society
August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power
August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com
On August 9, 1956, an extraordinary act of courage unfolded in Pretoria, South Africa. Over 20,000 women of all races (Africans, Coloureds, Indians and Whites) marched to the Union Buildings, the seat of the apartheid government. They came not with weapons or violence, but with unyielding determination. Their mission was clear: to demand an end to the dehumanising “pass laws” that restricted the movement of Black South Africans.
Led by fearless women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the marchers handed over petitions to then-Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom, declaring their resistance to a system that sought to control their very existence. They stood in silence for 30 minutes, a silence that roared louder than any war cry, before breaking into song “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”).
This was not merely a protest. It was a historic declaration that women would no longer be silent in the face of injustice. It was a reminder to governments and societies worldwide that oppressing women is a war against humanity itself.
From Protest to National Recognition. In 1995, a year after South Africa’s first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela’s government officially declared August 9th a public holiday (National Women’s Day) to honour the bravery of the 1956 marchers. Since then, August has been celebrated as Women’s Month, not only to remember the past but to reaffirm the fight against gender inequality, gender-based violence and economic exclusion of women.
South African Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, once said: “When we celebrate Women’s Month, we are not merely applauding history; we are committing ourselves to dismantle every barrier that still exists for women today.”
Indeed, the challenges are far from over. While women’s political participation has improved (South Africa boasts one of the highest proportions of women in parliament globally) economic inequality and violence against women remain severe. The South African Police Service reported over 53,000 sexual offences in 2024, most of them against women and children.
The Nigerian Women’s August Meeting: A Parallel Tradition of Power. Interestingly, while South Africa commemorates its historic Women’s March every August, another powerful women’s tradition unfolds in Nigeria. Across many Nigerian communities, August Meeting is a month-long homecoming for women (especially those living in cities and abroad) who return to their home towns to deliberate on development, peace and social progress.
Originating in the 1940s and strengthened in the post-independence era, the August Meeting is not a festival of mere socialising. It is a deliberative assembly where women discuss pressing issues ie; education, healthcare, domestic violence, youth empowerment and community development projects. Funds are raised, schools are renovated, health centres are equipped and scholarships are awarded.
Dr. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, once described the August Meeting as: “A parliament of women by women, for women and for the society. It is a model of grassroots democracy that men would do well to learn from.”
The meetings also serve as conflict resolution platforms, where disputes within families and communities are addressed before they escalate. In a society where patriarchy often sidelines women’s voices, the August Meeting reaffirms women’s agency and leadership in governance; albeit at the community level.
Shared Spirit: From Pretoria to Nigerian Villages. Although separated by geography and context, South Africa’s 1956 Women’s March and Nigeria’s August Meeting share a common spirit: the unshakeable determination of women to shape the destiny of their communities. Both movements are rooted in the understanding that women are not just nurturers of homes but architects of nations.
As the Zulu saying from the 1956 march goes:
“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!”
Translated: “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” This phrase captures the indomitable resilience of women, whether they are facing the apartheid regime in Pretoria or tackling social issues in rural Nigeria.
Why Women’s Struggles Remain Urgent. Globally, the United Nations warns that gender inequality could take up to 300 years to close at the current rate of progress. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, face higher unemployment rates and bear the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic labour.
In Africa, the World Bank reports that only 37% of women have access to formal employment, compared to 55% of men. In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics records a 30% wage gap between men and women. Moreover, gender-based violence remains a global crisis. In South Africa, a woman is murdered every three hours, according to 2024 police statistics. In Nigeria, rape conviction rates are below 2%, despite rising reports.
As Nigerian human rights activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has often said: “A society that fails to protect its women has no moral authority to call itself civilised.”
Beyond Celebration: A Call to Action. While August is a month of celebration, it must also be a month of reckoning. Honouring women means more than giving speeches and issuing symbolic awards. It requires concrete action, laws that protect women from violence, policies that promote equal pay and investment in girls’ education.
Countries that have embraced gender equality have reaped massive benefits. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, closing the gender gap in Africa’s labour force could add $316 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2030. Empowering women is not charity. It is an economic necessity.
A Personal Tribute. As a Nigerian living in South Africa, I am struck by the beautiful coincidence that both South Africa and Nigerian women have chosen August to celebrate women’s strength and leadership. I celebrate:
The women of South Africa, whose bravery in 1956 still inspires freedom movements worldwide.
The women of Nigeria, especially those who sustain the tradition of the August Meeting, shaping their communities with wisdom and courage.
The women of the world, who daily resist discrimination, build businesses, raise families, and stand at the frontlines of change.
I echo the words of Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, who led the women’s peace movement that ended Liberia’s civil war:
“You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.”
