By Adeleke Adebayo
It gives me great pleasure to honour and express my deep admiration to Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State. This virtuous woman has significantly aided economic, social and political advancement of our state in her role as the Wife of the Governor of Kwara State. Her relentless efforts and steadfast dedication to better the lives of those around her and the residents of the state have left an indelible mark in our Communities.
Her Excellency, who is also the Founder of Ajike People support Centre has made a strong case for the economic liberation of women and young people. She has trained, helped young people and women through a number of Programmes to enable them launch their own businesses and become financially independent. Her actions have helped to expand the options available to our residents to promote sustained economic growth in our state.
Positive transformation in our state has been facilitated by Ambassador Olufolake’s leadership. Her numerous projects, which have influenced the lives of thousands of individuals throughout our Communities, clearly demonstrated her commitment to the welfare of our People.
Her Excellency has been a fierce defender of women and children’s right in the field of social development. She has offered assistance and support to weak women and children, especially those who are victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse, through the Ajike People Support Centre in partnership with numerous NGOs. Her work has aided in the advancement of social justice and equality in our state.
Her Excellency is a strong advocate of gender equality, and firmly believes that women should have equal opportunities to hold important positions in our society.
Women have traditionally been underrepresented in numerous professions, in her opinion, our society has not been able to fulfill its full potential. She contends that by enhancing the options available to women, we can build a society that is more inclusive and diverse and will benefit everyone.
Her Excellency continues to battle for the difficulties of women to be recognized at a time when little focus has been placed on the numerous ways in which they are oppressed and exploited. Ambassador Olufolake is one of the few voices, particularly in a political context where the dominance of men does not attract remark, that has been constant and insistent that women should take up their rightful place in the struggle.
I cannot help but draw attention to her monumental efforts on behalf of sickle cell patients.The Sickle cell Community in Kwara State has been championed by Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq. Our community has been greatly impacted by her unadulterated effort to making their lives better.
People with sickle cell illness now have access to healthcare, medication, and counseling due to Her Excellency’s support and assistance. She has also been a major proponent of raising awareness and educating others about the condition, which has helped to lessen prejudice and stigma against people living with sickle cell anemia.
Additionally, she has played a crucial role in advancing research and creativity in the management of sickle cell illness. Her advocacy and support have helped to attract investment and expertise which has led to the development of new treatments and therapies for those living with sickle cell disease.
Time will fail me to mention Her Excellency’s significant role in the 2023 general election that resulted in the swearing-in of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as the 16th President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During the elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support from women across the state was greatly aided by Ambassador Olufolake Adulrazaq. She employed a variety of strategies, including convening summits and conferences, empowering initiatives, and giving women access to palliative care. Additionally, Her Excellency worked to create a coalition of women leaders that supported President Tinubu throughout the state. women were significantly involved in the election and contributed to determine the destiny of our state because of her efforts.
Instigating constructive change in our state has been made possible in large part by Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq. Her numerous efforts, which have had an influence on the lives of thousands of individuals throughout our Communities, show her devotion to the welfare of our People.
She has proven through her work that leadership is more than just occupying a position of authority; it’s about using that authority to improve the lives of those around you. She has provided us all with a model to follow, and her legacy will continue to motivate future generations.
You might be astounded by Her Excellency’s ability to keep a low profile despite her many accomplishments. Her character and principles are demonstrated by her capacity to stay modest and grounded in the face of success.
Her Excellency knows that true success is not defined by acclaim or plaudits, but rather by the positive impact one has on the lives of others. While some people might be tempted to gloat about their successes. She has been able to accomplish great things while being loyal to herself and her ideals by placing more emphasis on the needs of the people she serves than on her own personal benefit.
In a society where self-promotion and personal branding frequently take precedence over true connection and service, it is crucial to recognize the power of silence and humility. Her Excellency’s example serves as a timely reminder that true leadership is about working persistently to improve the lives of others rather than seeking attention or personal glory.
While I salute Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq’s accomplishments, I am also cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. With her leadership and the people’s backing, we can get over these challenges and build a better future for Kwara State.
Having observed Her Excellency’s dynamic and systemic contributions to the economic, social, and political development of our state from afar, I am filled with inquiring and enthused admiration for her.
I am thankful I had the chance to see personally the beneficial effects of her work and leadership on our state. Her commitment to the economic, social, and political progress of Kwara State through her position as the governor’s wife has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am proud of her.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, and Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, on their recent appointments as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) and Chairlady of the Nigerian Governor’s Wife Forum, respectively.
These positions are a result of His Excellency and Her Excellency’s perseverance, commitment, and leadership abilities. His Excellency will have the chance to help shape policies and programs that will benefit not only Kwara State but the entire country in his capacity as Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum. I’m convinced that he will rise to the task with elegance and distinction since his leadership will play a crucial role in determining Nigeria’s destiny.
Similarly, Her Excellency’s appointment as the Chair Lady of the Nigerian Governor’s Wife Forum is a recognition of her relentless efforts to better the lives of the people of Kwara State and her dedication to supporting women’s empowerment and gender equality. I am convinced that she will make the most of this opportunity to continue fighting for women’s and girls’ rights across the nation and to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
Once again, congratulations to His Excellency and Her Excellency on their well-deserved appointments. I wish them all the best as they take on these new roles and continue to serve the people of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Adeleke Adebayo is an Ilorin based Public Relations Specialist