The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) will induct some female icons to the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame for their contributions to nation building.
The event, scheduled for June 10, 2019, will celebrate the achievements of women that have through their efforts contributed to building a prosperous Nigeria.
At a press conference commemorating the programme, the Director General, NCWD, Mrs. Mary Ekpere-Eta, said the ceremony, with theme ‘Celebrating Nigerian Women Icons of Hope’, forms an important aspect of her leadership philosophy of reviving the long-held traditions of the centre which, had unfortunately waned over time.
“It will interest you all to know that the last time such a programme was held was in 2007 with 27 women inducted into the Hall of Fame,” she said.
Ekpere-Eta said it is most appropriate to celebrate every success achieved by Nigerian women considering the rough roads through which they have journeyed to attain their present status in the affairs of the nation.
“The induction provides a unique platform to pay tributes, commend, as well as remember with affection and appreciation, our forerunners who sacrificed their comfort and privileges to pave the way for the giant strides of today’s women. No doubt, their contributions to all aspects of national life will forever be etched in marble,” she stated.
On the list are five post-humous inductees – late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola who was murdered at the peak of the struggle for June 12; Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, who lost her life saving the country from the deadly Ebola virus in 2014; and Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, a renowned first female editor of a national newspaper who died in the 2015 Hajj stampede.
Others are Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the first President General of Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria; and Barr Oby Nwankwo, a pioneer advocate of African and Global Gender justice and Nigeria’s two-time representative at the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination.
Recognized in politics are, Mma Regina Achi Nentui, first Female Local Government Chairman in Nigeria in the defunct Eastern Region from 1960 1962, lyom Josephine Anenih who spearheaded the admission of females as regular combatants into the Nigeria Defense Academy and funded the establishment of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund to support women in politics financially, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (OON), first female to win three consecutive times into the parliament as a Senator and Senator Binta Garba, first female to win elections from two different states.
In other categories are; Hajiya Mariya Sanusi Dantata an industrialist and unrivalled philanthropist who feeds an average of 5000 people a day and supports women and youth empowerment, Dr Stella Okoli, heading one of the leading pharmaceuticals with over 50 products on its shelf, Prof Adenike Osofisan, first female Doctor and Professor of Computer Science, Mrs Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje, first female Director of Currency in CBN and first female to sign on Nigeria’s currency,
Others are Mrs Adebimpe Bologun, first female President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, First Female and 9th President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACClMA), Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Richest woman of African descent, Chief Nike Okundaye, who has never seen the fore walls of a University but lectures in Harvard, and Mo Abudu, first female to own a Pan African Television Channel.
Among the list are; Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu: First female to attain the rank of Rear Admiral in Nigeria and West Africa, Flt Lt. Blessing Liman, first Female Military Pilot, Captain Abimbola Jaiyeola, First Female Helicopter Captain who saved 11 lives by making a controlled emergency landing on water in the ill-fated Bristow Helicopter and Maureen Nmadu, first female to coach a top club in Europe and first female to make 100 appearances in the Women’s National Team.
