Dr. John Ayoola Akinyemi, a lifelong educator and public servant, has released a new biography titled Meet My Mother: Portrait of My Quintessential Consumate Mother, published by The Eagle Literary. The book pays tribute to the author's late mother and explores the qualities that define a "quintessential mother"—a term Dr. Akinyemi uses to describe a mother whose place no one else can fill. Through heartfelt storytelling, he reflects on how his mother's steadfast faith, calming presence, and boundless love shaped the lives of her nine adult children.
The biography draws parallels between his mother's life and timeless biblical stories, particularly emphasizing the power of prayer and the ability to find stillness amidst life's storms. Dr. Akinyemi recalls family devotions from his childhood in Nigeria, where they read about Jesus calming the sea. Like Jesus, his mother modeled faith and peace, always reminding her children, "Have you prayed about it?" and affirming, "Be still, and know that I am God." These lessons, he notes, were instrumental in guiding him to become the person he is today.
Beyond a personal memoir, Meet My Mother serves as a tribute to all mothers—those who give more than they have, love without limits, and whose job is never truly done. Dr. Akinyemi honors mothers of every race, religion, and background, reminding readers that everyone is brought into the world through the sacrificial love of a woman. His message is simple but powerful: we can never repay the debt we owe to mothers. This book is his offering of gratitude not only to his own mother but to all mothers around the world.
Dr. Akinyemi, born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, moved to the U.S. in 1963 and earned multiple advanced degrees, including a PhD and a Master of Public Health. He served 27 years in the U.S. federal government. His previous works include Beyond 80 and Gracious beyond 80, which reflect on a life shaped by faith, family, and opportunity, honoring both his Nigerian roots and the American dream. For more information about the book, visit The Eagle Literary.
