Tunde Folawiyo | Wangari Maathai: Advocate of Africa

Amongst the country of Africa’s most influential figures is the late Wangari Maathai, a woman whose vast contributions to her country are forever cemented in African history. Born in Kenya, Wangari Maathai is credited for the founding of the Green Belt Movement, an organisation committed to promoting environmental conservation throughout Africa and beyond.

Citizens of Africa including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may continue to be inspired by the outstanding impact forged by Wangari Maathai throughout her years as one of the continent’s leading activists.

Born 1 April 1940 in Kenya’s Nyeri District, Wangari Maathai long exhibited a love for Africa. A member of Kenya’s most populous tribe, the Kikuyu, Maathai’s family travelled to the Rift Valley when she was a young girl. Years later, her close ties to the land would prove a strong motivation in her commitment to promoting conservation of the area’s natural landscape.

During 1960, Maathai received a scholarship that would render her able to study in the US. After receiving a master’s degree of biology from a respected university, University of Pittsburgh, Maathai later began study to acquire a doctorate from the University of Munich. Nearly a decade after her arrival in the US, she travelled back to Nairobi to become East Africa’s first woman to earn a Ph.D. She has undoubtedly served as a source of inspiration for Africa’s scholars including Tunde Folawiyo.

Throughout her successful highly successful academic career, Maathai was among the first women appointed to positions of seniority within the Nairobi University system. Amongst the causes she advocated for were equal benefits for the university’s women staff. Whilst campaigns such as these were successful, Maathai later exhibited a greater focus on environmental issues during the middle of the 1970s.

Concerned with Kenya’s poor social/economic conditions and environmental degradation, Maathai began implementing initiatives that would see more trees planted throughout the country. One such initiative was the establishment of the Green Belt movement, a now prominent environmental conservation organisation.

After the turn of the 1990s, Maathai began a campaign for restoring democracy in Kenya. From 2003 to 2005, she held roles as member of the country’s Parliament as well as Assistant Minister of the environment and the natural resources. Amongst Maathai’s most notable accomplishments is her receipt of 2004’s Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded for her outstanding contribution to democracy, peace and sustainable development, Maathai remains one of the most influential figures in conservation advocacy. Supporters of conservation efforts, such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may continue to be inspired by the legacy of one of the efforts’ greatest pioneers.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Famed Works of Novelist Chinua Achebe

The continent of Africa is home to a wide array of stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife and a range of vibrant cultures. Throughout the centuries, Africa has housed a number of inspirational figures who’ve collectively helped shape the state of the continent today. From respected political figures to famed artists and athletes of magnificent talent, these individuals are forever cemented in African history for their contributions to the advancement of Africa as a whole. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may find the literary works of novelist Chinua Achebe to be amongst the most significant today.

Born November 16, 1930, in the Nigerian town of Ogidi, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe received his education from University of Ibadan before being appointed director of external broadcasting at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held until 1966. During this time, Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart was published, becoming widely-acclaimed throughout the continent before later garnering international success. A thrilling accomplishment for the author, the book has over the years become a required read for millions of students throughout the globe.

With the 1960s came a period of brilliant creativity for Achebe. Some of his most celebrated works came during this time, with novels like No Longer at Ease, A Man of the People and Arrow of God amongst them. These works addressed a conflict between traditional African ways of life and new, colonial ways of thinking, a theme that was later explored in his Anthills of the Savannah.

The 1970s saw great success for Achebe. He published a variety of short stories, poetry collections and a children’s book throughout the decade, with his first book of essay’s released in 1975. Upon his return to Nigeria from the US, Achebe became employed as a research fellow before later becoming an English professor at University of Nigeria from 1976 to 81. During this time, Achebe served as a director for two Nigerian publishing companies, Nwankwo-Ifejika Ltd. and Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

After suffering a car accident that would render him paralyzed, Achebe moved to the US. He began teaching at Bard College where he would remain for 15 years. During 2009, Achebe he departed Bard to join Brown University’s faculty as a professor of African studies. Throughout his career, Achebe received many renowned awards and several honourary degrees from over 30 universities across the globe, demonstrating the vast cultural significance of his works. Citizens of Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and many other lovers of literature throughout the world may continue to be inspired Achebe’s life and legacy.

