When Miss Anabaraonye Oluchi Mercy, a sickle cell survivor, stood before nearly 200 students at the Lagos State University few weeks ago to speak about her life struggles, the atmosphere inside the hall changed almost immediately.

Students who had moments earlier been distracted and quietly chatting among themselves suddenly became attentive.

For the next 30 minutes, the hall remained unusually still. Some students rested their chins on their palms. Others stared fixedly at the speaker. Many scribbled notes.

Mercy was not delivering a motivational speech. She was narrating a reality she would never wish on anyone.

Born with sickle cell disease, the young woman had lived a relatively normal life until about three years ago when recurrent crises began to take a devastating toll. Since then, she said, life had become a cycle of pain, hospital visits, interrupted dreams and mounting uncertainty.

For the first time publicly, she had summoned the courage to speak-up, about the scars left by years of injections, the businesses she lost, relationships that could not survive the strain, and the financial burden of managing a lifelong condition.

“If I open my body to you here, you will all cry for me,” she began, warning the audience who had earlier complimented her beauty and glowing fair complexioned skin.

“My painful scars and open wounds are only covered by my clothes and this beautiful face and skin.

“Is it to talk about relationships that had failed, the businesses that I had to abandon or the public solicitation for funding support when my crises became too expensive to handle? I bet you all don’t want to be in my situation,” she exhaled.

As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. Occasionally, she would pause to wipe the tears away with a handkerchief before continuing.

By this point, the silence inside the hall had become overwhelming. Some students lowered their heads. Others simply stared. The message was crystal clear: avoiding genotype incompatibility while choosing life partner is but of necessity.

Watching quietly from the podium was Bisola Osundairo, the Founder and Executive Director of NextGENE Advocates, the convener of the one-day workshop on the theme: “Genotype Compatibility and Sickle Cell Anemia: Looking beyond physical, emotional, and material factors before choosing life partner.”

For Osundairo, Mercy’s testimony was more than another awareness programme. It was a painful reminder of why she founded the organisation.

Unfortunately, Nigeria carries one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease in the world. According to the World Health Organosation, roughly one in four Nigerians carries the sickle cell trait, while between 100,000 and 150,000 babies are born with the disease every year.

For Osundairo, those figures are not merely public health data. They represent lives and a real human story – A family struggling to cope; Parents burdened by emotional and financial pressures; And a young person forced to suspend dreams and ambitions because of a condition they never chose. Hence, she has decided, preventing avoidable suffering has become the mission around which she has built her advocacy.

“I just want to do my best to help Nigeria drive down the incidences of sickle cell related sufferings and death.

And I think the best way is through public awareness campaigns and policy advocacy,” she said, exhibiting one of the rarest senses of loyalty to a country she is only affiliated to by parenting! She was born and lives in the United States of America.

As part of her strategic interventions, she is developing animated audio-visual series for children with SS, staging nationwide sensitisation campaign, and adopting and raising funds for struggling SS sufferers.

“Besides, I have equally decided to adopt fundraising programmes to provide special funding supports for sickle cell patients facing management crisis or difficulty in accessing healthcare,” she said.

Osundairo, a Nigerian American public health professional, said she did not arrive at advocacy through politics, activism or personal ambition. Rather, her decision to Lunch NextGENE Advocates was borne out of the conviction from a lifelong commitment to service and a belief that knowledge can prevent suffering.

“I have always been in the forefront, fighting for the good of humanity,” she recalled, with reference to her leadership at the university. Born and raised in Chicago, United States of America by Nigerian parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Osundairo is the fourth of five children.

Growing up, she said, education, discipline, empathy and service to others were values strongly emphasised in the home. That foundation would later shape both her academic pursuits and her commitment to public health.

“I am a respectful person. I smile a lot and greet people. I believe in hard work and personal integrity. There is no substitute for a life lived well and in service to humanity.”

