mother's day | Zikoko!

Mother’s Day might be three days away, but the time to get your gifts ready is now — even if the gift is to a fictional character who has no idea who you are. Nollywood stays giving us iconic mothers; here are the gifts they should get this Mother’s Day.

Tinuade Coker from “Wedding Party 1 & 2”

Photo credit: Zikoko

Mother’s Day Gift: A party

No one loves a good party like Mrs. Coker. She took over her daughter’s wedding, and if not for the timely intervention of Obianjuju Onwuka, she would’ve taken over Deidre and Nonso’s wedding as well. This is why we suggest her children and family entirely dedicate a party to her. They should offer her a planner she can order around, and disappear until the day of the party. If they can also invite a shit ton of single pringles for her to match-make, then it might just be the happiest day of her life.

Jedidiah Judah from “A Tribe Called Judah”

Photo credit: Afrodives

Mother’s Day Gift: A keke

Before all five of her children thought it wise to steal from a man involved in money laundering, Jedidiah Judah was a businesswoman. We don’t know if her kidney disease has finally been treated so she has enough strength to continue her keke-riding business, but they’ll need money to survive in their new home. Her remaining four children best put their heads together to buy their mother a new keke. Not for her to drive by herself o. They should also figure out who’ll become the keke-rider and report daily piles of cash to their mother.

Mama Tiwa from “Skinny Girl in Transit”

Photo credit: Adesinu Mutiu-Okediran

Mother’s Day Gift: White fabric

We all know how much Mummy Tiwa loves her Woli and the prayers he offers on her behalf. The best gift for her would be 12 yards of white silk so she can sew clothes for Woli and use whatever fabric remains to carry her beloved grandson.

Uduak Ademola from “Blood Sisters”

Photo credit: Bella Naija

Mother’s Day Gift: Flowers

The last time we heard from Uduak, she was on her knees in a dark, damp warehouse with a gun to her head. We’re not sure if her daughter shot her dead or not, but either way, her children should gift her a big bouquet of flowers this Mother’s Day. She might have been a shit mother, but the flowers would look nice on her grave. And if she’s still alive, they would look nice for all of five seconds before she deposits them in the bin.

Awarun in “Anikulapo”

Photo credit: medium.com

Mother’s Day Gift: Hired killers

Hear us out, Awarun was living her life, enjoying her boy toys and eating her money in “Anikulapo”. Now, in “Anikulapo, The Spectre”, her boy toy, Saro, has resurrected and gotten her child pregnant. We suggest she gets herself a Mother’s Day gift that’ll help her off Saro again as soon as possible because, for him to impregnate her daughter, he clearly lacks respect.

Lilian Wright from “My Mum and I”

Photo credit: wikipedia

Mother’s Day Gift: A partner for her child

Lilian loves her child, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s time for her to live her own life. For that to happen, Joyce needs to find love and leave her mummy alone.

Mabel Wilmer-Willoughby from “Far From Home”

Photo credit: bimboakintola via instagram

Mother’s Day Gift: A plug

Carmen needs to take into account all the rubbish she’s put her poor mother through and introduce her to “Dr. High”. Mabel needs to take a step back and relax before her child’s teen drama chases her into the bush.

Chioma Munachi

May 8, 2024

Pop

mother’s day, Mothers, Nollywood
We made a list of Nigerian songs that recognise, celebrate and honour the spirit of motherhood.

“Iya Ni Wura” — Dele Ojo

Dele Ojo and his Star Brothers Band released this Mother’s Day celebration staple 74 years ago. Iya Ni Wura (meaning “mother is gold”) talks about the strenuous nine months of pregnancy mothers endure, describing them as jewels of inestimable value.

“Sweet Mother” — Prince Nico Mbarga

The lyrics, “Sweet mother, I no go forget you” quickly rings a bell in the minds of most Nigerians. In this evergreen song, Prince Nico vows to always remember his mum’s sacrifices for him.

