Today’s editorial delves into history, spotlighting the lives of our Nigerian mothers who made great exploits before the entrenchment of the “money for hand, back for ground” or “Lamborghini for road, nyash for couch” get-rich-quick hook-up age.
We carefully selected 19 heroines to spotlight as stellar examples of Nigerian women who made their mark and stamped their name in history without compromising on their values as they achieved success through virtuous work, craft, diligence, patience and determination.
Agnes Yewande
Ist West African woman to earn a degree graduating with a first class honour in medicine in 1929.
Sade Adu
Ist Nigerian born artist to win a grammy in 1986.
Prof. Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye
Ist physics professor in Africa and also the first black African to be named a fellow, of the geological society of London.
Chief Dr. Bola Kuforiji Olubi
First female chartered accountant in Nigeria and former Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Abimbola Awoliyi
Ist Nigerian female doctor.
Folake Solanke
1st female senior advocate of Nigeria.
Bolanle Awe
Ist Nigerian female professor of history.
Prof. Arinola Olasumbo
Ist female professor of physiotherapy in Africa.
Abimbola Jayeola
1st Nigerian helicopter pilot.
Mrs Sade Thomas
1st Nigerian woman to own a boutique.
Kofo Ademola
1st black woman to receive an undergraduate degree from Oxford University.
Prof. Jade Akande
Ist female professor of law in west Africa.
Adenike Osofisan
1st African professor of computer science.
Engr. Dr Olatokunbo A. Somolu
Ist Nigerian female to hold a PhD in Engineering.
Mrs Adetoun Ogunsheye
1st Nigerian female professor.
Oluwami Dosunmu Ogunbi
1st black woman to earn a PhD in robotics at the university of Michigan,USA.
Folorunsho Alakija
Richest woman in Africa with notable investments in the oil and gas industry.
Funmilayo Ransome Kutı
Organised a successful women’s protest against oppressive tax in Abeokuta, Founded a literacy class for women, She was part of the first Nigerian political party, 1st Nigerian woman to drive a car in Africa.
CONCLUSION
With the legacies adumbrated above, it is evident that Nigerian women are capable of achieving anything that they set their mind on, there is ample historical evidence to support this fact. As a result, it is high time we re-evaluate our value system as a country and re-engineer our mindset to the early times when virtue, good name and hard work was valued over prostitution, hook-up and courtesanship.
“Patience is a virtue, good name is a legacy and hard work is a money maker!”