Just as impressive her childhood, also is her educational journey. While still in high school, she participated in a dual enrolment programme that enabled her to earn an associate degree in Web Graphic Design alongside her secondary school education. She later obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. At the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, she served in the Illinois Student Senate and also worked as a community service representative for the African Cultural Association.

Her passion for service extended beyond the classroom, as she also studied in Cape Town, South Africa, volunteered in different communities and spent time in China, where she studied Wushu at Shanghai University of Sport.

Yet for all her academic achievements and international exposure, it was a simple question that continued to trouble her. Why were so many Nigerian families still experiencing avoidable pain associated with sickle cell disease? The answer, she concluded, lay partly in awareness.

“Apart from the annual commemoration of Sickle Cell Day, at nextGENE Advocates, we have resolved to stage a sustained nationwide campaign across the nooks and crannies of the country, sensitizing parents, couples, adults, adolescents, community, and religious leaders to the importance of Genotype Compatibility,” she explained.

As it is now, too many young people, she observed, approached relationships and marriage discussions without understanding the implications of genotype compatibility. Many only discover the consequences when emotions have already become deeply invested.

For Osundairo, the issue is personal. She carries the AS genotype trait herself. Unlike many young Nigerians who only learn about genotype compatibility when marriage becomes imminent, she understood early what that knowledge meant for her future. The understanding would later influence some of the most important personal decisions she would make. “Yes, in the past, I have actually turned down multiple suitors due to genotype compatibility,” she recalled.

“There was one that I felt was the full package but could not proceed due to the AS trait. Having to end what could have been was not a good feeling but I knew it was the responsible choice,” Osundairo, demonstrated the courage required to do the right thing and present the regret of a lifetime.

This particular experience reinforced a message that has now become central to her advocacy. “Love is not enough.”

The statement often generates debate. Some disagree with it. Others find it uncomfortable. But Osundairo remains unapologetic.

To her, the phrase is not a rejection of love. “It is a call for responsibility.”

While love matters, she argues, so do health, compatibility, informed decision-making and the wellbeing of future children.

“Making informed decisions is part of loving your partner and your future family.”

That philosophy was the premise upon which NextGENE Advocates was established. The organisation was founded on a simple principle: Informed decisions save lives, with the mission to educate young people about genotype compatibility, encourage early screening and normalise conversations that many families often postpone until it is too late.

Recently, that vision was put to the test during NextGENE Advocates’ first major sensitisation workshop at LASU. It was sone in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Psychology Students (NAPS). Nearly 200 students attended, including lecturers. More than 40 people volunteered to support future advocacy activities.

For Osundairo, however, the success of the programme could not be measured solely by attendance figures. What mattered most was the conversation it sparked. Many of the students had heard about sickle cell disease before. Yet few fully understood genotype compatibility or the lifelong consequences that can arise from incompatible unions. The workshop had revealed an uncomfortable reality.

In many discussions around relationships and marriage, conversations about physical attraction, finances and social status often take precedence over health considerations.

That reality concerns Osundairo deeply.

Meeting people living with sickle cell disease has transformed statistics into faces and names. She has listened to stories of interrupted education, lost economic opportunities, broken relationships and families struggling under the weight of medical expenses.

For many households, managing the condition is not only emotionally exhausting but financially devastating. Those experiences have also shaped her policy advocacy priorities.

She believes government intervention must move beyond periodic awareness campaigns.

Nigeria, she argues, requires stronger preventive healthcare systems, wider access to genotype screening, expanded health insurance coverage, improved support for people living with sickle cell disease and more robust community, based education programmes.

She also advocates the integration of genotype compatibility and sickle cell education into school curricula across the country.

For her, prevention remains the most humane and cost effective response.

“If we can prevent even one child from going through that pain, then the effort is worthwhile.”

Building NextGENE Advocates has not been without challenges. Funding remains difficult. Awareness gaps persist. Logistical obstacles are constant. Yet each challenge has strengthened her resolve. Leadership, she believes, is ultimately about service. Not titles. Not recognition.Not applause. But impact.