“Mummy” — Jesse King

Jesse King, AKA Buga, made one of his biggest hits with Mummy in 2006. The contemporary highlife song prays that mothers enjoy long life without discomfort. Any hater can take it up with God.

“Unconditional Love” — 2Baba

2Baba appreciates his mum in Unconditional Love in 2017, attributing his calm and collected demeanour to her. 2Baba expresses unconditional love at home, and he has his mum to thank for it.

“So Beautiful” — Asa

Off Asa’s debut titular album, she dedicates a five-minute track to her mother. Asa sings of her beauty, strength and love. If we all agree mothers are goddesses, this is one of their worship songs.

“Mama” — Flavour feat. Chidinma

Over warm, serenading piano riffs, Flavour and Chidinma praise their mothers in English, Igbo and Yoruba. They remember her sleepless nights during sick days and pray for blessings for her. The 2016 song appreciates motherhood and promises mothers that they can have anything in life.

“Mummy Mi” — Wizkid

Mummy Mi is the fourth track on Wizkid’s 2014 album, “Ayo”. Even if you don’t have life’s finest things to give your mum like Wiz promised his on this song, you can sing along and count it as speaking them into existence.

“Ochie Dike (Mama)” — Phyno feat. Onyeka Onwenu

In 2016, Phyno honoured his mother with this emotive song in undiluted Igbo. He partnered with the legendary Onyeka Onwenu to deliver one of his best songs ever.

“Mama” — Adekunle Gold

“This is not a regular song, oh mama”; in Yorùbá, AG Baby hails mothers as superheroes and intermediaries between heaven and earth. The refreshing sounds of Gangan drums, guitar and other highlife elements will keep any mum dancing.

“Iya Mi (My Mother)” — Lanre Teriba

On this song, Nigerian Gospel artist, Lanre Teriba, feels he’s running out of time and asks for God’s blessings to come quickly. His mum is getting older, and he needs to spoil her with life’s best things. If you’re looking for a song with a twist of gospel to honour your mum, this is it.

These Are 6 Other Special Ways to Celebrate Your Mother

Tomide Marv

March 11, 2024

Inside Life, Pop

mother’s day, music, nigerian music
Nigerian mums will spill your secrets unprovoked during family gatherings, but they also know when to carry your secrets to the grave. When I was once diagnosed with an embarrassing medical condition five years ago, my late mum managed to keep it from the whole world.

To celebrate Mother’s Day 2024, I set out to find other people who’ve had their mums keep their wildest secrets for them.

Idris*, 25

My mum is an OG for real. The first time she caught me smoking, I thought I was done for. I was home alone and thought I had the house to myself. I lit a blunt in the bathroom, and she barged in wanting to use the toilet. There I was with weed in hand. I ran to my room as she entered. When she came out, she gave me a long and pitiful stare that told me how disappointed she was. “Let this be the first and last time. If not, you know your father and what he can do.” I thought she’d tell my dad or one of our relatives, but she never did. I still smoke, but that was the last time I lit a blunt at home.

Deji*, 31

I had an infection after NYSC camp. I went to pee and saw blood stained lumps in my urine. The sight freaked me out, and without thinking, I went to tell my mum. Next thing, she was like “Who did you have fun with in camp?” She was suggesting I had an STI. I was embarrassed AF. She immediately ordered me to go to the hospital. It turned out it was a regular urinary tract infection. The whole time I was under medication, my mum would randomly show up and say “Bawo de ni tibi” But my siblings were completely clueless. I’m glad she kept it between us.

Nosa*, 29

I failed my SS 2 promotional exams and had to repeat the class. My mum came to school the following week. I don’t know what she told the principal, but I was promoted on trial. Still, when I got home for the holidays, I walked on eggshells the entire time waiting for the day my dad would address the issue. He never did till I returned to school. That was how I knew my mum kept my secret.

