GOMEP-NG President Akpovoke Otiti Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Mother: ‘Make Una Chop First’

“Make una chop first.” Those simple words became a lifelong symbol of a mother’s sacrifice. In a touching tribute, GOMEP-NG President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, remembers his loving late mother, Mrs. Otiti, and the selfless love she showed her children.

A heartfelt tribute to a mother whose love was expressed through sacrifice. Her unforgettable words, “Make una chop first,” remain a lasting reminder of her unconditional love.

She would smile and say, “I’m not hungry. Make una chop first!” But behind those words was a mother quietly sacrificing her own comfort for the sake of her children. In a touching tribute to his late mother, Mrs. Otiti, GOMEP-NG President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, recounts the unforgettable memories of a woman whose love knew no bounds.

In a heartfelt, emotion-laden tribute to his late mother, Otiti wrote:

Tribute to My Mother – Mrs. Otiti

One thing I never quite understood when I was younger was this: anytime there wasn’t enough food to go around, Mama would always say, “I’m not hungry. Make una chop first!”

And of course, we believed her.

Years later, I came to understand that what I thought was a simple statement was actually sacrifice speaking louder than satisfaction.

I remember one particular evening when we were at home with just half a cup of garri. Mama shared it among everyone so that we could have something to eat. But when I asked her, she smiled and said, “I have eaten before you guys woke up.”

What a sacrifice, Mom!

I knew it was a big lie. Deep down, I knew Mama had never eaten. But what could I do? Mama always wanted us to be well fed, even when it meant going without food herself.

That was the kind of mother you were. You gave without counting the cost. You loved without asking for anything in return. You put our needs before your own, and somehow, you always found a way to make sure we were okay.

Mom, how do I ever repay you for this kind of love? How do I repay all the sacrifices you made, the hunger you endured, the prayers you prayed, and the countless times you put us first?

I may never be able to repay you, but I will carry your love with me for the rest of my life. I will remember your sacrifices. I will remember your smile. I will remember “Make una chop first!” And I will forever be grateful that I was blessed to call you Mama.

Mom, I love you. I loved you in life, I love you in death, and I will continue to love you for as long as I live.

Rest peacefully, Mama.
Your love will live forever in us.