Hafsat Olaronke Abiola-Costello, a formidable force in
Nigerian activism, has been recognized among Africa's most impactful 100
changemakers. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, she has dedicated her life to human
rights, civil liberties, and democracy.
In 1997, Abiola founded the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy
(KIND) in memory of her mother, Kudirat Abiola, who was tragically slain for
her advocacy for democracy in Nigeria. KIND aims to empower women as agents of
change through leadership and awareness programs. Abiola currently serves as
its board president.
KIND played a pivotal role in advocating for the gender bill
rejected by Nigeria's National Assembly. This bill seeks to amend the
constitution to grant Nigerian citizenship to foreigners married to Nigerian
women and advocates for increased female representation in political and
appointive positions.
Abiola's efforts have garnered international acclaim. In
2000, she was recognized as a Global Leader of Tomorrow at the World Economic
Forum in Davos. Her status as a social entrepreneur led to her election as a
Fellow of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public in 2003.
"The Supreme Price," a documentary released in
2014, chronicles Abiola's journey and the sacrifices made by her parents for a
better Nigeria. Her accolades include the Youth Peace and Justice Award, State
of the World Forum Changemaker Award, and the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award.
In a world hungry for change, Hafsat Abiola stands tall, a
symbol of resilience and progress in Africa's quest for democracy and equality.
