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Kehinde Bankole Launches Movement Inspired by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Role

Kehinde Bankole Launches Movement Inspired by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Role

A New Movement Born from Artistic Inspiration

Actress Kehinde Bankole, known for her compelling performances, is set to embark on a new journey that transcends the boundaries of the entertainment industry. Motivated by her transformative experience portraying Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in a biographical film directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Bankole is launching a non-governmental organization (NGO) called ‘What About the People (WATP). This initiative is aimed at empowering and advocating for the underserved communities in Nigeria, addressing critical issues such as re-orientation, education, and sensitization.

Channeling the Spirit of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a renowned Nigerian activist whose relentless fight for social justice and gender equality left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Bankole’s immersion in this powerful role not only honed her acting skills but also ignited a profound sense of responsibility within her. She was struck by Ransome-Kuti’s unwavering commitment to change and justice, which spurred her to contemplate how she could leverage her celebrity status to create a meaningful impact on society.

The Birth of ‘What About the People’

Bankole’s reverence for Ransome-Kuti’s legacy solidified her resolve to launch WATP. This organization aims to work closely with local partners to develop sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social injustice in Nigeria. The focus areas of WATP will include re-orientation programs to shift mindsets, educational initiatives to empower the youth, and sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about pressing societal issues.

Collaborative Efforts and Sustainable Solutions

Understanding the complexities of systemic issues, WATP plans to forge partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to create a broad-based support system. These collaborations will help in the development and implementation of programs that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term systemic change. The organization aims to adopt a holistic approach, ensuring that various intersecting factors are considered and addressed in its initiatives.

Empowering through Education

One of the cornerstone initiatives of WATP is its focus on education. By providing access to quality education and vocational training, the organization hopes to uplift those who have been marginalized and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. This, in turn, will help combat the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for a brighter future. Bankole’s vision includes establishing mentorship programs where young people can learn from seasoned professionals, thus bridging the gap between potential and achievement.

Sensitization and Re-orientation

Sensitization campaigns form another critical aspect of WATP’s mission. Through these campaigns, the organization aims to raise awareness about social justice issues and motivate people to take action. Re-orientation programs will work towards changing harmful cultural and societal norms that perpetuate inequality and injustice. By addressing these deeply ingrained beliefs, WATP hopes to foster a more inclusive and fair society.

Using Celebrity Status for Advocacy

Bankole is acutely aware of the influence she wields as a public figure, and she is committed to using her platform to advocate for the marginalized. By drawing attention to critical issues and amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard, she hopes to inspire others to join her in the fight for social justice. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her proactive steps to engage with communities and learn firsthand the challenges they face.

A Vision for an Equitable Nigeria

Bankole’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the creation of a more equitable Nigeria. Through WATP, she envisions a society where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Her commitment to this cause is unwavering, and she is determined to see tangible changes in the lives of the people she aims to serve.

In launching WATP, Kehinde Bankole is not just stepping into a role but is stepping up to lead a movement. By following in the footsteps of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and channeling her spirit of activism, she is poised to make a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Jun 22, 2024
SIYABONGA SOKHELA
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14 Comments

christian lassen
June 23, 2024 AT 04:06

this is actually kinda cool. i didnt even know who funmilayo was till now. thanks for the context.
Evangeline Ronson
June 24, 2024 AT 03:06

Kehinde's decision to channel her role into real-world advocacy is one of the most authentic examples of art influencing action I've seen in years. The depth of her research and the intentionality behind WATP's structure suggest this isn't performative. She's building systems, not just slogans.
Jack Fiore
June 25, 2024 AT 01:22

i'm skeptical. celebrities always say they want to change the world. then they do a photo op and disappear. where's the funding? who's managing the books? what's the exit strategy?
Murray Hill
June 25, 2024 AT 03:42

funmilayo didn't need a camera to be heard. she spoke to crowds in the market, stood in front of soldiers, wrote letters until her hands hurt. i hope kehinde remembers that real change doesn't need a spotlight-it just needs persistence.
Bruce Wallwin
June 25, 2024 AT 20:42

Wow. Just... wow. Another celebrity with a 'movement'.
Letetia Mullenix
June 26, 2024 AT 02:53

i really hope this works out for the people who need it most. sometimes i worry the system just eats up good intentions.
Morgan Skinner
June 26, 2024 AT 23:18

This is exactly the kind of leadership we need-someone who doesn’t just play a revolutionary on screen but steps into the role off-screen too. Mentorship programs paired with community-led design? That’s not charity. That’s solidarity.
Rachel Marr
June 27, 2024 AT 07:08

I love how she’s focusing on re-orientation and education together. Changing minds is harder than giving out supplies, but way more lasting. Keep going, Kehinde.
Kasey Lexenstar
June 27, 2024 AT 20:31

Of course she’s doing this. The film got awards. Now she needs to stay relevant. Artistic integrity? Please.
Trevor Mahoney
June 28, 2024 AT 10:29

You ever wonder if this is all part of some global elite agenda to reprogram African societies under the guise of 'empowerment'? NGOs like this often get funded by foundations with ties to foreign governments. The real question isn’t what about the people-it’s who’s really pulling the strings behind WATP?
Jitendra Patil
June 29, 2024 AT 05:00

Nigeria doesn’t need another foreign-influenced NGO. We have our own heroes, our own history. Why does a Nigerian actress need to copy a 1950s activist to be relevant? We don’t need your Westernized version of justice. We need Nigerian solutions, by Nigerians, for Nigerians.
Michelle Kaltenberg
June 30, 2024 AT 01:07

While I applaud the sentiment, I must emphasize the necessity of institutional accountability. A celebrity-driven NGO, however well-intentioned, without a formal board, audited financial disclosures, and transparent governance structures, risks becoming yet another vanity project dressed in moral rhetoric.
Jared Ferreira
June 30, 2024 AT 08:30

This is the kind of thing that gives me hope. Real people doing real work. No filters. No hashtags. Just action.
Antony Delagarza
July 1, 2024 AT 00:31

They always do this. Film about a revolutionary → launch NGO → get sponsored by Coca-Cola → become a corporate mascot. Next thing you know, WATP is selling branded water bottles and calling it 'empowerment'.