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Bisi*, 40

About a month before my husband proposed, my mum came into my room one night and said we needed to talk. She asked me, “When last did you see your period? Are you pregnant?” because her motherly instincts told her I was. We went to the hospital the next day, and I was two weeks pregnant. She called my BF, told him what had happened and asked what his plans were. Few weeks later, he proposed. My wedding followed almost immediately because my mum wanted me out of the house before I started showing. The entire time, nobody knew why everything was rushed. I was grateful she kept the secret. My pastor dad would have caused a major scene if he ever knew I got pregnant out of wedlock.

Dunni*, 32

I got a two-week suspension for “bullying my juniors” when I was in SS 2. My mum got to school and was furious as hell. She actually instructed the teachers to discipline me before we left the school. On the drive home, she went on and on about how my dad would finish me. To my surprise, she took me to my grandparents to wait out my suspension and constantly visited to put me in check. The day we returned to school, she told me my dad wasn’t aware and I shouldn’t tell him. I don’t know if she kept the secret for my sake or hers, but I was glad nobody else knew.

Rahman*, 25

We travelled to my village for sallah some years back, and I was under so much pressure to come back with meat for my friends. My grandpa killed a separate cow for himself, and kept the fried meat in a big basin under his bed. The room was always locked, but he allowed me to enter because I was the youngest in the house. Anytime I entered, I would take two or three pieces of meat. This went on for a while until my grandpa noticed. He went haywire on my aunts and uncles for pilfering his meat. His outburst kept everyone on edge and almost ruined the sallah mood. When my mum found my stash of the pilfered meat, she was mad and made me return them. But that was it, she didn’t tell on me.

Bisi*, 26

My mum came to clean my room and found a condom and dildo in my wardrobe. Apparently, my clothes were scattered, and she wanted to fold them for me. I got back home, and immediately I saw how well arranged my room was, I checked my wardrobe and both items were gone. I didn’t bother asking her, and she didn’t mention it for weeks. Finally one day, she said something about not bringing “foolish things” inside the house. I knew what she meant. And that was the last of it.

Read this next: 6 Special Ways To Celebrate Your Mother

Adeyinka Odutuyo

March 11, 2024

Ships

mother’s day, motherhood, Nigeria, Nigerians
We bring to you letters written by women to women they love, miss, cherish or just remember. To celebrate the support women continue to show each other, this is #ToHER.

LETTER 1

To: The mum who makes it easy to open up.

Maami, I could go on and on about how caring, amazing and sweet you are, but one thing I love is how easygoing our relationship is. From gist about my boyfriend to everything about school, you always find a way to know exactly what’s going on without invading my privacy. It makes me know how much you trust me to live my life. I love how I can tell you anything without being criticised. Thank you for letting me be myself.

Also, thank you for putting up with my shenanigans like hugging you every chance I get. You always tell me to save it for my boyfriend, but in the end, I always get that hug. Thank you for your love, maami. There are no words to describe how irreplaceable it feels to have you around each day. I pray that you’ll always be here for me, maami.

Love,

M

LETTER 2

To: The mum who needs to feel beautiful again

I’m no longer home to protect you, but I want you to read this knowing that I’ll always be one phone call away.

Our relationship is complicated because I’ve never understood why you didn’t walk away from my dad. I hated the nights you woke me up crying, and the early mornings you spent hiding blisters. I thought you deserved more… I still do. I’m writing this because I’ve never said that out loud.

I hope you know that everything I do is for you. I want to be able to give you the life I know you deserve. I want you to travel, see the world. I want to take away the responsibility you feel to keep your crumbling marriage together for me because mum, I’m okay. I want you to be okay too.

Actually, I want you to remember the girl you once were. The woman I see in pictures, with her afro and a wide smile. I want to see the woman that looked like she had the time of her life in the pictures stacked in your side drawers. I know you stare at them sometimes. I want you to read this and remember that it’s not too late to pack up and leave. Not for me, but for yourself.

