Janet Nwadiogo Mokelu
Chief Janet Nwadiogo Mokelu was a Nigerian politician, philanthropist, nurse, teacher, headmistress and businesswoman. She was able to distinguish herself as an educationist, a committed activist and a nationalist. A one time member of both the Eastern House of Assembly and the Eastern House of Chiefs in Nigeria, Mokelu was one of the first Nigerian female lawmakers.
Early life and career
Born to the family of Joseph and Margaret Onwuegbuzia of Umuagu Quarters, Asaba, in what is now Delta State, Nigeria, Janet attended Teachers' Training College, where she obtained her Grade II Teachers' certificate. She was appointed an extraordinary member of the Eastern House of Chiefs in 1959, along with Chief Margaret Ekpo, and later served as special political adviser to the Government of Anambra State from 1980 to 1983.Mokelu strongly believed in ecumenism and worked closely with her friend Eudora, Lady Ibiam towards furthering it as a cause. She led the Oraifite Anglican Women's Conference for twenty-five years, ultimately stepping down in 1995. During this period, she spearheaded the building of a Boys Secondary School in Oraifite, and a weaving industry amongst others. She inculcated discipline and moral values among women who respected her.
A pioneer Lady Knight of the Anglican Church in the old Diocese on The Niger, her role as a leader and motivator enhanced the many activities she undertook. Generous to a fault, she always supported the poor, giving money, food and clothing out freely.
Mokelu made various contributions towards the uplifting of women through her political activities. She believed in equity, and pioneered several pieces of legislation during her time in government that were intended to better the lives of her fellow women. One such law was the one that married women be paid the same salary as their male counterparts.