Hon. Adenaya Fatai with his grandmother, Mrs. Sikirat Sadiku Modawoni
In the serene community of Abigi in Ogun State’s Waterside constituency, Hon. Adenaya Fatai, a former House of Assembly candidate under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, bears a name that resonates deeply with history and familial pride. In an exclusive interview with The Merit Newspaper, Hon. Adenaya delved into the fascinating origins of his widely recognized alias, “A.K.A Modawoni,” revealing a tale intertwined with trade, resilience, and cultural heritage.
“My grandmother, Mrs. Sikirat Sadiku, fondly called ‘Modawoni,’ was more than just a caregiver. She was a symbol of strength and determination,” Hon. Adenaya began, reflecting on the woman who raised him. “From the moment I was born, she took me under her wings, nurturing me with love and discipline. She was the matriarch of our family, hailing from the Bello Family House in Abigi, and my mother, Mrs Ramota Adenaya was her only daughter.
Mrs. Sikirat, a prominent trader and the Iya-Oloja (market leader) of Ilushin in Waterside earned her iconic nickname during her years as a garri (cassava flour) merchant. Her story, though simple, captures the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit that thrived in rural Nigeria.
“Back in the 1950s, my grandmother would transport sacks of garri from Ebute in Abigi to the bustling Adeniji Adele market in Lagos, navigating the expansive lagoon. It was not just trade for her; it was her lifeline and her connection to the world beyond Waterside,” Hon. Adenaya explained with admiration.
However, the nickname “Modawoni” was born out of a challenging period that could have tested the resolve of even the most resilient traders.
“For two weeks, she couldn’t sell a single bag of garri,” Hon. Adenaya recounted. “None of her fellow traders at Adeniji Adele market could make sales either. They were all on the brink of despair. Then, one day, a customer finally approached her stand and purchased her garri. She was so overwhelmed with relief and joy that she exclaimed, ‘Modawoni!’”
In the Ijebu dialect of Yoruba, “Modawoni” translates to “I have received money.” That moment of triumph amidst adversity cemented the nickname that would follow Mrs. Sikirat for the rest of her life.
“She became known as Modawoni, not just because of that one sale, but because the name symbolized hope and perseverance,” Hon. Adenaya noted. “Her colleagues began using the phrase whenever they made sales, and it became a rallying cry for traders at the market.”
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Mrs. Sikirat was a community leader and a mother figure to many. Hon. Adenaya described her as a woman of immense generosity and wisdom, who inspired everyone around her.
“My grandmother was not just my caretaker; she was my first teacher,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “She taught me the value of hard work and the importance of community. Even as the Iya-Oloja of Ilushin, she was humble and approachable, always putting others before herself.”
Mrs. Sikirat passed away in 2017, but her legacy lives on through Hon. Adenaya and the community she served so diligently. “When people call me ‘Modawoni,’ it reminds me of the strong woman who shaped my life,” he said with a smile. “It’s more than a name; it’s a heritage I carry with pride.”
Today, Hon. Adenaya uses the lessons he learned from his grandmother to guide his political aspirations and community engagement. “Her story reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, resilience and faith can see us through,” he reiterated.
As the sun sets over the quiet waters of Abigi, the name “Modawoni” continues to echo as a testament to the enduring spirit of a grandmother who turned a simple market cry into a legacy of strength and hope.
