By Joy Umo
The Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) and the Socialist Library and Archives (SOLAR) on Wednesday 26th November 2025 hosted a memorial symposium in Calabar to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of celebrated scholar, feminist and social justice advocate, Late. Professor Bene Madunagu.
The gathering drew activists, academics, family members and long time associates who paid glowing tributes to the late professor while calling for continued support for GPI and the Proposed Bene Madunagu Resource Center.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma described the Late Prof. Madunagu as a fearless intellectual and unwavering feminist whose influence transformed generations of women and girls. She recalled first encountering Late Bene Madunagu’s work in 1992 during her postgraduate studies in the Netherlands, noting that Madunagu’s scholarship provided clarity at a period marked by political upheaval in Nigeria.
“She lived and died fighting for the rights and freedoms of women and girls. Sister Bene was intentional, deliberate and truthful. Her passion was infectious,” she said.
Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma also reflected on Bene Madunagu’s mentorship in the late 1990s when she sought to establish a shelter for abused women, describing her guidance as pivotal to the project’s eventual success.
The daughter of Late Bene, Unoma Madunagu-Agrinya who also spoke at the event, called for renewed commitment to sustaining her Late mother’s legacy through strengthened support for GPI and vocational centre established to aid vulnerable girls in Cross River State. She expressed concern over rising cases of abuse and dwindling resources available to support victims.
“This day is not just about memory. It is a call to action. Many girls still need skills, protection and empowerment. GPI is struggling and we cannot do it alone,” she said, urging individuals and organisations to help through sponsorships, partnerships and volunteer efforts.
Representing SOLAR, Comrade Ikenna Edwin Madunagu described the event as a reaffirmation of the revolutionary ideals the late scholar championed. He noted that the transfer of the Madunagu family’s archival collection to SOLAR in 2021 represented an investment in the future of progressive movements in Nigeria.
“Bene was an absolutely confirmed feminist. She stood for gender justice, workers’ rights, academic freedom and the socialist transformation of society,” he said.
He emphasized that the establishment of an Endowment Fund us designed to support GPI, strengthen SOLAR and advance the feminist and socialist principles Prof. Madunagu upheld throughout her life.
“This fund is not for monuments but for movements. The Mother of the Nigerian Left has passed the torch. It is our duty to keep the flame alive,” he declared.