INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: Comrade Akeem Akilo Call For The Conferment Of National Honour On Dr Joel-Okei Odumakin.

The purpose of National Award/Honour is to recognise and honour citizens and friends of Nigeria, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields and contributed to the country's development.

Dr Joel-Okei Odumakin is an uncommon humanist and a symbol of justice and equity. She is always practically on ground in rendering humanitarian services to better the lots of Nigerians. Her contributions to the national development in the areas of humanitarian services, advocacy and promotion of human right, administration of justice and equity, educating Nigerians on their civil rights and liberty, advocacy for good governance, campaign against obnoxious governmental policies and her calls for the emancipation of women folks can never be override.

Dr Joel, a Marxist, is just an amazing person to us for she has not let us down even for once, she traversed courageously where men fear to tread. She remained consistent without minding the hazards to her person in a society where critical voices are loathed by unjust system which rewards the crook and punishes the just.

Dr, Joe Okei-Odumakin has over 25 years experience in human ricths work in Nigeria. Her foray into human rights activism was at a period when the Babangida dictatorship was baring its fangs and locking up critical voices.  She became one of the targets of the administration as she was arrested and detained for not less than seventeen times at different locations: Division B Police Station Ilorin; Police Headquarters Ilorin; SSS Headquarters Ilorin; SSS Headquarters Maitama Abuja; Panti Police Station Lagos; Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos; and Alagbon Close in Lagos.

But her spirit was not daunted and became the Assistant General Secretary of Campaign For Democracy (CD) in 1994 at a time the battle against the annulment of June 12 had become so fierce.

She was the General Secretary of the body, CD,  from March 1996--July 29, 2006 (10years) when she became the President on July 29, 2006. She is also the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Studies, the President of Women Arise For Change Initiative; Chairman, Task Force of the Citizen Forum, Spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Society Organization and President, Center for Change in Community Development and Public Awareness (CDP).

This woman of  great virtue, has received several awards at the national and international levels. Too numerous to mention some of which are:
In March 2007, the United Nation of Youth Nigeria gave her an awards as the "Hero of Democracy and Good Governance". In October 2007, she was given an award by Development Issues Initiatives Association (DINA) for her contributions to national development and human rights, the same October she was given an award by Human Rights Now as " The Defender Women" In November 2007, Assemblies of God Church, Festac Town, Lagos gave her an award as the "Icon of Democracy" and in September 2007, the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Oyo State Chapter gave her an award as "The Hero of Democracy".

She also received an award in Imo State of Nigeria in November 2008 as " The Defender of Women's Rights" during the commemoration of Aba Women Riot.

August 19, 2008, she was authorized and commissioned to serve as an ambassador of Good Will from Arkansas to the people of nations beyond the borders of the United States or wherever this Ambassador of Arkansas may hereafter travel or reside.

June  2, 2009, Encomium Magazine gave her an award in "Human Rights Advocacy". The same June, Tell Magazine honoured her as the " Hero of Democracy ".

In March, 2010 Rebrand Nigeria gave her an award as the "Hero of Democracy". In May, CEPAN recognized her as an " Advocate for Good Governance". Also in July, Good Shepherd Schools in Lagos gave her an award as the "Role Model of The Year". In September 2010 the Priceless Jewel s Initiatives gave her an award as the " Champion of Women Empowerment". October 2010, "Beacon of Hope Award" given by Empower Africa for Change. Humanitarian And Environmental Law gave her an award in recognition of her selfless service.

In March 8, 2012 the West Africa Students' Union (WASU) in recognition of her exemplary role on leadership enrichment and humanitarian services gave her the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on Humanitarian services/Icon of Hope.

Also on March 28th, 2012, the National Union of Textile  Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) gave her an appreciation Award for her contributions to workers education in Nigeria.

In 2013, she received the Eminent International Gold Award by First Eminent Associates for her activism and Heroism, Department of States USA Secretary of State International Woman of Courage Award, Neighborhood Hero Award of Major Bob Filner etc.

Recently, on Sunday, 24th  2017, she won the Prestigious Annual Sun Newspaper 2017 Humanitarian Service Award.

Nevertheless, this giant woman has continues to receives more medals and awards to her credit till present. It's out of mere exaggeration to acknowledged and appreciate her patriotic feelings, dedication and unbending commitment to nation development

Her consistency and unwavering determination for survival of democracy in Nigeria made Professor Wole Soyinka to described her as fellow on 4th July 2006.

This freedom fighter and  selfless amazon deserves a national honour from the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Based on the forgoing, and in the furtherance of her activities nationwide and internationally, I am recommending and presenting this foremost and tireless human right activist whose frail bearing, bellies an inner strength and resilience purpose, a veteran of affirmative marches, of crude arrests and detention, baton charges and tear gas who have lent luster to the struggle for justice and human dignity, who remain an inspiration of men and women, old and young,  for the Government Of Federal Republic Of Nigeria for the conferment of National Honour.

We believe in her course and philosophy as a detribalized and a nationalist.