Trailblazers and achievers who have shattered stereotypes and barriers

By Oladayo Nuel

Nigeria has been blessed with a rich legacy of pioneers and achievers who braved limitations and stereotypes and left indelible marks on the history of the nation. They have paved the way for generations to follow, breaking conventions and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. From the mighty contributions of Norman Core MacLeod in Bagpipes to Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s relentless campaign for women’s rights, these men and women are the very spirit of endurance and vision. Here are some Nigerian pioneer achievers.

Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, – First woman to drive a car in Nigeria

Was a renowned teacher, political activist, women’s rights advocate, and traditional aristocrat in Nigeria. She is among the most powerful leaders of her generation, having left an indelible mark on Nigerian society and history.

Ransome-Kuti was born into a family that valued education, something that gave her a solid foundation for pursuing her own studies. She was a teacher who quickly realized the need for women to have more rights and opportunities in a society that largely relegated them to the margins. Her passion for education and empowerment contributed to making her a prominent figure of women’s rights in Nigeria, being one of the pioneers in this field.

Ransome-Kuti, a political activist, was at the forefront of the struggle for Nigerian independence from colonial rule by the British. She understood that the struggle for independence could not be separated from the struggle for equality for women. In 1944, she co-founded the Nigerian Women’s Union, which was instrumental in organizing Nigerian women across the country to struggle for their rights, in particular with respect to taxation, education, and engagement in the political process. Her ability to mobilize and unite women of diverse backgrounds reflected her leadership abilities as well as her commitment to social justice.

Ransome-Kuti’s bravery was again illustrated in the 1929 Aba Women’s Riots when she played an active role in mobilizing against oppressive taxation policy measures initiated by the British colonial government. Her move not only placed in the spotlight the issue of women but also reflected a turning point for the overall anti-colonial movement.

In addition to her activism, Ransome-Kuti’s achievements also resonated with many. She was the first woman in Nigeria to own a car, a reflection of her pioneering spirit and readiness to challenge the norm. This accomplishment, combined with her activism, inspired many women to chase their aspirations and exercise their rights.

Her legacy extends not only to the policies that she shaped but also to generations of women who were inspired by her. Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti remains a significant player in the ongoing fight for the rights of women in Nigeria and a powerful testament to the potential of one person to change society. Her work and life continue to inspire leaders and activists alike in the fight for equality and justice.

Norman Core MacLeod –
Creator of fusing Scottish bagpipe music with African traditional music in Nigeria

He is also widely known as Norman MacLeod and is renowned for being an innovator and pioneer in fusing Scottish bagpipe music with African traditional music, a form of music widely referred to as Afro-Celtic music. He has opened doors to new forms of cultural expression in Nigeria, where he has lived and worked for over three decades.

MacLeod joined the oil and gas sector as a trainee manager for Shell International in The Hague following his graduation from Oxford University in 1975. He worked in several countries, serving in senior roles in drilling engineering and project management in Brunei, Norway, and the Philippines. He served as Operations Manager at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO) in 1994 and contributed to the discovery and development of the Bonga Field.

While his life as a professional petroleum engineer was high-achieving, music was something MacLeod loved and, ultimately, experimented with and developed a new genre of music. He began blending Scottish traditional bagpipe music with African rhythms to create something new that resonates with listeners who are multiracial. His contributions to the music industry in Nigeria gained momentum after his relocation to the country, where he started integrating traditional African pieces into his music with the use of bagpipes as a bridge to spur and reimagine such cultural materials. This approach has seen him bridge cultures and foster a greater understanding of Scottish and African music.

MacLeod has performed at some of the nation’s best-known clubs, such as the Kakofoni Art Hotel, Terra Kulture, and the Femi Kuti Shrine, showcasing his unique sound and flexibility. His collaboration with local musicians, such as John Oboh, has enriched the musical landscape, facilitating cross-cultural exchange to bring the best of both worlds.

Besides music, MacLeod has also been a busy part of several cultural festivals, such as the New Yam Celebrations of Ugboha and Emu, where he has employed music to promote local culture. His efforts have not gone in vain among the Nigerian music community, as he has been awarded titles such as “Odion Ukpe of Emu Kingdom” and “Omoludun of Ikateland.”