Tunde Folawiyo | The achievements of Desmond Tutu

Throughout the past four decades, Desmond Tutu has played a key role in ending the world's greatest injustices. Although he is now retired, he spent a large portion of his life working as an Anglican Archbishop in Cape Town. Those who are familiar with his work, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that Tutu has been involved in the fight against sexism, racism, poverty, tuberculosis and AIDs.

He first became a household name during the eighties, due to his anti-apartheid views. His efforts relating to ending this regime, and his work on other important issues, led to him winning the Sydney Peace Prize, the Pacem in Terris Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Ghandi Peace Prize and of course, the Nobel Peace Prize.

Early on in his career, Tutu established a very clear objective, which he has closely adhered to over the course of his life. This objective is to create a society which is just and democratic, with no divisions caused by race.

He contended that this goal could not be achieved without the following; the end of South Africa's forced deportation, the establishment of a common education system which is available to all, the eradication of South Africa's passport legislation, and equal civil rights for everyone.

He was born in South Africa in 1931, and received his primary and secondary school education in the local mission schools, where his father was a teacher. At the age of 30, he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Shortly after this, he moved to England, and it was here that he earned his masters at King's College London. Ten years later, he was named the Bishop of Lesotho, and in 1978, he accepted an offer to serve as the South African Council of Churches' general secretary.

Throughout the following decade, Tutu worked tirelessly to draw attention to the unjustness of apartheid. He favoured non-violent protests, and encouraged other nations to place economic pressure on the South African government, as a means of changing the laws relating to apartheid. As a history enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo might remember that in 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

More recently, he has focused on the elimination of poverty; prior to the 2005 G8 summit, he publically asked world leaders to work towards the promotion of free trade in developing countries, and demanded the abolition of high taxes on medicines used to treat AIDs. His words led to the G8 leaders committing to increasing the amount of aid provided to poorer nations, and promising to do their best to offer universal access to HIV and AIDS medications. 

Tunde Folawiyo | The Impact of Boutros Boutros-Ghali

The African continent has long been home to a variety of influential figures whose contributions to humanity are immeasurable. From Nelson Mandela’s admirable civil rights activism to Muhammad Ali’s outstanding athleticism, these figures not only demonstrated success in their endeavours, but gave hope to a people who had previously experienced much hardship. Among these figures is Boutros Boutros-Ghali, a figure who led significant strides in a variety of imperative causes throughout the continent. Citizens of Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo may be fascinated by the story of Boutros Boutros-Ghali and his varied efforts for a brighter Africa.

Born in the city of Cairo on 14 November 1922, Boutros Boutros-Ghali’s grandfather was once Egypt’s Prime Minster, undoubtedly playing a role in his interest in politics. A scholar, he graduated in 1946 from Cairo University before receiving an International Law PhD and International Relations Diploma at University of Paris. During 1979, he became an international law professor at Cairo University, a role he held until 1999. Throughout his esteemed career, Boutros Boutros-Ghali has been named a Fulbright Research Scholar, a Visiting Professor and an Honorary Rector, all esteemed honours bestowed upon individuals showcasing an outstanding commitment to education. In addition to these he was awarded honourary foreign memberships to Moscow’s Russian Academy of Sciences and Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

Whilst his career in education was well-grounded, Boutros Boutros-Ghali began his venture into politics during Anwar El Sadat’s presidency. His role as Egypt’s Minister of State led to his position as Deputy Minister, one he held for months before his move to the United Nations. With this, he played a significant role in peace talks for Israel’s Menachem Begin, Prime Minster and Egypt’s President Sadat. His role as Secretary-General for the United Nations forever cemented his place in political history, inspiring many throughout the world. Though controversy surrounded his time in United Nations office, he carried with him many supporters confident in his abilities to maintain peace throughout the world.

