Charlotte Obasa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oloori
Charlotte Obasa
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | January 7, 1874 |
| Died | December 23, 1953 (aged 79) Lagos
|
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Charlotte Blaize |
| Occupation | Philanthropist |
| Known for | Being the founder of the Anfani Bus Service |
| Spouse(s) | Orisadipe Obasa |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent(s) | Richard Beale Blaize Emily Cole |
| Relatives | Akinola Maja (son-in-law) Lola Maja (great-granddaughter) Kofo, Lady Ademola (niece) |
Charlotte Olajumoke Obasa (born Blaize) was a very important Nigerian woman. She was born on January 7, 1874, and passed away on December 23, 1953. Charlotte was known for being a kind person who helped many people (a philanthropist). She was also a well-known figure in society. Her father was a rich businessman named R. B. Blaize. She was married to a doctor named Orisadipe Obasa.
Who Was Charlotte Obasa?
Charlotte was part of the Saro people, a group of people who returned to Nigeria from Sierra Leone. She was born in Lagos. Her parents were Richard Beale Blaize and Emily Cole Blaize. Her father was a wealthy businessman. He was also active in politics.
Charlotte grew up in Lagos. Her father published newspapers there. These newspapers, like The Lagos Times and The Lagos Weekly Times, supported Nigerian independence. Charlotte received an excellent education. She first attended the Anglican Girls' School in Lagos. Later, she studied at a school in England.
Her Family Life
In 1902, Charlotte married Orisadipe Obasa. He was a prince from the Saro community and a doctor. As a wedding gift, Charlotte's father gave the couple a new house. This house later became known as Babafunmi House. Charlotte and her husband had five children together. She was also the aunt of Kofo, Lady Ademola, another notable Nigerian woman.
Helping Her Community
Charlotte Obasa was a true entrepreneur and philanthropist. This means she started businesses and loved helping others. She strongly believed in women's rights and education. In 1907, she helped open the Lagos School for Girls. This school later became the Wesleyan Girls' High School. Charlotte even lent her own property for the school to use.
In 1913, Charlotte started the first motor transport company in Lagos. It was called the Anfani bus service. By 1915, her company had three trucks, three taxis, and six buses. This made travel much easier for people in Lagos.
Charlotte was also involved in a special group called the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity. She helped start this group in 1914. In the same year, she became its first Iya Abiye, which means "lady master" or a leader.
Charlotte Obasa passed away in 1953. She left behind a legacy of helping others and improving her community.
Sources
