Nigeria at 55: Celebrating the Nigerian Woman

CONGRATULATIONS, Nigerians!

Yesterday, October 1, 2015 we celebrated our nation’s independence, and shared our patriotism which brings us great pride and honour with good cheer.  This National Day brings to mind, the various sacrifices of all Nigerians (especially the Nigerian women) in the face of the country’s democracy, economy, security, education, entertainment and most importantly – the smallest unit of societal organisation – the family.

In the history of Nigeria we celebrate the various accounts of women such as Ebele Ajanu of the Igala tribe, Nana Asmau of Zauzzau, Emotan of Benin and Moremi of Ife, of pre-coIonial Nigeria; Chief (Mrs.) Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Ekpo, and Janet Mokelu of colonial Nigeria.  Specifically, we celebrate in recent years, the sacrifices and works of –

(1)    Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (family and politics) - “jewel of inestimable value”. The quintessential matriarch of the Nigerian family, a successful businesswoman and an astute politician.

(2)   Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh (medical services/patriotism) – who curbed a possible wider spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria and is posthumously praised alongside heroes such as her great-grandfather, Sir Herbert Macaulay; and her grand uncle – former President Nnamdi Azikiwe.

(3)   Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (economy) – globally renowned economist and former co-ordinating minister of the economy/minister of finance and now, Senior Advisor at Lazard. Her notable contributions include – the paris club partial debt write off (October, 2005), introduction of the sovereign wealth fund, and the Treasury Single Account.  Her activities saved the nation N208.7billion from about 62,893 ghost workers scam in the federal civil service.

(4)   Mo’ Abudu/Bimbo Oloyede (media/entrepreneur) – role models for the Nigerian woman.  Mo’ Abudu is described by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”.  She is the first woman in Africa to own a pan-African TV channel – Ebony Life Television.  Bimbo Oloyede, Nigeria’s Ace-broadcaster.

(5)   Mrs. Joke Silva-Jacobs/Onyeka Onwenu/Lanre Da-Silva (entertainment) – role models in the movie, music and fashion industries.  We appreciate the role of the entertainment industry in educating, sensitizing and developing the nation.

These names are but a few, of the over 86 million Nigerian women who contribute in auspicious ways to the growth and development of this nation.  Everyone is celebrated!

Finally, in the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of our country’s independence, “Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the north or the south; east or west; regardless of our political affiliations, this is a time to pull together”.  Let us keep moving Nigeria forward.  It is such a special day/month to pray that the culture, integrity and unity of our dear country, will live longer.

Congratulatory Cheers from:

The Lagos State Woman Leader,

Peoples’ Democratic Party

Lagos state