Being away makes me feel guilty. But even from a thousand miles, I’ll make sure you get your favourite moimoi for lunch today. I know it’ll make you happy not to worry about food, so I’ll grant your silent wish to lay in bed all day. I love you no matter what you choose. All I need you to remember is that you are beautiful and loved, always.

Happy Mothers’ Day, mummy.

I’m signing this letter with my pet name because I’ll never let you call me that out loud.

Yours always,

Bum Bum

RELATED: What She Said: I Won’t Let Anyone Say Rubbish About My Mum

LETTER 3

To: The mum who’s forever my guardian angel

Mum, it’s mothers’ day again, and I can’t help but think of you, mum. You were my angel. I mean you still are, but now, you’re my guardian angel.

I’ve searched and searched for the words to write, and I keep coming up with empty pages. Not because we didn’t share any beautiful memories, but because there are so many, I can’t find where to start.

You were the type of person who cared for everyone. Thinking about how you stressed over deworming my siblings and me as kids makes me smile. You also loved to talk and tell us many stories any chance you got. Most times, you repeated those stories until we got tired and reminded you that we’ve heard that one already. You were and are still a gem to us, mum.

There’s not a single day that I do not think about you. It’s inevitable. Sometimes, my thoughts are happy ones, and other times, they’re sad, but they remind me that no one can ever take your place in my life.

I could go on and on about you, but I’ll need more than a million words. Sometimes, you would really get me upset, but you could never stay away too long. You’d go, “Amaaaa,” and I’d know you were ready to apologise and make me smile again. You were the sweetest soul.

This is a note to you, mum, from the bottom of my heart. I love you and I miss you so much. I can feel you every day. Some days, I question whether you’re really with us, and then, I get a sign that you are and always will be.

I’ll revel in the fact that I know you miss us too. Happy Mothers’ Day to you, my angel.

Yours always,

Ama

RELATED: My Mum And I Are Best Friends But I Have A Secret I Can’t Tell Her

LETTER 4

To: The mum who we’ll always have the same arguments with

Like every good mother, you’d raze down any building for your children, but what I really love about you is how you handle our misunderstandings. It’s like there’s a telepathic law that guides us, telling us there’s a line not to cross.

People would probably say you’re my mother, and we have no choice but to reconcile. It may be true, but regardless, I love how we find our way back to each other. One weird thing I love is driving you to places. You’d complain about every move I make even though I’m sure it has nothing to do with me because I’ve been driving since 2014. “Ah, Ayo. Watch that Okada man o”, “Ah Ayo. Trailer is at our back. Will you park?” you’d complain. My response will always be the same. Abike: Oya, come and drive.

We’ll probably have this conversation many times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy Mothers’ Day.

With all my love,

Fiks

LETTER 5

To: The sweet mum with the best conversations

Hey Mama.

I thought about you last week. About all the small and big ways you influenced my life and carried our family. I don’t think one note does justice to it at all.

I love how you took care of me. Remember when I got my small sewing machine? It made sense to me then, but you thought it was a waste of money. Yet, months later, you drove me to a tailor’s shop where you arranged for me to learn how to sew. Oh mummy, I miss you so much.

I miss our fights. I miss our random conversations in the kitchen. How you’d always tell me that all men wanted to see was my nakedness. I’d roll my eyes and laugh in my head because I also wanted to see their nakedness. Sometimes, we’d have heated feminist conversations, and you’d tell me how this world is unfair to women, especially this part of the world, and we have to adjust likewise. I’d disagree, but I miss those moments for us. I want one last conversation with you.

I miss your presence every day. How you’d always call me at the peak of any iniquities. I could be doing something you wouldn’t approve of, and you’d randomly call to ask, “Where are you?“ You were always right on time with those calls.

