Hmmm its sad that I did not meet most of you in person but going from their antecedents they are powerful women that worked assiduously for women Inclusion and equity in all ramifications. May their souls rest in the bosom of their creator through Christ our Lord amen

Adieu, Hauwa. The measure of a life is not so much about how long it lasted but how well it was lived. Yours was a life well lived and there are many who will always treasure their memories of you. Rest In Peace.

Remembering a Great and Beautiful Soul Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau (nee Luka)

I choose to unearth fond memories of Hauwa in celebration of her life. I have known Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau (nee Luka) since 1986, when we were both at the College of Advanced Studies (CAS) Zaria for our A levels. She and the second Hauwa Evelyn (Yusuf, nee Paul) were close, and she it was who first told me Hauwa had passed. At CAS, literature connected us, as I did a social science course, and the two Hauwa Evelyns did Arts. In CAS, I admired the grace, courage and confidence of Evelyn Luka, as we called her then. She could stand up to anyone, make a solid case without a need to raise her voice. It was just strong and clear. She had an answer for every question, which she would submit with a rueful smile. And she only got better through the years.

I admired Hauwa for all these things. Her physique also excited me. Hauwa was shapely and well endowed. She was a black beauty who proved that beauty comes in different hues and sizes. To skinny me then, she was gorgeous with her sometimes braids, sometimes locks, hairstyle. She had a subtle sense of humour. Once, about seven years ago, at Area 10 old parade ground, we jammed for a Saturday workout. I was fast walking the track circuit solo and came upon her in a cohort that was also jogging- she was a people person. As I passed her and said hello, Hauwa called after me, ‘ah my sister Amina, how now? jeje – don’t break something o. And we all laughed as I continued, counting my skinny steps, determined to finish that circuit before exhaustion won.

Hauwa had a passion for causes. She would seek your option about injustice but only rhetorically because regardless of your opinion, she had made up her mind to do something about it anyway. Hauwa taught us to create our space and own it, but also to share it. Our last conversation in 2020 or early 2021 was about raising resources for Women, Law and Development Initiative (WOLDI). Since she was not a stranger to MacArthur through her past work, we agreed Hauwa would join a virtual conversation to introduce her new work to the team, COVID-19 and all, permitting. That was never to be.

I am ashamed I did not know she had been ill. She had such quiet but effective energy; it is hard to imagine she had that big a battle to fight. Running for office as NBA Abuja Chair – the first female to attain that office, running FIDA-building on the work of her predecessors, leading the team at IPAS- it is easy to imagine this was a superwoman who needed nothing. But feminist sisterhood should always ask questions, prod, inquire and offer support. Are we doing enough for each other?

As I write these lines, I am listening online and inspired by the tributes pouring in from sisters and brothers on the continent and as far as the Caribbean. A beautiful feast of words for a beautiful and great soul. I want to thank the sisters like her namesake and the brothers who were there with her and lent her the support she deserved. May we never walk alone. I pray strength for the family. May Hauwa Shekarau’s rest be complete. May her legacy endure.


Amina Salihu
Sept 27 2021
Abuja