Director, Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof. Florence Onyebuchi Orabueze, has described motherhood as a lifelong commitment to love, sacrifice, mentorship and responsible family building, saying the role extends far beyond giving birth to children.
Orabueze, who has chieftaincy titles of Chim Merem Eze from the Ancient Kingdom of Ihe N’Owerre, Nsukka, and High Chief UGOMSINACHI 1 of Amaitolu-Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, shared her views during an interview with Freedom Square Tv, hosted by Dr. Uchenna Cyril Anioke, where she reflected on her family life, marriage and parenting.
Speaking on the essence of motherhood, the professor said many people mistakenly equate motherhood solely with childbirth, whereas true motherhood is reflected in the values, guidance and support a woman gives to her children and the younger generation.
“Motherhood is not only having one, two, three or even ten children. It means love. It means education. It means mentorship. It means training, not only for your biological children but for every young person whose life you have the opportunity to influence,” she said.
According to her, mothers play a critical role in shaping the moral and emotional development of their families and should see themselves as mentors whose influence extends beyond the home.
She stressed that raising responsible children requires deliberate sacrifice, patience and commitment.
“Being married and being a mother is not an easy thing. You have to make sacrifices for your family. You have to live first and foremost for your husband and your children,” she said.
Orabueze also underscored the importance of mutual respect within marriage, urging couples to prioritise one another and build relationships founded on trust and commitment.
She expressed concern over attitudes that weaken family bonds, stressing that marriage should be regarded as a partnership in which spouses support one another while jointly nurturing their children.
Reflecting on her personal life, the professor recounted that she got married while she was still an undergraduate at the University of Nigeria after meeting her husband through a classmate.
She explained that although she had many admirers during her secondary school years, she remained focused on her education and only entered a relationship that was built on the intention of marriage.
“I had many suitors while I was in secondary school, but I was focused on my education. Later, a classmate introduced me to my husband. We got to know each other for about a year before we got married,” she recalled.
The professor said balancing marriage, motherhood and academic pursuits demanded discipline and careful planning, but with determination and family support, she was able to pursue both her education and career successfully.
She disclosed that all five of her children have established successful careers in different professions, including nursing, medicine, engineering and other fields.
According to her, seeing her children become responsible professionals remains one of her greatest achievements.
Beyond her immediate family, Orabueze said she considers mentorship an extension of motherhood, noting that she has devoted much of her academic career to guiding students and younger colleagues.
She explained that many of those she has mentored have gone on to excel in academia and other professions, a development she described as deeply fulfilling.
The professor also reflected on the celebration of her 60th birthday earlier this year, saying she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from family members, friends, colleagues, former students, traditional rulers and members of the University of Nigeria community.
She said the occasion reminded her that genuine service to others often leaves a lasting legacy beyond professional accomplishments.
Orabueze urged mothers to focus not only on providing for their children materially but also on instilling values such as compassion, discipline, integrity and respect.
She maintained that strong families remain the foundation of a stable society and called on parents to devote more time to the moral upbringing of their children.
“The greatest gift a mother can give is not wealth but good character. If we raise children with the right values, we will build stronger families, stronger communities and a better society,” she said.