Nigerians mourn following tragic death of Fawaz Alabi, a prominent youth activist whose body was discovered at Ibeshe beach in Lagos State.
The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves through social media platforms, with tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and supporters.
The initial report of Fawaz’s death surfaced on Twitter, shared by @SKOOLBOI0, an X user, on Saturday, April 13. According to the post, Fawaz had been missing since the conclusion of the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations, and his body was found washed ashore at Ibeshe beach.
The post described Fawaz as a vocal leader and original Lagos boy, lamenting his untimely demise and praying for forgiveness for his shortcomings. Further details emerged, indicating that Fawaz had been at Ibeshe beach on Eid day, but the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent drowning remained unclear.
Efforts to gather more information about the incident were underway, with attempts to reach individuals who were with Fawaz at the beach proving unsuccessful thus far. The community remained in shock and disbelief as they grappled with the sudden loss of a beloved activist.
Fawaz’s death comes as another blow to the Nigerian activist community, which recently mourned the loss of Fola Francis, a well-known transgender model and LGBT activist. Fola tragically lost her life on December 20, 2023, when she drowned at Ilashe beach in Lagos.
The news of Fola’s passing was officially announced by Vincent Desmond, a respected freelance journalist, in a statement released on Friday. Desmond described Fola as a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting her significant impact on the lives of many.
Fola Francis made history as the first Nigerian transgender model to grace the runway at the Lagos Fashion Week, representing renowned brands such as Cute-Saint and Fruché. Her passing left a void in both the fashion industry and the LGBTQ+ community, where she had been a tireless advocate for equality and acceptance.
In the wake of these tragic losses, the Nigerian activist community rallied together to mourn the untimely departures of Fawaz Alabi and Fola Francis. Tributes poured in from across the country, celebrating their contributions to social justice, human rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Plans for memorial services and tributes were underway, as friends, colleagues, and supporters sought to honor the legacies of Fawaz and Fola. The outpouring of grief and solidarity served as a testament to the impact they had on the lives of those they touched.
As the Nigerian activist community mourns the loss of two of its brightest stars, their memories will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.