I hate that this world had to take you away when it did. I hate it so much. Your last gift to me was on my 25th birthday last year. That memory sticks in my head till today. You casually walked into my room and handed me the perfume set Daddy gifted you. You mentioned how much you loved that set and had held onto it for a long time.

This is my first Mothers’ Day since you left, and a lot of things don’t make sense without you. I just want to say I love and miss you. Thank you for everything you did for me. I’ll never forget.

Happy Mothers’ Day, Mama 💛

With Love,

K

ALSO READ: I Still Haven’t Found a Better Gist Partner, Mum

Ortega

May 8, 2022

Her

Letters to HER, mother’s day, Mothers
Today is Mother’s Day. Yes, we think mothers should be celebrated everyday, and so after reading this post, we expect you to make the habit of celebrating your mother a daily thing. Mothers are the best thing since sliced bread, bester than the bestest.

1. Call her and pray for her.

Thank her for all her labour of love towards you. Thank her for always being there. Thank her for bringing you into the world. Now pray for her. We shouldn’t be telling you how to pray for your own mother now, should we? But we suggest that you do this prayer and call in your native language. It strikes a chord with mothers.

2. Show up at her place and treat her to premium enjoyment.

Play dress up with her. Do her make-up, try Snapchat filters with her. Flip the switch with her. You can also willingly offer yourself as house-girl or house-boy. Cook for her, gist with her, and never stop reminding her of how much you love her.

3. Do a surprise delivery for her.

Let her wake up to a surprise package from you. Think of one thing she likes and have it delivered to her house. Think of something she has always wanted and buy it for her. The joy on her face when she sees it is enough reward.

4. Take her on a date.

A date is not only supposed to be for your romantic partners, we hope you know that? If you have never taken your mother on a date, then this is time to do so. Do this with care though, remember that we are supposed to self-isolate.

5. Book a spa session for her.

You know she deserves it, right? Spoil your mother silly today. And every other day too.

6. Or a complete makeover appointment.

See the beauty. Let your mother’s beauty be brought out too. Not just today Mother’s Day alone, but every day.

Kunle Ologunro

March 22, 2020

Inside Life

mother’s day
1. Because mothers are the best…

Everyday is Mother's Day. I love you mum ❤️️ pic.twitter.com/uUTTd21rPh
— KAYCEE GEORGE (@geokaycee) March 27, 2017

2. And incredibly special!

Mothers are the most special. Happy mothers day to all the beautiful mother's out there. My mum takes the cake. Love you mum! pic.twitter.com/kDZ6JnNL0e
— Shayo Samson Show (@shayo_samson) March 27, 2017

3. Donjazzy’s message to his mother.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSGTie1j_Gt/?taken-by=donjazzy

4. This adorable tweet.

https://twitter.com/TheSophiaBello/status/845924089701289984

5. Funke Akindele’s sweet Mother’s Day message.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSF1CUHlJoF/?taken-by=funkejenifaakindele

6. This cute mother and son photo.

https://twitter.com/salewakudaisi/status/845914961847242753

7. and this adorable mother and daughter video.

Happy Mother's day!!
I love you mummy!
❤❤❤
Cc @kufre_ed @JesseEkpo pic.twitter.com/fRT0hAzrBZ
— Uduak S Ekpo (@ms_yudee) March 26, 2017

8. Omotola Jalade’s emotional tribute to her mum.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSGM10egbNU/?taken-by=realomosexy

9. Yemi Alade’s appreciation of her mother’s impact on her life.

It's Mother's Day and Daddy's Day Everyday! Thank u for having me& teaching me good from bad and lovin me and For EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO! pic.twitter.com/qfo2yi8hf8
— ✊🏾 yemialade (@yemialadee) March 26, 2017

10. Seyilaw’s heartwarming Mother’s Day message to his wife.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSF4rLNhcWW/?taken-by=seyilaw1

Maryam

March 27, 2017

Oldies

mother’s day, mummy, Nigerian Mothers