For Osundairo, success is measured by lives changed, knowledge shared and suffering prevented.

Somewhere in that auditorium sat young men and women who will one day make decisions about love, marriage and family.

Long after the workshop ended, many will probably remember Mercy’s tears.

That memory is precisely what Bisola Osundairo hopes remains with them. Not to frighten them. Not to discourage love. But to encourage informed choices. Choices that could spare another child from telling the same story.

And for Osundairo, that possibility alone makes the work worthwhile.

The Institute of Leadership Coaching and Strategy (ILCS) has congratulated its member, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, FILCS on her appointment as the Head of Service of Oyo State.

ILCS, in a letter of congratulations, said the landmark appointment crowns a distinguished career of 26 years of dedicated service, characterized by professionalism, discipline, ethical practice, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of public service.

“The appointment did not come as a surprise, considering her outstanding track record and her recognition as a two-time recipient of the Oyo State Merit and Productivity Award,” the leadership promotion organisation said.

“ILCS commends His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, for this merit-based appointment, which was devoid of sentimental considerations and founded on thorough evaluation that identified Dr. Fasina as the best fit for this critical role.
“This decision underscores the Governor’s commitment to excellence, fairness, equity and the advancement of a robust civil service. This appointment is an indication that the governor has once again demonstrated commitment to rewarding competence and dedication in state service.

“The Institute also acknowledges the meritorious service of her predecessor, Chief Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, FILCS, a highly revered Fellow of the Institute who served the State Public Service diligently and meritoriously and left behind a highly professionalised and reform-driven service. ILCS implores Dr. Fasina to consolidate on these reforms, working assiduously to strengthen the civil service and position Oyo State as a model of efficiency and professionalism within the Federation.

“Looking ahead, ILCS is eager to deepen the cooperation already enjoyed with the Oyo State Civil Service, with a view to collaborating in areas of capacity building, strategic formulation, and institutional strengthening. The Institute is confident that under Dr. Fasina’s leadership, the service will be further elevated, placing Oyo State on a higher pedestal and affirming its progressive status among Nigerian states.”

The Institute of Leadership Coaching and Strategy (ILCS) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, and multi-dimensional professional body established as an offshoot of the Chartered Institute of Leadership, Policy, and Strategy, United States of America.

ILCS is affiliated with the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO), UK – IFTDO African Confederation.

ILCS was registered in Nigeria with the mandate to regulate and promote responsible and disciplined leadership for a just, equitable, and fair society. Through advocacy, research, capacity building, and effective strategic thrusts, the Institute works to advance leadership excellence across all strata of society for the benefit of humanity.

A Mapo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, on Wednesday, sentenced a woman, Peace Christopher, 45, to seven months in the correction centre for beating up her father’s landlady.

The police arraigned Christopher on charges of breach of peace and assault.

Delivering judgment, the Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Latunji, convicted and sentenced Christopher following her guilty plea and evidence tendered by the police prosecution.

“I have carefully considered all the evidence tendered before the court and find Christopher guilty of both offences.

“Therefore, the convict is sentenced to one month imprisonment for count one of breach of peace or an option of N10,000 fine and another six months on count two of assault or an option of N50,000 fine,”Latunji held.

The Prosecution counsel, Insp Oluseye Akinola had earlier told the court that the convict committed the crime sometime in November 2025 behind KS Motel, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Reviewing the facts of the case, Akinola stated that Christopher hit the landlady, Mrs Olubukola Ojomo on the right eyelid with a sharp object.

In her own testimony, the convict said that she had warned Ojomo to stop assisting her aged father, who is also visually impaired to withdraw money sent to his bank account, but that she refused to listen.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened the provisions of Sections 249 and 451 of the Criminal Code cap 38 vol. ii Law of Oyo State 2000.

The organisations, in a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, warned that the worsening insecurity has left many families living in fear and uncertainty.