Parting Thoughts: Rocks Do Not Break Easily. The women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 were rocks. The Nigerian women who gather each August are rocks. The mothers, daughters and sisters who hold communities together are rocks. Rocks may be weathered by time, but they are not broken easily.
As we celebrate Women’s Month and the August Meeting this year, let us remember that the fight for women’s equality is far from over. Let us commit ourselves to dismantling every remaining barrier (legal, economic, and cultural) that stands in the way of full equality.
This is because when you strike a woman, you do not just strike a rock, you strike the very foundation of civilisation.
Happy Women’s Day.
By. George Omagbemi Sylvester
Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice
The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.
Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.
“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”
The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.
In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.
“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”
Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.
As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.
Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims
As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.
In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.
“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.
I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”
Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE
Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning declares global recognition of ATC ecosystem, urges citizens and partners to embrace unified digital, crypto and gold-backed financial structure
The Reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning, has formally announced what he described as a historic milestone in the financial evolution of the Atlantis nation and empire worldwide, the consolidation and global recognition of the ATC financial ecosystem backed by a $10 billion gold reserve.
In a voice message released from the Office of the Throne, the Monarch expressed gratitude to God and to citizens and partners across the globe for what he termed a “defining achievement” in the journey of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
According to him, the ATC asset structure, supported by a $10 billion gold-backed certificate, has now been positioned among the world’s leading capitalisation financial platforms, ranking number 12 globally.
“We appreciate God for the milestone achieved of our 10 billion gold-backed certificate of ATC assets. We are delighted to inform our esteemed citizens, partners, viewers and friends all over the world that ATC has come to stay,” the Monarch declared.
Three Distinct but Interconnected ATC Platforms
Emperor Winning explained that the UKA Government and the Atlantis nation have officially released three integrated ATC platforms to the general public. He emphasised that while each platform serves a distinct purpose, they are structured to interact seamlessly for effective management, business transactions and global trading operations.
1.ATC Digital (Government Platform)
The first platform, known as ATC Digital, is the official government-backed digital transaction system. It is designed to facilitate digital financial operations within the UKA ecosystem and serve as the administrative and transactional backbone of the nation’s digital economy.
The Monarch described it as the formally recognised digital framework governed directly by the government under the Throne.
ATC Gold Version (Business and Trade Platform). The second platform, referred to as the ATC Gold Version, is primarily tailored for business trade, commercial exchange and transactional fluidity. It is structured to enhance business-to-business engagement, exchangeability and broader economic interaction.
“This version is mainly for business trade, business exchange and commercial transactions,” he clarified.
ATC Crown Coin (Crypto and Visitor Platform)
The third platform, known as the ATC Crown Coin, represents the Atlantis Crown Coin and is linked to what the monarch described as the Atlantean Bank Gold structure. This version operates as a crypto and digital hybrid, including visitor engagement capabilities and broader exchange functions.
(atlantisgoldbank.org
The Digital/Cryto currency Version
Atlantian Crown Gold (E-ATC) https://share.google/a7Jns9VtrMKCZ6Prk
The E-ATC purely for Trading and Exchang
Atlantean Crown (ATC) – The Future of Digital Currency https://share.google/1EhdkkDBFvBLLgfR1
The Digital version for Government
We also Have DEOS INTERNATIONAL Bank (DIB)
And ATCB)
The Monarch indicated that all three platforms are interconnected to ensure efficiency, transparency and global recognition.
“Please do not be confused. The United Kingdom of Atlantis has three major versions of ATC. Two are crypto-based, one is digital; one is also a hybrid of crypto and digital. All three interact together for effective management and effective business transactions.”
Global Recognition and Expansion Vision
Emperor Winning further asserted that the ATC ecosystem is already recognised internationally and positioned within the global financial framework. “Our platforms are presently recognised in the whole world,” he said, while encouraging existing holders of ATC assets to remain confident in the system.
He congratulated all ATC holders and reiterated the Throne’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem’s credibility, usability and cross-platform functionality.
A Strategic Financial Architecture
Observers say the three-tier structure reflects an attempt by the United Kingdom of Atlantis to create a multi-layered financial architecture combining government-regulated digital systems, crypto-based trade platforms and gold-backed reserve credibility.
By integrating digital governance with cryptocurrency and gold certification, the UKA appears to be positioning ATC as both a sovereign-backed asset and a tradable global instrument.
As the UKA advances its financial ambitions, the monarch’s message signals a push for adoption, participation and global engagement with the ATC ecosystem.
“If you are a holder of ATC, congratulations to you from the Throne. God bless you,” the monarch concluded.
The development marks another significant chapter in the evolving digital and gold-backed finance narrative emerging from the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
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