A gender rights group mourns with widows of renowned rights activists, Innocent Chukwuma and Yinka Odumakin, who passed away recently.
Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo (NNII) on 13 April visited to condole with Joe Okei-Odumakin and Josephine Chukwuma.
Described as courageous and dedicated activists Odumakin was Afenifere spokesperson while Chukwuma was an internationally recognized civil rights activist. He recently retired as boss of Ford Foundation West African Operations
Iyom Josephine Anenih, Nkata Ndi Inyom Igbo founder and president and a former Minister of Women Affairs, led the delegation.
She was accompanied by high flying members including Ify Akerele, Oby Anubi, Joy Chiori, Felicia Chinwe Mogo, Ego Nwokocha, Chizoba Anyika and Adaeze Nwankwo
They expressed their grief that Nigeria has indeed lost two giants of the civil society family.
On behalf of the group, Mrs. Ify Akerele prayed that the Almighty God repose the souls of the departed and comfort the bereaved families.
Both spouses appreciated NNII for their support at this critical period in their lives and expressed hope for resurrection morning.
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, shared memories of life with her husband whose remains will be interred on Saturday, 24 April 2021.
On her part, Mrs. Josephine Chukwuma thanked Nkata’s companionship at the point that she needed it.
She shared some of her late husband’s dreams and aspirations for humanity and promised to communicate burial plans when finalized.
NNII assured both widows of the group’s unwavering commitment towards partnering for development and their willingness to collaborate in advancing the cause of gender and human rights and justice.
Odumakin (54) who passed on Saturday 3 April 2021 was the National Publicity Secretary for the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.
Chukwuma (55) also died the same day as Odumakin. He founded Cleen Foundation and retired as boss for West Africa in Ford Foundation. Ford Foundation issued a great tribute mourning the loss of the Nigerian.
Their passage at relatively young ages shocked the Nigerian civil rights community.
Author