As one of the world’s foremost African political figures, Boutros Boutros-Ghali played a significant role in peace-making throughout his career. Citizens throughout Africa including Tunde Folawiyo and countless others may continue to hold his leadership in high regard. As a new generation of young African leaders emerges, the contributions of those from the past remain ever present in the minds of those hoping to make a difference in the continent’s economic and social advancement.

Tunde Folawiyo | Wole Soyinka - Nigeria's greatest author

Wole Soyinka is an acclaimed writer, best known for his poetry and plays. He was the first person from Africa to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature - an honour bestowed upon him in 1986. Over the course of his career, he has published approximately 20 works, including books of poetry, two novels and several plays.

Like Tunde Folawiyo, Soyinka's homeland is Nigeria. Born in 1934, he grew up in the city of Abeokuta, and completed his preparatory studies for university in Ibadan, at Government College. Following this, he moved to the UK, to study drama at the University of Leeds. Graduating in 1957, he remained in England, working as a director, actor and script reader at London's Royal Court Theatre; during this period of his life, he also composed a number of plays, including The Lion & the Jewel, and The Swamp Dwellers, both of which were successfully staged in Ibadan and London.

After receiving a Rockefeller Research Fellowship in 1960, Soyinka decided to return to Nigeria, to complete his work on Africa theatre at the University College of Ibadan. Here, he produced what would become one of his most famous works, A Dance of the Forest; this was a scathing critique of the political elites in Nigeria. It was very well received, and ended up being selected as the official play used to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day.

For the next seven years, Soyinka worked in a number of universities in Lagos and Ife, and produced several plays, including politically-focused dramas such as Kongi's Harvest and The Road, as well as comedies, the most notable of which was The Trials of Brother Jero. He also wrote for television and radio programmes, arranged guerrilla theatre performances, and created satirical revues.

In 1965, his debut novel The Interpreters was published; this fascinating, complex work is one which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have probably heard of. The book centres around six intellectuals from Nigeria, who share and discuss their experiences of Africa.

Over the years, Soyinka continued to compose plays, essays and poems, resulting in him winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in the mid-eighties. He has since written a number of new works, including Outsiders, a book of poetry, and King Baabu, a play about dictatorship in Africa. Eight years ago, he published his memoirs, which he named 'You must set forth at dawn'.

The Legacy of Nelson Mandela | Tunde Folawiyo

The passing of Nelson Mandela deeply affected not only his home country of South Africa, but the continent of Africa and the world as a whole. The civil rights leader, through his thoughts, actions and principals, paved the way for an international discussion about the injustices of apartheid. His legacy continues to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others who have may be familiar with the story of Nelson Mandela and the amazing strides he made in conquering social injustices.

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, Nelson Mandela, a.k.a Rolihlahla, was born. The nickname “Nelson” came from a teacher during his years of schooling. Mandela attended college at the College of Fort Hare and later, the University of Witwatersrand from which he received a law degree. It was here that Mandela became acquainted with like-minded individuals who sought an end to apartheid.

As a leader in the African National Congress, Mandela pushed for the congress and protesters to follow in the footsteps of Mohandas Gandhi, utilising his non-violence approach to conflict. After some time, Mandela began to doubt the effectiveness of this ideal and as such, initiated an armed branch of the ANC. Later classified as a terrorist by the South African government, Mandela was sentenced to serve 27 years in prison. His incarceration brought international attention toward the anti-apartheid movement and rather than abandon his ideals in exchange for release, Mandela served his time at Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison. He was released in 1990 and upon this, continued his campaign to end apartheid.

Mandela’s efforts to end apartheid garnered world-wide respect. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Due in part to his labours, citizens of all races were allowed to vote in the 1994 election, demonstrating the social change that was about to be set forth. With this election, Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. Whilst this ruling came an intense backlash and whilst the opportunity for violent conflict was present, Nelson called for calm and peace, ultimately preventing a major civil war.

