5 Women Who Helped Shape Nigeria’s Independence

Let’s take a closer look into the lives of these five remarkable women and their legacies at such a crucial time in Nigeria’s history.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978)

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Although she is widely known as the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria, the “Lioness of Lisabi” (as she was also known as) was a trailblazer as far back as her early years in life by being the first female student to be admitted to the Abeokuta Grammar School.

Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo (1915–2015)

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As the wife of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, HID supported her husband throughout his activities and adventures in politics such that he often fondly referred to her as his “jewel of inestimable value”.

Her involvement in Nigeria’s political history is equally noteworthy. During her husband’s time in prison, she stood in for him and actively participated in the NCNC and AG alliance to form the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA).

Despite her holding the family together as the Awolowo matriarch of five biological children, she continued to uphold the legacy of her husband until her death. She died at the age of 99 in 2015.

Please share your thoughts on these remarkable women and their contributions to Nigeria’s history in the comments section below.