We may be two months past Independence day, but this editorial by Blanck still strikes us deeply.
Dedicated to 4 women who helped shape part of Nigeria’s socio- economic platform during our early years, each of whom were powerful forces advocating and campaigning for education and rights of women in our society in both the pre and post independent era, Blanck Digital creates a portrait series of these prominent figures in the history of Nigeria, drawing inspiration from the look and fashion from their respective era while adding hints of contemporary spin on their aesthetic.
Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, (25 October 1900 – 13 April 1978) was a teacher, political campaigner, women’s rights activist and traditional aristocrat whose political activism led to her being described as the doyen of female rights in Nigeria, as well as to her being regarded as “The Mother of Africa.
Queen Amina of Zaria
Amina (also Aminatu; d. 1610) was a Hausa Muslim Warrior Queen of Zazzau (now Zaria), in what is now north central Nigeria. She is the subject of many legends, but is widely believed by historians to have been a real ruler, though contemporary evidence about her is limited. Her exact period of reign unclear, however it was known to bein the early to the mid-15th century.
Mary Slessor
Mary Mitchell Slessor (2 December 1848 – 13 January 1915) was a Scottish missionary to Nigeria. Her work and strong personality allowed her to be trusted and accepted by the locals while spreading Christianity, protecting native children and promoting women’s rights.
Slessor, 28 years of age, red haired with bright blue eyes, was first assigned to the Calabar region in the land of Efik people.
Lady Oyinkansola Abayomi
Lady Oyinkansola Abayomi (also known as Oyinkan) (March 6, 1897 – March 19, 1990) was a Nigerian nationalist and feminist. She is the former head of the Nigerian Girl Guides and founder of the Nigerian Women’s Party.
She went to school at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary in Lagos. She graduated in 1909. She then went to school at the Young Ladies Academy at Ryford Hall, located in Gloucestershire, England. She joined the Girl Guides. In 1917 she attended the Royal Academy of Music in London. She moved back to Lagos in 1920 and became a music teacher at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary.
