AFRICAN PROSE
BUCHI EMECHETA: The Joys of Motherhood.
How important is Mama Abby to Nnu-Ego’s survival in the city?
Explanation
Mama Abby is Nnu Ego's neighbour on Little Road, Yaba. She becomes Nnu Ego's mentor when the latter moves to Lagos and serves as a strong pillar of support to her when the going gets tough.
She understands the problems that Nnu Ego goes through. She compares her own predicament to that of Nnu Ego and treats the latter with sympathy and understanding. Mama Abby caters for the physical needs of Nnu Ego and her family. For example, when Oshia is starving, Mama Abby and lyawo Itsekiri step in to save the poor boy from dying of hunger.
Mama Abby raises the initial alarm about Oshia's fever. This intervention probably saves his life. She takes Oshia on a tip to the Island to speed up his recovery. She regards Oshia as "our son" implying a strong attachment-to Nnu Ego's family. Mama Abby is very caring and loving and helps Nnu Ego during critical periods of her life.
Mama Abby's support to Nhu Ego even extends to going with her to the Post Office and reading letters for her as she does when Nnaife remits money to the family. She also helps her to open a Savings Account. Nnu Ego has complete confidence in Mama Abby and this strengthens the bond between them. When Nnu Ego has to go to the barracks to take delivery of a parcel sent by Nnaife, Mama Abby goes with her and helps her to take delivery of her mail and the remittance of sixty pounds. She is crucial to Nnu Ego's survival in the city.