Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi

Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (née Akerele, 1910–1971) was the first female physician in Nigeria.[1] She was the second president of the National Council of Women's Societies of Nigeria from 1964 until her death in 1971.[2]

Life

She was born in Lagos to the family of David and Rufina Akerele.[1] She commenced her education at St. Mary's Catholic School, Lagos from where she proceeded to Queen's College.[3] She earned her medical degree in 1938 from the University of Dublin, Cafreys College.[4][5][6] She returned to Nigeria and became a gynaecologist and junior medical officer at the Massey Street Hospital Lagos. She later became a chief consultant and Medical Director at that hospital, holding the latter position from 1960 through 1969.[7] Also, the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria appointed her as a senior specialist gynecologist and obstetrician in 1962.[7]

Some of her awards include: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), Iya Abiye of Lagos, Iyalaje of Oyo Empire, and Nigerian National Honor – Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).[7]

The novel Return to Life, by her daughter Tunji Awoliyi, is dedicated to her.[8]

She is mentioned in "Chapter Six: Nigerian Heroines of the 20th Century" in the book Nigerian heroes and heroines: and other issues in citizenship education, by Godwin Chukwuemeka Ezeh.[9]

Dr. Abimbola Awoliyi Memorial Hospital is located in Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.[10]

NCWS

Awoliyi was the pioneer president of the Lagos branch of the National Council of Women Societies and a member of the national committee of the organization.[11] As a member, she contributed to various policies and activities of the women's organization. She negotiated for the gift of a national headquarters located at Tafawa Balewa Square and was a consultant to the organization's family planning clinic which later became the planned parenthood federation of Nigeria.[11] she succeeded Kofo Ademola as the second president of the NCWS in 1964.

References

  1. 1 2 Yinka Vidal (4 March 2015). How to Prevent the Spread of Ebola: Effective Strategies to Reduce Hospital Acquired Infections. Lara Publications Inc. pp. 7–. ISBN 978-0-9640818-8-8.
  2. ↑ Ojewusi 1996, p. 283.
  3. ↑ Lagos Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Organisation (2000). Mobilising for Action. Dedun Educational Books, Indiana University. p. 47. ISBN 9789788013037.
  4. ↑ Musliu Olaiya Anibaba (2003). A Lagosian of the 20th century: an autobiography. Tisons Limited. ISBN 9789783557116.
  5. ↑ Godwin Chukwuemeka Ezeh. Nigerian heroes and heroines: and other issues in citizenship education. Mike Social Press, 2004. p. 97.
  6. ↑ Tabitha Admin (2015-03-12). "Celebrating African Women in Medicine". Tabitha Medical Center. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  7. 1 2 3 Tabitha Admin (2015-03-12). "Celebrating African Women in Medicine". Tabitha Medical Center. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  8. ↑ "Return to Life - Tunji Awoliyi - Google Books". Books.google.com. 2006-11-18. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  9. ↑ "Nigerian heroes and heroines: and other issues in citizenship education - Godwin Chukwuemeka Ezeh - Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  10. ↑ "Dr Abimbola Awoliyi Memorial Hospital in 183,Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria | VConnect™". Vconnect.com. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  11. 1 2 Ojewusi 1996, p. 288.

Sources

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