By Akintomiwa Fawunmi
A mixed feeling of emotions: sorrow, suspense and humor was all that was needed to make reality TV show SUPERMOM soar amongst several other TV series. Just as the name suggests, it showcases realistic stories and experiences of average Nigerian Women who strive so hard in order to ensure stability in their respective families, shown every week to teeming viewers.
In a recent episode, it was the story of a certain lady that was laid bare. The lady named Felicia Oduche was left alone to cater for seven kids after losing her husband 14 years after marriage.
Moving into a one bedroom apartment with her children was her last option as she struggled for survival. A new lease of life then began to slowly surface as a Good Samaritan put herself to good use by offering the widow a little loan with which was used in setting up a roadside restaurant as a little means of livelihood.
It however served as the end of the bad road for the family as things began to run smoothly for the family. This was shared by one of her children, Cecilia Okwuma who is now happily married.
Also touching was the story of Ifeoma Pius who got married at a relatively young age. She then lost her husband before the age of 24 thereby leaving her to take care of their three children. Though she was young, she never thought that there was any man that would love her and her kids unreservedly which was why she never gave in to the thought of a second marriage.
She therefore had to sacrifice marital companionship for her children’s well-being and happiness. Things were very tough in the intervening years but she trudged on, doing this and that to take care of her kids. Today, the three kids are in school and doing exceedingly well in their studies.
According to the producer of the show, Sola Fajobi, ‘The Supermom is the emotional, true life experiences of the average Nigerian woman who would go the extra mile to ensure stability in her home and to better the lot of her kids. These stories will be screen-played and re-enacted by top movie stars in short series of 30mins syndicated on 24 TV stations’. Fajobi says viewers will ultimately be judges of the 13-week series until the mother whose story is voted the best wins a brand new house, a brand new car, and an all-expense-paid-trip abroad.