After many health struggles, Nelson Mandela passed on December 5 of 2013 at the age of 95. The world mourned as this civil rights leader was put to rest, leaving behind his wife Graça Machel, six children, twenty grandchildren and millions upon millions of admirers, including Tunde Folawiyo. His legacy will forever provide a source of encouragement for those facing social injustice. Without his undying dedication and enduring principals, the country of South Africa and other African countries may not have.

The career of the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. | Tunde Folawiyo

Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his extraordinary work within the civil rights movement. A clergyman by profession, he had a profound impact on the lives of many people, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts to end racial inequality.

Born in 1929, King was a talented and intelligent young man, who graduated from high school at the age of 15. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, after which he chose to attend the Crozer Theological Seminary. After being awarded a BD and a Fellowship, he then completed further postgraduate studies at Boston University, and completed his doctorate at the age of 26. Whilst there, he married Coretta Scott, with whom he had four children.

Working as a Baptist minister, King was an outspoken man who was passionate about civil rights. Those who are familiar with his life, like Tunde Folawiyo, might know that in 1955, he organised the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and two years later, established the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). As the president of the SCLC, he attempted to end segregation in Albany Georgia. However, it was the peaceful protests which he arranged in Birmingham, Alabama - and the authorities violent response to these events - which brought King into the spotlight.

At that point in time, many residents of the city were opposed to the concept of desegregation, and there were frequent attacks on African Americans who lived there. King refused to allow this injustice to continue, and carried on arranging non-violent protests there, even after an injunction against the demonstrations was issued. This led to him being temporarily imprisoned; during his time in solitary confinement, he composed the (now famous) Letter from Birmingham Jail, in which he explained that people have a moral responsibility to defy laws that are inherently unjust.

In 1963, King became involved in the organisation of the March on Washington; it was at this demonstration that he delivered his most well-known 'I have a Dream' speech - one which almost everyone around the world, including Tunde Folawiyo, is probably aware of. The following year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; he was the youngest man to have ever received it, and when told of his selection, he confirmed that he would be donating all of the money to the civil rights movement. Four years later, on the 4th of April, King was assassinated in Memphis, shortly before he was due to lead another protest.

The many achievements of Kofi Annan | Tunde Folawiyo

Kofi Annan is one of Ghana's most famous figures; in addition to serving as the United Nations' 7th Secretary General for many years, he has also founded the Kofi Annan Foundation, and been awarded the joint Nobel Prize for Peace. Although he retired from his position at the UN in 2006, he has continued to dedicate his time to protecting human rights and promoting peace around the world. Those who are familiar with his career, like Tunde Folawiyo, might know that Annan is an active member, and the chairman of the group known as The Elders, which was established by Nelson Mandela.

In his role as Secretary General, Annan developed a comprehensive reform programme, which was designed to improve the UN's approach to its work, and increase the effectiveness of the international system. In addition to this, he continually advocated for the Millennium Development Goals in Africa, the rule of law, and human rights.

Annan was born in the Ghanaian city of Kumasi in 1938, and began his career at the age of 24, working for the UN agency known as the World Health Organisation, as a budget officer. Following this, he spent two years working as Ghana's Director of Tourism, after which he joined the UN. Several years later, he was appointed as the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Tunde Folawiyo, and others who keep up to date with international affairs, may recall that Annan's initiatives whilst serving in this role greatly improved UN peacekeeping, which made it easier for the organisation to handle the dramatic spike in its personnel and operation numbers during the late nineties. Annan is also credited with encouraging Member States to establish the Human Rights Council and the Peace-Building Commission, and with helping to establish the Global Fund, which has since been used to tackle serious diseases such as Malaria, TB and AIDS. Additionally, he has been praised for encouraging Member States to accept their responsibility to protect people from war crimes and genocide.

The aforementioned Kofi Annan Foundation was set up by its namesake in 2007. Its primary goal is to improve the capacities of nations, and promote a higher standard of international governance, in order to achieve a safer and fairer world for all. The Foundation uses Annan's mediation and preventative diplomacy techniques to achieve its aims.