Gani Fawehinmi, an icon to be immortalised, restates Garu

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garu Technologies Limited/Gfud and Buka Limited, Lukman Abiodun Garu, has reiterated the need for the Federal Government to immortalise human rights activist cum democrat, Gani Fawehinmi, who until his demise, was a well-known personality in the country for his kind generosity to the downtrodden.

He made the call in his speech as a special guest, at the weekend, during the late Fawehinmi’s 85th post-humous birthday celebration marked with the less privileged and physically-challenged persons in Agege, Lagos State, with the theme, “Philanthropy as a panacea to the needs of the voiceless and defenceless.”

Garu, who was represented by his son, Fareedah Abidemi, recounted how the late Fawehinmi’s legacy, as an advocate of democracy, human rights activist, philanthropist and partner of development, speaks huge volume till date, and also serves as catalyst for good governance in Nigeria.

He said: “The late Gani Fawehinmi attended the Holborn College of Law and was called to the English Bar in 1963 but later returned to Nigeria to set up his own law firm. He became known for his legal battles for the oppressed and the downtrodden, fighting for truth and justice. He would have stayed behind. He sacrificed his time.

“Throughout his career, Fawehinmi was a strong advocate for democracy and human rights. He used his law practice and position as the founder of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports to challenge the Nigerian government when it violated the law or human rights.

“Fawehinmi was a frequent victim of the Nigerian government’s persecution and censorship, being arrested, detained, and even imprisoned for his human rights activism.

“He was attacked and physically assaulted by the police several times but never gave up on his fight for human rights and democracy. He sacrificed his freedom.”

He further stated: “Fawehinmi’s contribution to Nigeria’s democracy and human rights causes earned him many national and international awards, including the Martin Luther King (Jr.) Award for Humanitarian Service, the Bruno Kriesky Award, the Human Rights Watch Award, and many others.

“Today, Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy is remembered as a relentless defender of human rights, a visionary democrat, and an icon of the Nigerian human rights movement.

The post-humous birthday event was also graced by other notable personalities, such as Chairman of the day, Femi Falana (SAN); Mother of the day, Mrs. Ganiyat Fawehinmi; Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), Adeshina Ogunlana, Lanre Arogundade, Bankole, Martins Onove and Joseph Evah, among others.

In their various speeches, the guest speakers spoke on the exploits of Gani Fawehinmi as a social crusader, quintessential human rights activist and an iconic legal colossus.

They also reminisced on his philanthropic gesture as a man who charitably gave out to the disadvantaged, identified with the less privileged, defenceless and voiceless in the society, especially the physically challenged.

“Chief Fawehinmi was also involved in several philanthropic efforts aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He established a charitable foundation that provided scholarships, financial assistance, and other forms of support to indigent students, widows, and other vulnerable members of society.

In addition, Fawehinmi was a vocal advocate for the provision of basic amenities such as clean water, health care, and education for all Nigerians, particularly those living in rural areas. He believed that philanthropy played a critical role in ensuring that these basic needs were met, and he donated a significant amount of his own wealth to various causes throughout his life.

In 2008 Fawehinmi rejected one of the highest national honours that can be bestowed on a citizen by the Nigerian government titled:(OFR) and SAN senior advocate of Nigeria, which he replaced with SAM, senior advocate of masses. He is a true Icon whose blueprints in the philanthropy industry speaks volume, such iconic legends should be immortalized for contributing immensely to the sustainable progress and development of our Nation” Garu further said.