Here’s to the lessons, the legacies, and the traits we pick up from the women who came before us—whether we want to or not.
We often think of inheritance as the things written in wills, the beautiful dresses from our mothers tucked away, or the fine dishes reserved for special guests. But some of the most profound inheritances are passed down without ceremony: the way we smile, how we season our food or treat others.
The truth is that we inherit more than we realise. Not just in the obvious ways—cheekbones, laughter, a knack for side-eye—but in how we move through the world, the way we love, and carry ourselves. Some of it is beautiful. Some of it is heavy. And all of it is a part of us.
This Mother’s Day, we pay homage to the women before us by having six Nigerian women share the attributes they inherited from their mothers—proving that we are walking mosaics of the women who came before us, stitched together by their habits, lessons, and love.
Idris-Yahya, 18
The things I’ve inherited from my mother are endless. My verbality has to be one of them. My mum is outspoken, confident, and incredibly social. She has always encouraged me to speak my mind, to be my authentic self, and to use my voice when necessary. I won’t lie; my outspokenness has landed me in trouble more times than I can count, but she never discouraged me. Instead, she reminded me that my voice is a powerful weapon—it’s just a matter of knowing when and how to use it.
Another thing I’ve inherited is her relentless energy. My mum is always on the move, hardworking and resilient—a true superwoman. Maybe that’s why I had no trouble juggling three different sports simultaneously in secondary school. Her drive and determination have shaped my work ethic, always pushing me to give my best.
And, of course, I can’t downplay the moral lessons she’s instilled in me. She taught me respect, discipline, and values that continue to guide me. She has shaped my character in ways I will forever cherish.
Finally, I can’t imagine life without my mother. She may be overbearing, annoying, and even ridiculously unreasonable sometimes, but when I need her, she’s always there. Not everyone is lucky enough to have that, and I’m incredibly grateful. Thank you, Mum. I love you.
Emem, 61
So much of who I am comes from my mum. Her empathy, determination, and humour shape my personality, while her kindness and resilience taught me to stand firm in my beliefs and find joy in every moment.
I inherited her boldness and honesty. She showed me the power of speaking my truth with confidence and grace. Her deep-rooted faith and devotion to family instilled in me a sense of purpose, love, and integrity.
She also passed down her gift for cooking and hospitality; thanks to her, everyone feels at home whenever they visit.
Kemi, 29
I have inherited so much from my mum—both physically and intangibly.
I got my emotional sensitivity from her. She feels everything deeply—laughter, sadness, joy, pain, and so do I. She’s an empath, and I saw myself mirroring her growing up. I used to try toning it down, especially since my dad is the opposite, but I’ve learned to embrace it. Now, when I find myself tearing up at a movie or feeling someone else’s pain, I see her in me, like looking into a mirror.
She also has the most generous spirit. My mum would give you her last grain of rice and go home to drink water. That’s just who she is. She doesn’t give from abundance but from the heart. I grew up watching her cook for guests on regular Sundays, not just on special occasions. She never waits to be asked for help—she just shows up. And now, I find myself doing the same, giving not from excess but compassion.
Our sense of humour is another thing we share. My mum gets my jokes effortlessly. I never have to explain—we just click. She’s like a best friend to me. While my dad isn’t the joking type, with my mum, laughter is always close by. It’s a connection I cherish and a lightness I’m grateful to have inherited.
Physically, I am my mother’s daughter. We share the same light skin, chubby cheeks, and even how we walk and sit. I recently looked in the mirror and realised I stand exactly like her. It’s wild how the most minor things reveal themselves over time. I used to wish I had my dad’s darker complexion, but now I embrace my features fully.
She has a fierce sense of justice that I’ve carried with me. She can endure a lot but won’t stand for injustice, especially when others are mistreated. I have that same fire. During NYSC, I confronted a school principal who was unfair to corps members—not because it affected me, but because it was wrong. In university, I joined a protest over increased school fees, even though my parents could afford it. That drive to stand up for others? Purely my mum’s influence.
Reflecting on all these, I realise how much of her lives in me. She’s not perfect—no one is—but I know I’ve inherited the best parts of her. And for that, I am truly grateful. These traits have shaped the woman I am today, and I carry them with pride.
Peace*, 34
I got my entire face and smile from my mum. I didn’t realise how much until a few years ago when I was recording on her birthday and saw my smile on her face. I used to feel self-conscious about my smile and laugh—until that moment. That’s when it hit me: I had inherited her joy, which was nothing to be ashamed of.
I also got my big ass from her—thanks, Mum, for the natural BBL!
Beyond the physical, I inherited her stubbornness, too. So, if anyone has a problem with me, they should take it up with the source.
My mum—whom my sister calls Mama Noel—has the kindest, most generous spirit. She could and has left the house fully dressed and returned without her jewellery and shoes because someone liked or wanted them. She’d give the clothes off her back without a second thought.
Likewise, she raised me to be a caregiver, look out for others, be kind, and always be a decent human. I am so glad she is my mother, and I get to be her daughter.
Maryanne, 17
I have inherited so many little things from my mum, each shaping the person I am today. Her deep sense of understanding and empathy for others has rubbed off on me, teaching me the power of kindness. Like her, I lead with warmth and compassion.
My mother has always prioritised family, and I’ve learned to do the same. I cherish the bonds I have with my loved ones and make it a priority to nurture them. And then there’s the physical resemblance—we share the same facial structure, a similarity that others often notice.
In every way that matters, my mother has been an incredible influence in my life. I’m grateful for all I’ve inherited from her; more than anything, I am proud to be her daughter.
Gift*, 38
I used to think my mother was a magician, not in the pulling-rabbits-out-of-hats way, but in how she made problems disappear. No food? She’d throw things together so effortlessly that it felt like divine intervention. Feeling sick? She’d stay up with me, soothing every toss and turn.
It wasn’t until I got older that I realised it wasn’t magic —but sheer will, resilience, and the quiet burden of being a woman who makes things work.
Now, I find myself doing the same—holding everything together even when unravelling. Telling my friends, “It’s fine,” when my world is on fire. Keeping things moving—because that’s what we do.
But here’s what I’m learning: We don’t have to inherit the silence. I can carry my mother’s strength without necessarily carrying her suffering.
