‘To inspire civic engagement’ — EiE screens movie on Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti May 30

Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, a civil society organisation (CSO), says it will host a dialogue to spotlight the leadership role of the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti during the colonial era.

In a statement on Tuesday, EiE said the May edition of ThursdayTalks will enlighten citizens on the impact of grassroots movements through the perspective of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

#ThursdayTalks is an online conversation that engages thought leaders in instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through active citizenship.

The dialogue is organised by EiE Nigeria and BudgIT, with media support from TheCable Nigeria.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian politician, feminist, and activist who was part of the Nigerian independence movement.

Ransome-Kuti also advocated for the rights of women to vote and led the Abeokuta Women Union (AWU) in a protest against a tax on women in 1914.

The organisation said activists, experts, and active citizens will speak during the dialogue on the essence of “the people’s power and its significance in today’s contemporary Nigeria”.

The dialogue will be held at the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos, on May 30.

“The biopic ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’ serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance and the power of collective action,” the statement reads.

“By depicting the iconic Nigerian educator and activist’s leadership in the Abeokuta Women’s Riots against oppressive colonial taxation policies in the 1940s, the film highlights that true power belongs to citizens, and the only way to actualize it is by recognizing it and coming together in unison to stand against a government that goes against its objective.

“Sometimes, it takes one strong-willed and willing person to ensure that the rights of others are not trampled upon.”

Panelists to discuss Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s leadership role include Seun Kuti, a musician and human rights activist, and Tolulope Hicks, an active citizen and student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Others are Eyikogbe Toluwalope, an active citizen and student, and Wemimo Adewuni, a media and communications manager.

Register here to be a part of the event.