Indomitable Nigerian Women
Nigeria’s public sphere, often a tumultuous arena of power plays and societal expectations, has recently offered us a compelling reason to consider a seemingly simple act: the naming of our daughters. Look no further than the contrasting yet equally resonant actions of two women who share a powerful name – Natasha. They are relatively young and holding their own in the spaces where they find themselves, despite public condemnation and support.
Their stories, unfolding in different spheres of Nigerian life, paint a vivid picture of indomitable spirits unfazed by the dictates of society, making a strong case for the enduring strength embodied by the name Natasha. The name “Natasha” is said to be a Russian name derived from “Natalya,” meaning “born on Christmas Day” or “birthday of the Lord.” It’s a form of the name Natalya, which became an independent name outside of Russian-speaking states since the late 1800s.
Celebrating Sallah
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the embattled representative of Kogi Central, has Russian blood. She recently provided a masterclass in unwavering resolve, which is like what we know of Russians. Facing a government ban on rallies, a curfew, and thinly veiled threats following her suspension from the Senate amidst a controversial sexual harassment allegation, many would have retreated. Yet, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to her constituency, not with a whisper, but with a defiant celebration of Sallah alongside her people. She flew in by helicopter, defying a ban.
Her words, dripping with righteous indignation, echoed the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens. “This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations,” she declared, standing firm against what she rightly perceives as political persecution orchestrated by powerful figures. In a climate where dissenting voices are often stifled, her refusal to be cowed, her insistence on connecting with her constituents despite the obstacles, speaks volumes about her inner fortitude. She embodies a spirit that refuses to be silenced, a leader who prioritises her duty to her people over the machinations of power.
“Honourable Natasha IDIBIA”
On a different stage, but with an equally significant assertion of self, we see another Natasha – Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru. (They are both lawmakers!) Her recent update to her Instagram bio, proudly displaying “Honourable Natasha IDIBIA,” marks a clear and unapologetic embrace of her personal choices. In a society where women’s identities are often intricately tied to their marital status and where public scrutiny of relationships can be intense, her action is a quiet yet powerful declaration.
Following the widely publicised separation of her fiancé, the celebrated singer 2Baba, from his wife, Annie, all eyes have been on Natasha Osawaru. Her decision to publicly adopt her future husband’s name, especially in the immediate aftermath of Annie’s own symbolic reclaiming of her maiden name, speaks to a woman confident in her choices and unburdened by societal expectations or potential backlash. She is charting her own course, defining her identity on her own terms, and refusing to be defined solely by the narrative surrounding her relationship.
Two Natashas
These two Natashas, operating in distinct realms of Nigerian public life, offer us a powerful lesson. They demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, a refusal to be silenced or dictated to, and an unwavering commitment to their own truths. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stands firm against political headwinds, heading to international fora to table her case of sexual harassment and victimisation, while Honourable Osawaru confidently navigates the complexities of personal life under public scrutiny.
In a nation striving for greater gender equality and the empowerment of women, the spirit embodied by these two individuals is crucial. It is a spirit that says, I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I will define myself. It is a spirit that our daughters need to inherit and nurture. Men do these daily and face no opprobrium.
Imagine the Senate President, who has cases before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a publicly recorded accusation of sexual harassment by NDDC’s former Acting CEO, Mrs Joy Nunieh, who had alleged that she slapped the then Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio for making sexual advances at her. He has segments of the Nigerian public still sympathetic to him and condemning Natasha for speaking up. I am all for Natasha making and remaking her allegations while the Senate President transparently clears his name. So far, he has not attempted to clear his name.
“What’s in a name?”
Anyway, they say, “What’s in a name?” It appears there is a lot. Perhaps it is time we consider the power of a name. Naming our daughters Natasha might not magically imbue them with these qualities, but it can serve as a constant reminder, a subtle affirmation of the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit exemplified by these two remarkable Nigerian women. Let us raise a generation of Natashas – women who are indomitable, unfazed, and ready to shape Nigeria on their own terms, regardless of what society dictates. The future of our nation may very well depend on it.
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