By Hameed M Bello
Former military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) has expressed sorrow over the death of Mrs Hilda Adefarasin.
A tribute by IBB yesterday said with the passing of Mrs. Adefarasin, “our nation has lost yet another great leader and trail blazer.”
He said Adefarasin will be remembered as a courageous women’s rights activist and leader, adding that with a career that spans healthcare and civil society activism, Adefarasin dedicated her life to the pursuit of the enlightened best interests of Nigerian womenfolk.
He noted that quite early in her life, Hilda had quit a promising career as one of Nigeria’s pioneer nurses to join in the foundation of the National Council of Women’s Societies.
“Her vision and dedication to the cause of Nigerian womanhood transformed that
body into a veritable instrument for the pursuit of gender equity and rights.
“As the longest serving chairperson of the NCWS, Mrs Adefarasin led the organisation in very active women empowerment roles during our tenure in national leadership. I can confidently testify to her integrity and wholehearted dedication to national service. I am sure that her footprints as evidenced in the establishment of a Ministry of Women’s
Affairs at the federal level will remain eternal,” IBB said.
He noted that Mrs. Adefarasin was able to combine her illustrious public service career with an unmatched commitment to exemplary family life and commendable values.
“As it pleased the Almighty, Hilda lived up to the phenomenal and enviable age of 98 in reasonable good health. She was blessed with a wonderful family and is survived by equally illustrious offspring.
I join his family, friends and indeed the entire Nigerian family in paying tribute to this exemplary woman and illustrious citizen. I am confident that her life will continue to serve as a worthy model for the younger generations,” the former military president said.
