HAFSAT ABIOLA-COSTELLO

The struggle for human rights in Africa is a tough one, which is why it is important to support those at the forefront of the struggle. Hafsat Abiola-Costello is the daughter of the popular and well known Chief M.K.O. Abiola who was at one time the president-elect of Nigeria. Unfortunate events in Nigeria led to the deaths of both M.K.O. Abiola while in detention, as well as the assassination of his wife, ?Kudirat Abiola. In response, she?founded the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), named in memory of her late mother and in support of her father?s legacy.

Abiola-Costello?was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She is also well educated, graduating from Harvard University where she participated in positive student activism. Not only does she fight for civil rights, but she also is a champion of women?s rights and youth affairs. She is a founding member of the Global Youth Connect, Youth Employment Campaign, and Vital Voices: Women in Democracy. She offers offers leadership training to over 750 young women across Nigeria each year.

Her awards and board memberships are very far ranging, and she has exemplified a career of true human service. She?is currently the Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals to the Ogun State government in Nigeria.

Image: Hafsat Abiola/Twitter