By Edem Ekpo
The Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) in collaboration with the Socialist Library and Archives (SOLAR) on Wednesday hosted a memorial symposium in Calabar to mark the first anniversary of the passing of celebrated scholar, feminist and social justice advocate, Late Professor Bene Madunagu.
The event drew activists, academics, family members and long time associates who paid glowing tributes to the late professor while calling for sustained support for GPI and the proposed Bene Madunagu Resource Center.
In her keynote address, the Executive Chair, Innocent Chukwumeka Chukuma Empowerment Foundation,ICCEF,Dr. Josephine Effah- Chukwuma described Professor Madunagu as a fearless intellectual and a steadfast feminist whose work transformed generations of women and girls.
She recalled first encountering her writings in 1992 during her postgraduate studies in the Netherlands, noting that Madunagu’s scholarship provided clarity during a period of political upheaval in Nigeria.
“She lived and died fighting for the rights and freedoms of women and girls. Sister Bene was intentional, deliberate and truthful. Her passion was infectious,” she said.
Dr. Effah -Chukwuma also reflected on Madunagu’s mentorship in the late 1990s when she sought to establish a shelter for abused women, describing her guidance as pivotal to the project’s eventual success.
Speaking, Mrs Unoma Madunagu -Agrinya, daughter of the late professor, called for renewed commitment to sustaining her mother’s legacy through strengthened support for GPI and the vocational centre established to assist vulnerable girls in Cross River State.
She expressed concern over rising cases of abuse and the dwindling resources available to support victims.
“This day is not just about memory. It is a call to action. Many girls still need skills, protection and empowerment. GPI is struggling and we cannot do it alone,” she said, urging individuals and organisations to support through sponsorships, partnerships and volunteer efforts.
Representing SOLAR, Comrade Ikenna Edwin Madunagu described the event as a reaffirmation of the revolutionary ideals the late scholar championed. He noted that the transfer of the Madunagu family’s archival collection to SOLAR in 2021 represented an investment in the future of progressive movements in Nigeria.
“Bene was an absolutely confirmed feminist. She stood for gender justice, workers’ rights, academic freedom and the socialist transformation of society,” he said.
He emphasized that the newly established Endowment Fund is designed to support GPI, strengthen SOLAR and advance the feminist and socialist principles that Professor Madunagu upheld throughout her life.
“This fund is not for monuments but for movements. The Mother of the Nigerian Left has passed the torch. It is our duty to keep the flame alive,” he declared.