Norman C. MacLeod’s musical and cultural ambassadorial efforts are the strength of music in uniting frontiers and conjoining otherwise heterogeneous groups. His innovative efforts at Afro-Celtic music are not only a testament to the multiplicity of the bagpipes but also to the lively diversity of African music culture. MacLeod puts his own mark on the Nigerian cultural scene with his work, with greater understanding and respect for African and Scottish culture as a consequence.

Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi – First female doctor in Nigeria

Holds a significant place in Nigerian history as the first female doctor to practice in Nigeria, breaking gender boundaries in an otherwise male-dominated field. She was born in Nigeria and showed greater academic potential during her early years, which motivated her to pursue medical studies abroad.

She studied medicine at the University of Dublin, Cafreys College, and graduated in 1938 with first-class honours. She was awarded a medal in Medicine and a distinction in Anatomy. Awoliyi’s achievement was even more impressive, as she was the first West African female to be licensed as a Royal Surgeon in Dublin, which was a feat that attested to her dedication and expertise in medicine.

Her professional affiliations also speak volumes about her commitment towards her profession. Awoliyi was an honoured member of elite medical bodies, including the Royal College of Physicians (United Kingdom) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology. She was also a Diplomate of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, an indicator of her all-round expertise in various fields of medicine.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Awoliyi began her career as a junior gynaecologist and medical officer at Massey Street Hospital in Lagos. She was soon the chief consultant and later Medical Director of the hospital due to her love for attending to patients and her pioneering spirit. The hospital was a favourite destination for women’s health, with her as chief, and she played a major role in the development of maternal and child health services in the region.

She was nationally rewarded in 1962 when she was appointed by the Federal Ministry of Health as a senior specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician. The appointment granted her a seat at the health policy table and a voice for better access to healthcare for children and women all over Nigeria. Not only was Awoliyi a doctor throughout her career but also a mentor to generations of young medical professionals and a source of inspiration for generations of female doctors yet to come.

Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi’s work in the medical profession in Nigeria has left an indelible mark on the healthcare system and has done much to advance the role of women in the medical profession. Her work continues to encourage many women to pursue careers in the medical field, and her life remains a wonderful reminder to break the barriers and excel at all levels.

Ossai Ifeanyi Nwabuonwu Idriss – Founder of high-tech technology and data clinics in Nigeria’s healthcare

He is an entrepreneur, a diplomat, and a philanthropist. Ossai is from the royal lineage, and his father is His Royal Majesty Alhaji Zahir Ike M. Ossai Idriss, a capital market investor, and his mother is Princess Victoria N. Ossai Idriss, a medical doctor. Ossai spent much of his childhood in London and Nigeria and is multicultural in orientation. Ossai holds a PhD and has undergone rigorous training in business and engineering, including an MBA from Avila University and a Corporate Director Certificate from Harvard University.

As a co-founder and CEO of the telemedicine platform CribMD, established in 2020, Ossai has been dedicated to increasing Nigeria’s access to healthcare. He disrupted advanced technology and data-driven clinics in the Nigerian healthcare sector by co-founding Indigeneex and CribMD. Under his leadership, CribMD grew from zero to over 9,000 subscribers in six months and secured $2.5 million in seed financing from renowned investors. The service bridges healthcare disparities, particularly among disadvantaged populations, through 24/7 telemedicine consultations and home services. Ossai also built Indigeneex, a sustainable building company that deals with innovative construction practices and procurement strategies and earned major deals with blue-chip companies.

Ossai’s diplomatic career includes his appointment as an Ambassador of the Institute for Economics and Peace in 2022, where he advocates for peace and sustainable development. He has also been actively engaged in the globe’s highest international forums, including the UN General Assembly and Spring Meetings of the World Bank, where he has addressed the issue of advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and debating economic development and stability in Africa. He addressed the Building Bridges Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2023.

His contributions have garnered national and international recognition. In 2023, he was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for his impact on healthcare innovation and inducted into the African Leadership for Development and Humanitarian Service Hall of Fame. Under his leadership, CribMD was recognized as the Outstanding Healthcare Organization of the Year in Nigeria in 2023. Ossai’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond healthcare, as he has engaged in outreach initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

Ossai Ifeanyi’s multifaceted career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial innovation and diplomatic engagement. His work continues to influence discussions on healthcare access and sustainable development both in Nigeria and on the international stage, positioning him as a key figure in contemporary African leadership.