Women Foundation of Nigeria launches Franca Afegbua’s memoirs

The Women Foundation of Nigeria (WFN) on Monday launched the autobiography of the world’s first black elected female senator, Franca Afegbua at a grand event that had top politicians and women activists in attendance.

The book Walking on Hot Coals details Afegbua’s march to the Nigerian senate in 1983, three months before the military coup that brought an end to the second republic.

The launch coincided with Senator Afegbua’s 70th birthday and gave WFN double reasons to celebrate.

In her welcome address, Iyom Josephine Anenih described Senator Afegbua as a role model for many women and that was why the Foundation decided to use her to launch the “Star Trace” programme, which is designed to celebrate women who have made a mark in various fields of life.

Speaking earlier, Senator Majorie Okadigbo said she had often wondered how tough it was for Senator Afegbua who paved the way for women in the senate and described her as an example for women worldwide.

On her part, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, said most women have to pay a heavy price for participation in politics and Franca Afegbua paid hers with commendable grace.

Prof. Nuhu Yaqub of Sokoto State University who reviewed the book recommended it not only to women in politics but women and men in general, describing the book as a lesson in perseverance and determination.

The book was launched by Chief Edwin Clark, who was in the senate alongside Sen. Afegbua and described her as a fearless woman who was not afraid to blaze her own trail.