Taiwo Popoola
The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has advised childless women to see themselves not as barren but as fruitful, potential and proud mothers of children that would come in God’s time.
Urban Express News Online reports that Mrs. Obaseki gave the advice on Saturday in reaction to a viral video in which the former Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole made remarks about her being childless.
Betsy Obaseki, who spoke during a zoom meeting with Edo women in the diaspora, in the company of Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, reminded women that everyone was created by God for a purpose.
While addressing over 200 women who joined the zoom meeting from various countries, Mrs Obaseki said, “I dare to call you fruitful. You and I are potential and proud mothers of children that will come in God’s time. Enjoy the life God has given you.
“My words of comfort to you, like myself, who have conceived and experienced miscarriages, painful stillbirths, and evacuations of babies who died in our wombs is that everyone was created by God for a purpose.
“And as a result, have no children to show for the pain we have endured; you are not barren.
“Take your mind off your challenge, and before you know it, children will start coming,”she said.
She, however, opined that her contributions to the society had gone beyond the biological aspect of motherhood.
She noted that being fruitful was not limited to childbearing but about impacting lives and creating positive change in the society.
“There is no point in feeling bad. Women can fulfill God’s purpose in many ways beyond motherhood,” she added.
Obaseki also shared a message of encouragement for women who, like herself, have faced the pain of miscarriages and stillbirths, urging them not to feel discouraged or defined by their losses.
On her part, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo thanked the women for attending the meeting and promised to continue all of Betsy Obaseki’s programmes for women and the girl-child in Edo if her husband was elected.
In her welcome address, the founder of the group, Mrs. Adesuwa Obasohan, promised to support Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy, just as the group had supported Governor Godwin Obaseki.