A day in a year is certainly not enough to celebrate the most caring people in the world. Women are not only caring but have proven over the years that they can be very courageous and do great exploits for their people. On this day being the International Women's day, I have decided to go back memory lane to review the exploits of some of the greatest Nigerian women who touched the lives of their people and have done this great West African nation proud. I will like to dedicate this to all the women on steemit and encourage everyone that you could be the change the world is expecting. In no particular order I'll mention some of these women. If you think there is anyone that I am forgetting to mention, kindly include them in the comment section.
Queen Moremi
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It doesn't come as a surprise that many auditoriums and halls in Africa are named after Moremi. Her statues can also be seen in some states in Nigeria. The history of the Yorubas will never be complete without mentioning this phenomenal beautiful daughter of the Yorubas fondly called "Princess of the Yoruba". Moremi was a beautiful woman who married Oranmiyan, king of Ile-Ife. Besides her beauty, Moremi's bravery was one quality that made her stand out. Ile-Ife were at war with the Igbos (not the current Igbo tribe in Nigeria) leading to the capture of several citizens of Ile-Ife including Moremi. Moremi's beauty came in handy as she got married to the ruler of the Igbos. Thus, she was able to know their secrets. She later escaped to meet her people and leaked the secrets discovered, which enabled the Yorubas to defeat the Igbos.
One of the highlights of the life of Moremi is the sacrifice she made for her people. She sacrificed her son Olurogbo to a spirit named Esimirin in a bargain to discover the strength of their enemies. This is one big sacrifice the Yorubas will never forget and it is still acknowledged till date.
Chioma Ajunwa
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This is one Nigerian heroine who cannot be celebrated enough. I am glad to have had the privilege to see her physically in Lagos in the year 2004 at the Nigerian Passport office. Chioma was a long jumper who won Nigeria's first individual gold medal at the Atlanta summer olympics in 1996. This gold medal remains Nigeria's only individual Olympics gold medal till date. It must be mentioned that she also served this dear country as a Police Officer. What a gem! More about Chioma Ajunwa
Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
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This great woman fought tirelessly for the Nigerian woman's right to vote. She was a women's right activist to the core. She was described in 1947, by the West African Pilot as the "Lioness of Lisabi" for her leadership of the women of the Egba clan that she belonged to on a campaign against their arbitrary taxation. That struggle led to the abdication of the Egba high king Oba Ademola II in 1949. [1]
She is also popularly known to be the first woman to drive a car. As ordinary as that may sound today, it was a great feat back then. She is also the mother of one of the greatest Nigerian singers, Fela Ransome Kuti. More about Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
Magaret Ekpo
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Magaret Ekpo's exploit is similar to that of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. Both of them organized the protest against killings at an Enugu coal mine in the 1950s. Magaret Ekpo fought really hard for the civil rights of women in Nigeria. At a time when women had no voice in political matters, she became a voice for the Nigerian women. In 1954, she led a group of women in her home town, Aba. This group of women formed an association known as Aba Township Women's Association which was converted to a political pressure group. This act resulted in the number of women voters exceeding that of men voters in a citywide election in 1955. She won a seat to the Eastern Regional House Assembly in 1961. She used her influence to fight for issues affecting women at the time. [2]. More about Magaret Ekpo
Grace Alele Williams
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Those who know the history of female education in Nigeria will understand why I have chosen to include Grace Williams on this list. She was the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate degree. She bagged this degree at the age of 31 and guess what? A doctorate degree in mathematics. She also made history by being the first Nigerian woman to become the vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university [2]. More about Grace Alele Williams
I would have loved to give a summary of the biography of some other notable Nigerian women but believe mentioning their names should do. You may want to read about:
Flora Nwapa (Mother of modern African literature.)
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Major General Deronke Kale (Nigeria’s First Female Army General)
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I just want to encourage all steemite women to stay strong, believe in yoursleves. If these women could make it despite all the odds, you could do even greater things. #Happy International Women's Day 2018. Don't forget to include those great women you think should be included.
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