Five books for Remi Oyo and Mary Okpanachi

A young lady who killed her rapist is murdered in cold blood because the family of the rapist had the final say in whether her death sentence should be carried out or she should be forgiven. They chose the former deepening fears of women worldwide that rape is being mainstreamed. It is okay to defile […]

A young lady who killed her rapist is murdered in cold blood because the family of the rapist had the final say in whether her death sentence should be carried out or she should be forgiven. They chose the former deepening fears of women worldwide that rape is being mainstreamed.
It is okay to defile another and just get on with your life. As always women are at the bottom of the ladder, used, abused, defiled and left broken and confused.
 The signals from Iran on this matter and the many rapes still going on in India, Nigeria and all parts of the  world have become a global shame. Women continue to shout themselves hoarse to get justice for themselves and for others. In the last month, two phenomenal women who have stood up for other women, who decry injustice and who were role models to many women passed on. They were my sisters and very special friends. I join their families and friends today to celebrate them. My heart goes out to the families of super journalist, first female presidential spokesperson and humanitarian, Remi Oyo. I commiserate with the family and friends of Neighbour, humour merchant, teacher and caregiver Mary Okpanachi. May their souls find eternal rest with the Lord, Amen.
 Here are five books to celebrate them.

1.  MAYA ANGELOU’S  “I know why the Caged Bird Sings” is a book of strength for all women. A collection of four autobiographical books and enjoyed worldwide. Other books in the series includes: “Gather Together in My Name”, “ Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas”, “A Song Flung up to Heaven”. It tells women that they can rise no matter the circumstance. In words as poetic as they are piercing, the American Poet laureate who passed on earlier in the year always resonates with her writings. As we celebrate these phenomenal women who have passed, let us call on men and women to grab a copy of these books and get the lessons for growth and perseverance.

2.     HILARY CLINTON has continued to remain in the world’s firmament since she attempted to become the President of the United States of America landing the enviable role of Secretary of State as a result. Then she worked hard to prove she was not a fluke. Hilary Clinton went from First Lady to Presidential Aspirant and then Secretary of State.  Her political light is still shining out there. Remembered for her political brinksmanship and her brilliance, Hilary Clinton is worthy of note in celebrating Remi and Mary. Get a copy of  “A woman in Charge” by Carl Bernstein. Pulitzer prizewinning journalist Carl brings us the most detailed, sophisticated, comprehensive and revealing account of the political Meyer Hilary Clinton. On the cusp of an election year in Nigeria, Remi Oyo and Mary Okpanachi will be sorely missed as I know they would have mentored, advised and encouraged many female politicians and even lent a shoulder to cry on.

3.     Both Remi Oyo and Mary Okpanachi were incredibly funny in different ways. A good woman is one who has a sense of humour. They represent that. They also cooked very well. A joy to their families. In their honour everyone should read “Famous people Don’t Get Fat” by Adele Parker which is a really funny book but has guidelines for healthy eating. Our eternal model for all women who wannabe Victoria Bekham is on the cover. Grab a copy quick.

4.    KATHERINE MARTIN’S Women of Courage, an inspiring collection of stories from the women who lived them. The women in this book successfully write from their hearts. There is Jako, a young woman who in 1992 tested HIV positive. There is Lynne who leads a group into deepest Ethiopia to educate them about famine and ends up confronting more than she ever thought she was ready for herself. There are also stories of women abandoned by their husbands who need to learn to survive and make their children survive; women in politics, sometimes by choice, sometimes not; women who help the homeless, women who are themselves homeless. The stories reveal the universality of women from a variety of backgrounds as they define courage and times in their lives when they had to display it.

5.     Any biographical book on perseverance, strength, hard work, love and compassion; all the qualities that define Remi and Mary. Their kindness unassailable, their footprints, a hallmark of labour and great testimonies about them from everywhere. Legacy should be our inspiration. When we depart, what will people say about us? But in all of these, lets spare a thought for my sisters, Remi Oyo and Mary Okpanachi. They made their mark. May their gentle souls rest in peace, Amen.