The coalition expressed concern that many victims remain in captivity without rescue, justice or accountability, despite growing cases of abductions in several parts of the country, pointing out that the continued attacks on schools, communities and travellers reflect a deepening national security crisis disproportionately affecting women and children.

“Across the country, families continue to live in fear and uncertainty while countless women and girls remain missing, kidnapped or trapped in the hands of armed groups, bandits and criminal networks’, the statement said.

The coalition cited recent reports of attacks in Borno State and Oyo State where dozens of children were reportedly abducted during attacks on schools, and equally raised concerns over incidents in parts of South-West Nigeria where women travelling, farming or residing in rural communities were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom by armed groups.

“Particularly disturbing are reports from communities in the South-West where women travelling, farming or living in rural communities have allegedly been kidnapped and held for ransom amid growing insecurity’, the statement added.

The group specifically referenced reports from Ekiti State indicating that several women, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, were abducted by gunmen earlier in the year.

The coalition in same vein, highlighted recent incidents in Kwara State where women and children were abducted during attacks on communities by suspected bandits and armed groups, stressing that reports indicated that over 170 residents, mostly women and children, were kidnapped from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, while other attacks across the state targeted families, rural residents and traditional institutions.

t Womanifesto, lamented that the repeated incidents reveal systemic failures in security response and protection mechanisms across the country.

‘These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a dangerous national crisis where women and girls increasingly bear the devastating consequences of insecurity, weak law enforcement and institutional

the coalition expressed concern over what it described as delayed rescue efforts for victims still being held captive, warning that prolonged captivity exposes women and girls to severe risks including sexual violence, physical abuse, trauma and exploitation.

“Every day spent in captivity exposes women and girls to grave dangers, including sexual violence, physical abuse, trauma and exploitation. It is unacceptable that families are repeatedly left to negotiate ransoms, search forests and plead publicly for help while the state fails to guarantee their safety and freedom’, the statement said.

Womanifesto warned against what it described as the gradual normalisation of abductions across the country, noting that communities are increasingly adjusting to fear rather than receiving protection from authorities.

“Parents are withdrawing children from schools. Women are increasingly unsafe in public spaces, farms,highways and even within their own communities,” the coalition lamented.

the group called on the Nigerian Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations for kidnapped women, girls and children still in captivity, while demanding transparent investigations into recent abductions and prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors.

The body in the statement urged authorities to strengthen security around schools, highways and rural communities where women and children remain highly vulnerable, and demanded accountability for security lapses and called for psychosocial support, medical care and reintegration assistance for survivors of abduction and violence.

Womanifesto equally advocated gender-responsive security strategies that recognise the specific risks faced by women and girls during conflict and insecurity.

“Nigeria cannot continue to lose women and children to violence while authorities offer repeated assurances without sustainable action. Every kidnapped woman or child represents a family living in anguish and a nation failing in its responsibility to protect its citizens.”

By Shakirudeen Bankole

Dr. Oni-Buraimoh Olawunmi, a Professor of English Language at the Lagos State University, is leading a quiet economic revolution within the academic institution.

Every year, through her nonprofit initiative, the Women and Girl Empowerment Foundation International (WOGEFI) , she organises public awareness campaigns, addressing critical socioeconomic and development issues.

Topics such as gender equality, education, human rights, poverty eradication, marriage, parenting, gender based violence, economic empowerment, vocational development, and the need for social safety nets often take centre stage during the hangouts.

The gender activist packages these interventions under themes such as “Love Feast with Dr. Richie” and “Hanging Out with Dr. Richie,” targeting young and energetic undergraduate students on campus.

Driven by the growing impact of the initiative, what began as a small gathering has transformed into a massive convergence attracting over 5,000 student participants.

The focus has also evolved to include access to funding, networking, mentorship, and entrepreneurial development.

To achieve these goals, subject matter experts, policymakers, development partners, funders, stakeholders, and civil society organisations are invited annually for engagements centred on mentorship, investment opportunities, and business development.

“The goal has always been to help young people find their paths and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life and make meaningful impact,” she told our correspondent.

