okhogbe Eezzuduemhoi Jr., Michaela Eezzuduemhoi, Sarah Sophia Omokhuwe Eezzuduemhoi, Lydia COMFORT Aigbodesi Eezzuduemhoi.
“Mama Mo”
