Recognizing the Mother Theresa of Africa, who welcomed more than 500 orphans into her home

Mama Janet Ekundayo, known as the Mother Theresa of Africa, devoted her life to caring for orphans. Her name, “Ekundayo,” which translates to “(my) tears have transformed to joy,” was what she projected. Despite having five biological children of her own, Mama Ekundayo continued to adopt other children due to her love of kids. Recognizing the Mother Theresa of Africa, who welcomed more than 500 orphans into her home

Being around children was something Mama Ekundayo enjoyed, so looking after them came naturally. Mama Ekundayo made the decision to spend the rest of her life caring for orphans and abandoned children in 1969. By 2007, she had adopted the 469th child. She had looked after more than 500 children by the year 2008. 

The fact that Mama Ekundayo took care of children from all across the nation, representing many tribes and ethnic groups, was one of her remarkable traits. 

Her orphanage is called Ekundayo Children’s Home, and it is situated in the remote area of Isanlu Makutu in Kogi State. Even though Mama Ekundayo received donations from charitable people and other organizations, she also used her meager resources to look after the kids. 

Mama Ekundayo frequently spoke of looking after the kids as a calling she could not turn down. She was also rumored to be a talented singer who always had a grin on her face.

She made the decision to spend the rest of her life caring for orphans and abandoned children in 1969. She took them all and provided the best care she was able for them. She explained that God had been wonderful to her and that in addition to her own meager material contributions, help also came from kind-hearted people, religious organizations, and occasionally, the local government authorities who made donations and provided provisions. She also spoke about how she overcame the challenges and fed everyone. 

She had a petite, frail build, like Mother Theresa. She had a wonderful voice and radiated charm. She invited those who were hesitant and preferred to sit far away to sit close to her because she was charismatic and always beaming. She exuded warmth and enthusiasm and was quite inviting. And she prayed a lot for everyone all the time. 

The year 2009 saw the arrival of death. While she was on the road, a really sad occurrence occurred. She was riding in a car that was engaged in a collision. Already elderly and weak, Mama Ekundayo did not survive. She was thought to be either a nonagenarian or an octogenarian.