“School is a scam” remains one of the most controversial and dismissive phrases increasingly used by many young Nigerians today, who question the value of formal education vis-a-vis the economic opportunities it creates.

This perception is largely fuelled by concerns that the country’s educational system places greater emphasis on theories and concepts, with less attention paid to practical application and entrepreneurial innovation.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, while youth underemployment and informal employment continue to rise across the country.

Similarly, the National Universities Commission estimates that Nigerian universities graduate hundreds of thousands of students annually into an increasingly competitive labour market
.
Over time, many young Nigerians have come to realise that acquiring certificates alone no longer guarantees economic stability or fulfilment
.
Dr. Richie, as Oni is fondly called, appears to understand this dilemma and has continued to use her annual gathering to promote practical solutions.

According to her, the definition of education has moved beyond the mere ability to read and write.

“We now believe that true education holds the power to transform minds into creative machines capable of providing solutions to the many social problems that exist today,” she said.

*The hall was packed at the 6th edition

The sixth edition of the annual convergence was held on Wednesday, May 20, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium of the university, with the 5,000 capacity hall filled to the brim.

At the event, facilitators, including business owners and brand managers, trained participants on business ideation, entrepreneurship, and access to funding.

The highlight of the gathering was the announcement by the facilitator that she had secured startup loans for dozens of prequalified participants who applied for the facility.

“To be honest, it is not difficult to understand the disconnect between what many students are taught in school today and the economic realities confronting them,” she stated.

“This is why I am doing the little I can through my NGO and this annual gathering to help young Nigerian youths find their paths.

“Luckily, this year, FCMB agreed to provide loan facilities for our student entrepreneurs without collateral. The facility comes with a 0.75 per cent interest rate, and my NGO will offset the interest on behalf of the students. We have already selected qualified applicants from the pool of those who applied, and the presentation will be done before the end of this programme.”

Dr. Francis Dansu, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Skills Development at the Lagos State University, admitted during his remarks that Nigeria’s economic challenges require urgent and creative solutions.

Speaking with our correspondent, he said the shrinking availability of white collar jobs and the growing number of graduates produced yearly have forced tertiary institutions to rethink their priorities.

“The truth is clear for everyone to see. White collar jobs are no longer sufficient for the growing number of educated Nigerian youths. After graduation, many young people struggle to find meaningful opportunities. This has become a major concern for all stakeholders,” he said.

“This is why entrepreneurship has become central to our approach at LASU. We have made entrepreneurship studies compulsory for undergraduates, while also providing vocational training and practical classes to complement theoretical knowledge and give students competitive advantage.”

Barbara Onianwah, Head of Marketing at Aspira Nigeria Limited, one of the brand partners for the event, trained participants on business ideation, incubation, and scalability within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector.

“FMCG is a value driven industry that people depend on daily for survival,” she explained, noting that regardless of social status, human beings will always require food, hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials.

“People will always brush their teeth, bathe with soap, eat food, drink water, look good, smell nice, and maintain their devices. Understanding these daily needs can expose creative minds to sustainable business opportunities,” she said.

According to her, one of the strengths of FMCG businesses is their flexibility and sustainability.

“Unlike many other businesses, FMCG ventures can be combined with other jobs or engagements without conflict. It is also one of the few industries that successfully transfers from one generation to another,” she added.

She stressed that exposing students to such business knowledge at a young age would better prepare them for economic independence in the future.

“Even if you have a regular job, understanding FMCG business gives you an advantage. If you eventually leave paid employment for product sales, branding, or social services, the knowledge will still work for you. This is why ASPIRA partnered with Dr. Richie to impact LASU undergraduates,” she stated.

Also speaking at the event, Esther Ahamba, Growth and Senior Brand Manager at Imperio International Limited, described the beauty industry as another viable and rapidly growing sector capable of creating wealth for young entrepreneurs.

In her lecture titled, “Building a Beauty Business from Campus,” she said beauty remains an essential aspect of human existence and continues to evolve alongside society.

