Hafsat Olaronke Abiola-Costello, (21 August 1974) in Lagos, is a Nigerian human rights, civil rights and democracyactivist, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), which seeks to strengthen civil society and promote democracy in Nigeria.[1] She is President of Women in Africa Initiative (WIA), international platform for the economic development and support of African women entrepreneurs.[2][3] She is also one of the founders of Connected Women Leaders (CWL).[4]
Early life and education
Abiola-Costello is the eighth child of Nigeria's uninauguratedpresident-elect, the late Chief Moshood Abiola and late Kudirat Abiola. Her father, Moshood Abiola, was put in prison by the dictator Gen. Sani Abacha for treason after declaring himself president. The elder Abiola later died while in detention in 1998.[5] While her mother was murdered[6] during a demonstration for the release of her husband in 1996.[7][8] In June 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari bestowed the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on her father, late Chief Moshood Abiola, the supposed winner of the presidential election on June 12, 1993.[9][10]
In honour of her mother's death, she founded KIND in 1997, with the aim of promoting the development of women as initiators of change through leadership and awareness programs. She is currently board president.[14][12]
KIND is among the major organization that demanded for the reconsideration of the gender bill rejected by National Assembly of Nigeria (NASS).[15] A bill seeking the amendment of the section 26 (2a) of the Nigerian 1999 constitution; if passed, foreigners married to Nigerian women will be able to apply for Nigerian citizenship. The bill is also pushing for at least 35% of political party and appointive positions at the federal and state levels be filled by women, as well as many other issues related to women's rights.[16]
Later works
In 2009, Abiola-Costello founded China-Africa Bridge and China Africa Forum, which promotes mutually beneficial cross-cultural collaboration between China and Africa, with a specific eye on women's contributions to the economy.[17]
In 2016, she was re-appointed Special Adviser to Governor Ibikunle Amosun in Ogun State.[21]
In 2022, she announced and her support for the Kogi state government's intention to run for the position of president of the republic of Nigeria. In her words, she said she is leading the campaign efforts for Governor Yahaya Bello because she sees the qualities needed to take Nigeria to its right destination in him.[22]
Personal life
In 2001 she married British economist and diplomat Nicholas Costello.[23] They have 2 children, Khalil and Anabella.[24][25][26]
A 2014 documentary, "The Supreme Price" details the story of Hafsat Abiola and how both her parents paid a terrible cost in their quest for a better, freer Nigeria. It was directed by Joanna Lipper, a lecturer at Harvard University, who tells the story from Hafsat's perspective. The documentary also includes interviews with Walter Carrington, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, and Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka.[30][31]
In 2015 she was chosen to be one of 21 women who met for a conference at Harvard University Kennedy School of Government funded by Hunt Alternatives. The group included Judy Thongori from Kenya, Fauzia Nasreen from Pakistan and Olufunke Baruwa, Esther Ibanga and Ayisha Osori also from Nigeria.[32] Some of her other awards and recognitions include:
Youth Peace and Justice Award of the Cambridge Peace Commission, 1997[33]
State of the World Forum Changemaker Award, 1998
Woman to Watch for Award, 1999
Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, World Economic Forum, 2000[34]
