Former President Jerry John Rawlings’ mother, Victoria Agbotui, celebrated her 101st birthday yesterday.
She was born on September 9, 1919.
As September is the 9th month of the year, Mr. Rawlings’ mother’s birthday is 9 – 9 – 1919 when written in letters – a rather alliterative date that some superstitious people have attributed to her being the parent of one of the greatest Ghanaians ever.
Last year, Madam Victoria Agbotui was rumoured to have passed on, however former President Rawlings’ office had released a statement debunking the claim, saying she was old but still strong and kicking.
About his relationship with his mother, Mr. Rawlings often talks of how Madam Agbotui had wanted him to become a doctor or a Lawyer and had given him a big slap in the back when he announced that he had wanted to become an army pilot.
In the end, Jeremiah John Rawlings achieved his dream, became an Air Force pilot, and then surpassed his mother’s dreams for him. He became the longest-serving Ghanaian President, founder of a party and the founding President of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.