“This is because human beings have elevated the desire to look good and smell nice to the level of essential needs such as food and shelter,” she said.

According to her, students can creatively develop products and services that address various beauty related needs and challenges, even within the campus environment.

She listed hair care, skincare, makeup, fragrance production, barbing, hairstyling, sewing, beauty accessories, wig making, and beauty content creation as profitable business opportunities for undergraduates.

“Beauty related enterprises can thrive with consistency and strategic marketing,” she added.

Concluding her session, she urged students to remain focused, innovative, and determined to become employers of labour instead of joining the growing queue for white collar jobs after graduation.

“As part of your business strategy, you must ask important questions: What beauty problems do students complain about? Which products are too expensive? Which services are difficult to access on campus?

“Providing solutions to these challenges can help you build sustainable businesses rooted in solving real human problems,” she concluded.

The installation of Dr. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun as the Yeye Moremi Oodua by Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, marks another historic moment in the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage. The honour, bestowed upon the wife of former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, recognizes her years of humanitarian service, women empowerment, cultural advocacy, and contributions to societal development across Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

A woman widely respected for her humility, grace, and dedication to humanity, Dr. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has built a reputation that transcends politics and public office. Her emergence as Yeye Moremi Oodua places her among distinguished women entrusted with preserving the ideals of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro courage, sacrifice, leadership, and service to humanity.

Born into the family of late Bishop Ayoade and Elder Christiana Odesanya, Olufunso Amosun was raised with strong moral values, discipline, and compassion. Her early life reflected a blend of humility, responsibility, and commitment to excellence, qualities that later shaped her public engagements and philanthropic lifestyle.

Her educational journey began at St. James Norland School in the United Kingdom before she returned to Nigeria to attend Yejide Girls Grammar School, Ibadan between 1977 and 1982. She later proceeded to Oyo State College of Arts and Science for her A-Level education and subsequently gained admission into the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in English. Determined to further improve herself academically, she earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos in 2004.

Professionally, Mrs. Amosun worked briefly in the United Kingdom as part of Loss Adjustment Teams at Barclay’s Financial Services and New Prudential Insurance Company during the 1990s. However, her passion for humanitarian work and societal development would later become the defining focus of her life and public service.

Her Years as Ogun State First Lady

During the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as Governor of Ogun State, Dr. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun distinguished herself as one of Nigeria’s most impactful First Ladies. Rather than limiting herself to ceremonial functions, she embraced advocacy, empowerment, and social intervention programmes targeted at vulnerable members of society.

Through her pet projects and humanitarian engagements, she championed causes relating to women empowerment, youth development, healthcare support, education, and poverty alleviation. Widows, physically challenged persons, unemployed graduates, market women, students, and indigent families benefitted from her interventions across Ogun State.

One of her most notable platforms is the Uplift Development Foundation, through which she has continued to support nation-building initiatives, human development programmes, and capacity-building projects. The foundation became a major vehicle for touching lives through scholarships, medical outreach programmes, welfare support, and community empowerment initiatives.

Her tenure as First Lady was particularly notable for its emphasis on compassion-driven governance. She facilitated support schemes for vulnerable women and youths, promoted educational advancement among children, and supported charitable causes quietly without seeking public applause. Her activities earned her admiration across political and social divides in Ogun State and beyond.

In recognition of her humanitarian service and commitment to social welfare, she received several honours, including the prestigious 2013 City People Award for Excellence as Best First Lady of the Year. The award acknowledged her dedication to widows, students, elderly citizens, unemployed youths, and persons living with disabilities.

Contributions to Yoruba Culture and Heritage

Beyond politics and philanthropy, Dr. Olufunso Amosun has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to Yoruba cultural values and the preservation of Oduduwa heritage. Her relationship with the House of Oduduwa and traditional institutions across Yorubaland spans many years.

