NAWOJ Lagos Honours Kudirat Abiola as Iconic Woman 30 Years After Demise
….Hails Her Courage in Democracy Struggle, Calls for Protection of Women Advocates
By Naomi Onome
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has honoured the late Chief Kudirat Olayinka Abiola as its Iconic Woman in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of her assassination on June 4, 1996.
The association said the recognition was in honour of Kudirat Abiola’s courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the struggle for democracy and justice in Nigeria.
Speaking on the recognition, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Comrade Jumoke Johnson, described the late democracy activist as a symbol of resilience whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to her, Kudirat Abiola was more than the wife of the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, noting that she emerged as a leading voice in the pro-democracy movement during one of the nation’s most turbulent political periods.
“Chief Kudirat Abiola was more than the wife of Chief MKO Abiola. She was a leading activist, a strategist, and an unyielding voice for justice, even at great personal risk,” Johnson said.
She added that three decades after her death, Kudirat’s legacy continues to inspire women in journalism, governance, civil society, and other sectors where the pursuit of equity and justice remains paramount.
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Also speaking, the Chapter Secretary, Comrade Anu M. Thomas, said the Iconic Woman recognition was instituted to celebrate women whose achievements have positively impacted society and inspired future generations.
Thomas noted that Kudirat Abiola’s mobilisation of women, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12 election remains a remarkable example of leadership and commitment.
She said Kudirat demonstrated how advocacy and the defence of truth could influence national transformation, adding that women journalists continue to draw inspiration from her courage and determination.
“Kudirat demonstrated that journalism and activism converge when truth is threatened. As women journalists, we are strengthened by her example of deploying her voice, influence, and resources to defend what is right, even in perilous times,” Thomas stated.
NAWOJ Lagos also called on governments at all levels to preserve Kudirat Abiola’s legacy through policies that protect women human rights defenders and journalists. The association further urged media organisations to continue highlighting the contributions of women to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The association described her assassination on June 4, 1996, as a significant loss to the nation but stressed that her life and sacrifices remain a lasting testament to the power of courage and conviction in driving social and political change.
Johnson said, “Her passing on June 4, 1996, was a national loss. Yet her life endures as proof that one woman, guided by courage and conviction, can transform a nation.”
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