Professor of Botany, feminist and human rights activist, Benedicta A. Madunagu, has passed away at the age of 77.
Bene, a leftist like her husband, Edwin Madunagu, died Tuesday morning at the Madunagu residence in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
New of her death was contained in a statement by Professor Ayo Atsenuwa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Girls Power Initiative, the women rights NGO founded by Madunagu.
The statement reads:
PROFESSOR BENE EDWIN MADUNAGU
(March 21st, 1947 – Nov 26th, 2024)
Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Nigeria Family announces with heavy hearts but with gratitude to God for a life of impact, the transition of Bene Edwin Madunagu, the co-founder of GPI.
Bene was a renowned Professor of Botany, but her global impact was no less felt as an avowed feminist and social justice activist.
GPI was birthed because Bene dared to dream and act, and we are what we are today because of her selfless and dedicated leadership in our first 20 years. She walked the talk as a feminist and remains a shining example of what feminism is and the difference feminists make in society. She undoubtedly left the stage better than she met it with thousands of young women effectively equipped to continue in her stead. She will be greatly missed.
We commiserate with Dr. Edwin Madunagu her husband, her children, and her entire family, and pray for the peaceful repose of her soul