Since 2017, she has served as the Life Patron of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Project, an initiative of the House of Oduduwa focused on raising and mentoring young women to become courageous leaders rooted in African values and cultural identity.

Her installation as Yeye Moremi Oodua by the Ooni of Ife is therefore widely viewed as a recognition of years of commitment to Yoruba unity, cultural promotion, and humanitarian leadership. The title is traditionally reserved for women of exceptional virtue, influence, and dedication to societal advancement, reflecting the spirit of the legendary Moremi Ajasoro who sacrificed greatly for the liberation of her people.

Over the years, she has actively participated in cultural festivals, traditional advocacy programmes, and initiatives promoting Yoruba values globally. Her conduct, public engagements, and support for cultural institutions have positioned her as a respected bridge between modern leadership and traditional heritage.

A Legacy of Grace and Service

Today, Dr. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun stands as a symbol of purposeful living, womanhood, compassion, and cultural pride. Her influence extends beyond her role as a former First Lady, as she continues to inspire women, youths, and future leaders through her humility, service, and dedication to humanity.

Her installation as Yeye Moremi Oodua represents not only a personal honour but also a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, preserving Yoruba heritage, and promoting values of integrity and selfless leadership.

As she assumes this revered cultural responsibility under the House of Oduduwa, many believe she will continue to champion causes that empower women, strengthen communities, and preserve the rich traditions of the Yoruba race for generations to come.

*Olafare is the Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace

Salisu had approached the court seeking dissolution of her marriage with Isah for lack of love, negligence and six years disappearance.

According to Salisu, her husband married her under sharia Islamic law, both parties reside in Anguwan Hashimu, Mararaba, within the court’s jurisdiction.

She alleged that Isah failed to take up his responsibilities as the husband, “and does not provide for my healthcare, feeding and clothing.”

She prayed the court to dissolve the marriage based on lack of love and abandonment for six years.

Isah, who did not deny the allegations, told the court that he left the house to go and earn more money.

He, however, told the court to grant his wife’s prayer and pronounced divorce on her under the Islamic law.

The Judge, Adamu Haruna, granted Salisu’s request and asked the two to go their separate ways.

He ordered Salisu to wait for three-months before getting into another marriage, in accordance with
Islamic law.

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), under the leadership of its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and the Executive Secretary, Prof. Wole Abbas, has expressesed profound gratitude to Allah for the long and impactful life of Princess (Alhaja) Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo, the Iya Adinni of Ifeland, who has returned to her Creator at the age of 102.

In a statement jointly signed by the duo, MUSWEN said “Mama’s passing marks the end of a glorious era. As a centenarian, last surviving child of last surviving child of 48th Alayeluwa Ademiluyi Ajagun and Iya Adinni of Ifeland, she was a beacon of faith, resilience, and service to the Ummah.

“Her title as the Iya Adinni of Ifeland was not merely honorary; it was a testament to her lifelong commitment to the propagation of Islam and the development of the Muslim community in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and across the South West region.

“Until her passing, she served as the Matron of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ife Central Mosque, where she was a pillar of wisdom, guidance, and service.

“MUSWEN recognizes her immense contributions to Islamic education and her role in fostering religious harmony within her community. Her life served as a bridge between tradition and faith, demonstrating how royalty and religious devotion can coexist to uplift society.”

MUSWEN added that “Princess Awofisayo was a pillar of strength whose wisdom guided many. Her death is a loss to the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, but we take solace in the fact that she lived a life entirely dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.

“The leadership of MUSWEN extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, the Ooni of Ife, the Muslim community of Ifeland, and the government and people of Osun State.

“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants her Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives her family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The call was made at the association’s 38th Family Day held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, themed: “Strengthening Faith and Moral Values in Challenging Times: The Muslim Woman to the Rescue.”

Special guest of Honor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for parents, particularly mothers, to deliberately pass down Islamic teachings and values to the younger generation.

Represented by the Senior Adviser on Islamic Matters, Abdullah Jebe, the governor stressed the importance of creating platforms where children across different age groups can be engaged and guided morally, noting that the strength of society lies in the values instilled at home.

