A 102-year-old woman, High Chief Nonye Josephine Ezeanyaeche, has declared her intentions to run for the presidential seat in 2023.
Ezeanyaeche, who is also called ‘living legend’ or “Mama Africa’, hails from Aguata, Anambra state and is the founder of ‘Voice for Senior Citizens of Nigeria’ group.
The centenarian recently paid a courtesy visit to the management team of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, where she expressed readiness to vie for the highest office in the land if the younger generations of the country are not ready.
Mama Africa, who spoke through the president of the association, Dr Caro Nwosu, expressed;
If Nigerians are shying away from political participation, she says she is ready to set the pace to contest.
Speaking directly in Igbo, the centenarian also known as Mama Africa acknowledged the Nwosu’s statement and said;
If you have a male child or female child, try to train your children to be able to surpass your own achievements.
Described as an advocate of a better Nigeria, Dr Nwosu said Mama Africa is indeed ready to lead the nation.
She stressed;
She has already prepared manifesto for herself. You will see her in near future if the good ones do not come out contest.
The centenarian however didn’t state the party under which she will seek the office.
Mrs Ezeanyaeche has set up various groups abroad, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Egbe Omo Yoruba, among others.
She has received several awards for her selfless services and contributions to humanity and nation building, including the prestigious African peace award, 2021.
In his remarks, the director-general of the NTA, Yakubu Mohammed tapped the grace of longevity and good health of Mama Africa.
He said the centenarian is a patriot, nationalist, activist, and detribalised Nigerian.
Mrs Ezeanyaeche joins a long list of individuals who have so far declared interest to run for the position in 2023.
