My Mother, My Inspiration: A Tribute to Pharmacist Edna I. J. Wey (JP)
Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician
To those who knew her, she was Mummy. To me, she was everything. Born on the 25th of August, 1945, to the late Pa Festus Edmund Josiah Williams and Mama Hannah Grant Williams, she was a remarkable woman, a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her life, though sadly cut short, was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Growing up in Zaria, attending St. George's Primary School, her early years were steeped in community and faith, a life intertwined with her beloved church. It's poignant to remember that former Governor Jim Nwobodo, a name etched in the annals of Nigerian history, was a teacher at St. George's during her formative years. Her transition to the prestigious Queen's College, Lagos, marked a significant step in her educational journey, culminating in her Senior Prefect year in 1965. This wasn't just about academic success, but about leadership and discipline – qualities that defined her throughout her life.
Her passion for healthcare led her to pursue a career in pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy in Zaria. This wasn't just a job; it was a calling. It was at the pinnacle of this calling that she met and married our father, an officer in the Nigerian Army. We, Yomi Danjuma Wey and Kunle George Wey, were the treasures of her union. The loss of our father, while on transfer to Jos, was a profound and painful blow, a tragedy that tested her strength and resilience but did not diminish her resolve.
She continued her incredible journey, rising through the ranks of the Nigerian Air Force, from Victoria Island to Kaduna's 44 Military Hospital, achieving the esteemed rank of Flight Lieutenant. Her transition from government service to the establishment and management of her own private practices, first Isabe Pharmacy and later Titab Pharmacy in Minna, was a testament to her determination and entrepreneurial spirit. As a Chief Pharmacist at the General Hospital in Minna, her impact on the lives of those she served was immeasurable. The first female graduate from the School of Pharmacy at ABU and the first female commissioned Air Force officer from Niger State, her achievements were not merely individual accolades, but contributions to a greater cause.
The mantle of responsibility fell heavily on her young shoulders following our father’s passing in 1968. As the eldest child, she navigated the challenges of raising her siblings – Isevide, Frank, and Eunice – with unwavering love and strength. A scholarship from the Niger State government provided vital support during that difficult period.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mummy was a devoted Christian, an active member of the Anglican Communion and a cherished part of the Morning Star Association. Her selfless service extended to the children's department, from the cathedral to the Tunga branch in Minna, where she was affectionately known as Grandma Wey and Grandma Yara. Her wisdom and love were a guiding light for countless children.
Even in her later years, she remained passionately committed to her profession and learning. The continued engagement in seminars, even in her later years, was more than just professional development; it was a thirst for knowledge and service that never diminished. This was encapsulated by that telling remark from a junior colleague, "Ah Mama, you are still attending seminars at this age?" Her response was the dedication to service.
We had planned a grand celebration for her 80th birthday on August 25th, 2025. It was not meant to be. Mummy, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace until we meet again.
The choice of eternal destiny is in all our hands. The question I leave you with is this: where will you spend eternity?
Adieu, Mummy. Adieu, Grandma Wey. Adieu, Grandma Yara. May the Holy Spirit comfort us all.
She is survived by her two beloved sons, Yomi and I, Kunle, their wives, her grandchildren, her youngest sibling (myself), my elder brother Bosede Williams, her sister Jumai, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Regards
TakeMyGist™®
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