MADAM PHILOMENA
("Mama Philo" – A Legendary Afro-Highlife Tribute)
Written & Performed by GreatSunjongs
Hmmmmm...
GreatSunjongs...
This one na for the queen wey no gree give up...
Madam Philomena Ekip Oguoba Edim...
Agbaragba daughter...
Okosora blood...
Mama, your story no go ever die.
---
From Agbaragba village, a star was born,
Okosora roots, Mama Nne Eyungha Eguma's crown.
No university...
No big certificate...
But wisdom for street become your doctorate.
Dem say woman no fit,
You tell dem, "Watch me!"
You carry life for head,
You fight destiny.
You learn your signature with your own hand,
So bank no go cheat you,
You become the boss of your own land.
---
Mama Philo...
You never fear tomorrow.
You plant hope inside every sorrow.
Jehovah carry you,
Grace surround you.
Your testimony dey shine forever.
---
Mama Philomena...
Woman of honour...
Your labour no be in vain.
You built with your own hands,
You blessed many lands.
Your children still dey sing your name.
Mama Philomena...
Heaven clap for you.
Angels celebrate your race.
Your legacy no fit fade,
Forever e go remain,
Inside every generation.
---
First fence for Ikom Stadium...
Your contract.
Sand and gravel for highway...
Na your impact.
From Ikom reach Katsina Ala,
Your business leave footprints.
Millions pass your hand...
But your conscience remain clean.
You owe nobody...
Because integrity na your wealth.
Respect become your perfume,
Honour become your strength.
Ceyreon Palace...
Everybody know the name.
Choice property for heart of Ikom...
God decorate your fame.
---
"Edu!"
"Otuba!"
"Justina!"
Brother Kingsley...
Fidelis...
Osonabiji...
Six children...
Six living testimonies.
Your prayers still dey cover us.
Your blessings still dey follow us.
---
Federal Medical Centre...
Abuja call your name.
Even for your final hours...
You still praise Jehovah's name.
No complaint...
No bitterness...
Only thanksgiving.
You bless your children...
One by one.
Calling heaven to remember us.
Mama...
Na so saints dey finish race.
---
I still hear your voice today...
"Una dey relax?
Thousand and one people dey this house...
Una no fit cook wetin una go chop?
Una dey wait make I come back from work still cook for una?"
(Laughter...)
Mama...
Na because you love us.
You dey train us to stand on our own.
---
Mama Philomena...
Your name na gold.
Your story must be told.
From Agbaragba...
To every nation.
Your life na inspiration.
You feared God...
You loved people.
You left blessings instead of battles.
Madam Philomena...
Sleep well, our Queen.
Till we meet again...
Your children go carry your light.
Your grandchildren go carry your wisdom.
And your God...
Will forever remember your labour.
---
Philomena...
Ekip Oguoba Edim...
Agbaragba woman...
Okosora daughter...
Your legacy lives on.
GreatSunjongs says...
"A good mother never truly dies...
She keeps living in the character, courage, and compassion of the children she raised."