Children Should Bear Mother’s Surname – Kila
Prof. Anthony Kila, Director of the Commonwealth Institute, has called on women to advocate for children to bear their mother’s surname.
The renowned political economist and public affairs analyst made this call while delivering the keynote address at the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Lagos.
According to Prof. Kila, “Women need to embrace their identity, defend their diversity, and reject assimilation.”
He observed that women must resist the urge to always react to male-dominated narratives. Instead, he urged them to “identify strong, out-of-the-box battles and push their agenda.”
“While paternity can sometimes be disputed, maternity is almost impossible to contest, so I believe it makes sense for children to be named after their mothers,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, encouraged women to be more collaborative and to work towards earning their demands.
She also announced a series of mentorship programs for FAAN staff to empower and support women in their career progression.
Agreeing with the FAAN MD, Prof. Kila emphasized the need for women to be gatekeepers of merit and values. He cautioned against those who attempt to use their femininity, gossip, or shortcuts instead of hard work to get ahead.
The event was attended by FAAN management, other organizations, and key stakeholders.
