OSUN State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori yesterday hailed retired Professor of History Mrs Bolanle Awe, describing her as a role model for younger Nigerians.
Laoye-Tomori made the remark during the launching of Prof. Awe’s latest book, Nigerian Women: Pioneers & Icons, at the MUSON Centre, in Lagos.
She said “one thing remarkable about Awe is her humility and her unique style of dressing”.
The deputy governor said: “One thing you can’t take away from her is her humility. Humility is the best legacy, especially for a woman. I admire her for her unique style of dressing. I’ve been trying to copy her for years, but I’ve not been successful.”
Laoye-Tomori said Awe is the first female university lecturer in Nigeria, and that her new book recognises women contributions to the country’s growth.
She said: “What she has done is to put on record that women have been part of development in Nigeria.” The deputy governor urged governments to make Awe’s book compulsory in secondary schools, because “it will be a good reference point for young girls”.
Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the event, said women were making progress all over the world. He noted that though men are endowed with the physical strength, women are stronger inwardly.
Ex-President Obasanjo said a lot has changed, even in Nigeria, adding jocularly: “If men are not careful, they would surpass us. Men have the physical strength, but women have surpassed us in many areas.”
The author noted that her message over the years is: “Women are human beings, and deserve the same rights and privileges like their male counterparts”.
Awe added: “I hope this book will help to push the idea of bringing women to the forefront in political, as well as socio-economic spheres. I hope this book will be read in our secondary schools, particularly by girls.”
Prof. M. K. Yahaya, who reviewed the work, said women were behind every successful country, and that any country that relegates them to the background is doomed.
He praised Awe’s effort, saying the author is a pioneer and a role model for women and girls.
Yahaya added that the list of women pioneers and icons in Nigeria is a long one and that the list of 34 in the new book is the first series.
The list, he said, includes both living and dead persons.