MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME TO OVERCOME FEAR, RHODES-VIVOUR REFLECTS ON MOTHER’S POLITICAL SUPPORTS

African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has shared an emotional tribute to his late mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso), recalling how she overcame her fears to become one of his biggest supporters during his political journey.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Rhodes-Vivour announced his mother’s death in a post on his X handle, describing her as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.

In a separate tribute shared on Instagram on Sunday , the governorship candidate reflected on his mother’s influence on his life, describing her as a woman of unwavering faith, resilience and unconditional love.

“To know my mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour née Waboso, was to know dedication, faith, resilience and love. My mother was the epitome of love. Her love was intense and uniquely tailored to fit each of her children,” he wrote.

Rhodes-Vivour said his mother always knew how to encourage him during difficult moments.

“At my lowest, most unsure moments, she had the perfect words to lift my spirits, the perfect prayer to strengthen me,” he said.

He also recalled how she initially struggled with his decision to venture into politics because of the risks involved.

“My father taught me to be fearless. My mother taught me how to overcome fear.

“When I got involved in politics, she was worried, anxious, but I watched her love overcome her worries, her courage overcome her fear. I watched her go from worry to being my biggest supporter on the campaign trail,” he wrote.

According to him, she taught him that love should be expressed through service and kindness.

“My mother taught me to love in service, love in kindness. She taught me to never compare or wish for the lot of another, rather to look to God for guidance on my own path,” he said.

He described her as a compassionate woman who constantly encouraged and prayed for those around her.

“She had a boundless capacity to be the agony aunt or sister, but she would never leave you in the misery she met you. She would pray you out of it on a daily basis, make suggestions and push you till you get out of that rot,” he wrote.

Rhodes-Vivour expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to make his mother proud during her lifetime.

“I am so grateful to God for the many opportunities God gave us to make her proud, to make her heart full of joy and to return the love she unrelentingly poured into us all.

“She will be missed terribly. She is no longer on this plane, but we have gained a powerful angel. Miss you terribly,” the politician said.