The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has described the death of Raheemat Momodu as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s development sector.
The Head of Human Security and Civil Society at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) died on 14 June, 2022, in Abuja.
Civil society actors and journalists across the country have been mourning the former leader of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
She was a passionate believer in the Nigeria Project, with a deep commitment to issues of women and children.
‘Raheemat’s painful demise is a monumental loss to Nigeria’s civic and development community. Her death further depletes the rank of conscious, committed and passionate activists and development experts whose wealth of experience is direly needed at this point in the evolution of our country and its troubled democracy’, CHRICED said in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi.
‘Raheemat was one of those activists who strongly believed in organising and bringing people together to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria. She [was not] only committed, she was an epitome of resilience, and dedication to professional excellence.
‘As a journalist, more so as a former Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Raheemat put her pen to work in the service of society, particularly in promoting human rights, democratic values and social justice’.
As Head of Human Security and Civil Society at ECOWAS, she advocated for human rights, democracy and accountable governance.
‘CHRICED extols late Raheemat’s sterling record of service to God and humanity. She was indeed someone who inspired hope about the possibilities of a new brand of leadership in Nigeria, which is driven by love for fellow citizens, excellence and patriotism’, the statement added.
Until her death, Momodu was the President of the United States International Visitors Leadership Programme Alumni Association.
She also served as Project Officer/Gender Equity Programme, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Nigeria; National Programme Officer, Gender and Coordinator Youth Development Programme at the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA); Programme Manager, Good Governance and Human Rights, and Gender Focal Person, EU Delegation to Nigeria, among other positions.
Photo source: CHRICED
