By Eric Elezuo
In recognition of her selfless contribution and commitment to diligence in service delivery, honesty, peace, youth development, peaceful co-existence, care for the poor, justice for all among many other invaluable achievements, the Governing Council of Merit Time International in collaboration with Mingle Brands Media Limited and National Mathematics Centre, is set to honour a distinguished Nigerian, Mrs Susan Fajana Thomas, with the prestigious award of Merit International Award of Nigeria Distinguished Political Icon in the Diaspora.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Nigeria National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, July 27, 2018 by 2pm.
Susan Jumoke Fajana–Thomas, a Councillor, is an accomplished British politician who has established herself as a prominent community campaigner with over 20 years of experience. She is a Member of Hackney Council and the former civic Mayor of the borough.
Susan moved to London many years ago from Nigeria following a successful career as a Presenter/Producer with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Popularly known as SFT, she has mentored and supported other Africans to becoming activists and politicians. In 2013, Susan became the first ethnic minority person and woman to become the Chair of Hackney North and Stoke Newington Constituency, Labour Party.
Susan is an accomplished community and women spokesperson; a socio-political commentator and an advocate for social justice. She has played a significant role in many national and international campaigns, including forced marriage, early child marriage, refugee’s rights, Female Genital Mutilation, community safety and mental health.
She is the Founder of SFT Foundation Trust, a charitable organisation supporting families in the UK and Lilac Lilly in Nigeria. Through her campaigning activities and Foundation, Susan advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s political participation by providing leadership training and mentorship for young people.
Over the years, her dedication to the community has evolved and her relentless campaigning has received both global and national recognition. In 2012, one of her projects was recognized by the Home Office as an excellent model of youth engagement following the 2012 London riots.
Susan has served in a variety of public offices with pride and distinction, and making a huge impact worldwide. She currently serves as President, Patron, Ambassador, Trustee, Board of Director to various organisations, including London Housing Consortium, East London NHS Foundation Trust, Universal Peace Federation, Islington Refugee Forum, All Ladies League (ALL), African Women In Diaspora (AWID), Nigerian Women In Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF) and African Achievers Awards to mention but a few.
A recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Susan is named in the 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2018 alongside three African Presidents. She is one of the 100 outstanding British Nigerians recognized for their excellent contributions to both Nigeria and the UK. She is a BEFFTA Community Leadership Award recipient, The African Achievers Awards recipient, African Women In Europe Achievement Award recipient, Gathering of Africans Best (GAB) Awards recipient for promoting Africans positive image worldwide.
It is therefore, with pride that the excellent woman of substance will be receiving her award before equally people of high achievement.