Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was born in 1900 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and became one of the country's most influential nationalist activists. She was also one of the first Nigerian women to attend school abroad.
She became a fierce opponent of colonial policies and organized women to challenge unfair taxation and political exclusion. In the 1940s, she helped lead the Abeokuta Women's Union, which mobilized thousands of women and successfully pressured the colonial authorities to remove the unpopular tax system.
Her activism went beyond women's rights. She advocated for Nigerian self-government, democratic participation, and greater political representation for Nigerians, making her an important figure in the wider nationalist movement.
She died in 1978, but her legacy remains tied to both Nigeria's struggle against colonial rule and the fight for women's political rights.
She didn't just demand a seat at the table. She brought thousands of women with her.
Anthony Enahoro
Anthony Enahoro was born in 1923 in Uromi, Edo State, and became one of Nigeria's most determined voices against British colonial rule. He entered journalism young, becoming an editor at just 21, using newspapers to challenge colonial policies and push for self-government.
In 1953, at just 29, Enahoro made the move that would define his place in Nigerian history. On 31 March, he moved a motion in the Federal House of Representatives calling for Nigeria to achieve self-government by 1956. The motion was rejected, but it intensified the political pressure for independence and became an important milestone in the nationalist struggle.
Enahoro continued working through politics and constitutional negotiations as Nigeria moved toward independence. After years of political pressure and constitutional changes, Nigeria finally became independent on 1 October 1960.
But Enahoro's fight did not end with independence. He remained active in Nigerian politics and later became involved in the pro-democracy movement, including NADECO, opposing military rule. He died in 2010, aged 87.
He asked for independence four years before Nigeria got it.
"Nigeria took longer than he requested, but eventually answered the call."