30th April, 2011
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that Hajiya Laila Dogonyaro’s contribution to activism, education and emancipation has earned her a place in the pantheon of women trail blazers in Nigeria, especially in the Northern part of the country.
In a tribute to Hajiya Dogonyaro, who was buried on Friday in her hometown Garki in Jigawa State, the former Vice President said the vacuum left behind by this most remarkable woman will be difficult to fill.
The former Vice President, who spoke through his Media Office in Abuja yesterday said that the death of Hajiya Dogonyaro is a personal loss to him having been associated with the former President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
Atiku paid glowing tributes to Hajiya Dogonyaro’s commitment to public and community service.
He said that the late Hajiya Dogonyaro was an inspiration to many women in Nigeria and that the best way to honour her is for others to keep pace with her passion for women education and mobilisation for national development.
“Hajiya Dogonyaro stood shoulder to shoulder among the nation’s illustrious women: Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Mrs Eyo Ita and Queen Amina of Zaria, among others,†he said.
He said that it was to Hajiya Dogonyaro’s credit that she “shattered the ceilings to thread were the eagles dare not.â€
According to him, Hajiya Dogonyaro by breaking down the stereotypes that were seen as setbacks to women emancipation gave women hope that indeed the sky can only be the limit if they dared to venture.
He said that Hajiya Dogonyaro’s role in setting up and nurturing the premier Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa (JMA) with other like-minded women pioneers with the active support of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello is a study in community service, which is worthy of emulation.
He said that it is instructive to note that Hajiya Dogonyaro lived till the very end of her life in the service of the poor.
By Oluokun Ayorinde