Esther Habila, 72, is the wife of a retired pastor of the ECWA Church from the indigenous Gbagyi tribe in the Paggi community, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
She is a mother of 9 and has 30 grandchildren.
She mentioned that some notable changes from her childhood to today include the willingness of children in this generation to acquire formal education, unlike her time when people were literally forced or had to be enticed to go to school.
She also noted that there is much reliance on hospitals and modern medicines rather than herbs or roots, which they were accustomed to back then. This shift has drastically affected the life expectancy of today. Esther mentioned that in the past, people lived well over one hundred years, but today, it's the younger ones who pass away more quickly. She sees this as the fulfillment of the word of God, as times are changing due to the disobedience of the current generation of youths who defy their parents' instructions.
Esther advises the present generation to listen to their parents, be obedient, and abide by the instructions of the elders so they can live long. She also expressed her desire to be remembered for her constant advice and for providing her children with the opportunity to attain secondary education.
How does it feel to be 72?
"I thank God for keeping my family."
What do you look forward to?
"I want my children to have a better education and lives than I had so they do not struggle to survive in today’s world."
What is your biggest concern?
"I do not worry so much about my age, I am focused on what I have in the present, my children, grandchildren and husband."
Life expectancy 2023
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