“Mothers, you were trained by your parents in Islam—how about children of these days? We must ensure they are imbibed with the teachings of Islam and remain grounded. Social media alone cannot raise morally sound children; parents must lead by example and provide proper guidance,” he said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, “Strengthening Faith and Moral Values in Challenging Times: The Muslim Woman to the Rescue,” Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State, Justice Abdurraheem Sayi, underscored the central role of women in shaping morally upright families and societies.

“Women are endowed with unique strength and resilience that enable them to nurture and sustain families. From childbirth to raising children and excelling in various fields, women possess qualities that position them as primary transmitters of values within the family,” he said.

He added that while men play protective roles, women remain pivotal in instilling virtues, warning that a lack of commitment to this responsibility could pose long-term societal risks.

“If women are not equipped with the right values to pass on, it becomes a time bomb for the future. They must remain committed to their duties and uphold the moral fabric of society,” he said.

Also speaking, the Amirah of FOMWAN Lagos, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, described the 2026 edition as significant, combining multiple milestones for the association.

“This year’s event is loaded. We are celebrating our anniversary in Lagos, honouring our founding mothers and fathers, and preparing for a leadership transition,” she said.

Ajagbe noted that the theme was carefully selected in response to increasing moral decline among youths.

“Society is changing, and we are witnessing a decline in values. Mothers must rise to their responsibilities—not just socially, but spiritually and morally. The upbringing of a child begins at home,” she said.

She urged participants to internalise the lessons from the event and remain steadfast in their roles as caregivers and moral guides.

“The future is already here, and it depends on us. We must fulfil our responsibilities as shepherds of our children to build a better society,” she added.

Afemale governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Dr. Bolaji Odunsi, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

She described the party as a credible plaform, noting that the party aligns with her vision of inclusive and people-centred governance.

Odunsi, who made the declaration during a press conference in Abeokuta, likened the forthcoming governorship election as a repeat of the biblical David-and-Goliath scenario.

While speaking about her decision to run under the ADC, she explained that she joined the party following extensive consultations with party leaders and key stakeholders across the state.

Odunsi acknowledged the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presence of prominent political figures within its ranks. However, she expressed confidence that history favours the underdog.

“I am fully aware that our party will be up against the ruling All Progressives Congress and some very prominent political figures. Many see this as a David-and-Goliath scenario—but history has shown us how that story ends,” she said.

According to Odunsi, years of unmet expectations have left the people yearning for a new direction in governance.

“After decades of disappointment, the people are ready for something different. They are ready for real, seismic change. Token gestures—such as giving one person a car out of a million—do not solve systemic problems,” she added.

She criticised what she described as the APC’s “suffering-and-smiling” style of governance, arguing that the state requires leadership focused on fixing systems rather than symbolic gestures.
“What the people want now is leadership that fixes systems–roads, healthcare, education, jobs, security, and opportunities for all,” Odunsi stated.

The aspirant attributed persistent challenges such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies, weak healthcare delivery, and widespread economic hardship in the state to what she described as the APC’s governance approach.

Emphasising that the contest would not be determined by financial power or political influence, Odunsi said the election would be decided by competence and credibility.

“This contest is not about money or political muscle. It is about ideas, character, competence, and trust. I am confident that the people of Ogun State are ready to make that choice,” she said.

She added that her track record of service, innovation, and integrity speaks for itself, even without holding public office.

Explaining her decision to join the ADC, Odunsi said the party aligns with her vision of inclusive and people-centred governance.

“I chose the ADC because it aligns with my vision of inclusive, people-centred governance, one that places the advancement and welfare of every citizen first. The party offers a credible platform for fresh ideas, responsible leadership, and genuine service to the people of Ogun State,” she said.

“With faith in God and a clear vision for progress, I remain focused on delivering practical and sustainable solutions in critical areas such as healthcare, education, job creation, security, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth development.”