In the history of Ondo State, Starnews NG reports that state governors have always been accompanied by elegant First Ladies who, in their capacity, have significantly impacted the lives of the state’s citizens.
Traditionally, the Office of the First Lady spearheads pet projects aimed at alleviating poverty, particularly among children and women.
From the era of Late Adebayo Adefarati in 1999, right through to the administration of Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which concluded in December 2023, the First Ladies consistently implemented several empowerment programmes through their offices and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
For instance, Adetutu Adefarati, between 1999 and 2003, established the Sunshine Foundation. Olufunke Agagu, who served from 2003 to 2009, introduced the Handicapped Education Fund (HANDEF). Olukemi Mimiko’s tenure, spanning from 2009 to 2017, saw the creation of Gbebiro, while Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, from 2017 to 2023, initiated BEMORE and FOWOSO. Each of these projects, in one way or another, had a profound impact on the lives of the citizens.
Since the assumption of office by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, however, the whereabouts of his wife has remained a mystery. Some reports suggest that the governor’s treatment of his wife led her to leave both her husband and their matrimonial home. Consequently, the Office of the First Lady is non-functional, a situation that has, to some extent, hindered the operations of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
While the Office of the First Lady is not a constitutional requirement, it has long served as a platform for advocating and empowering the less privileged within society.
It is worth noting that beyond the prestige associated with the position, the role of the First Lady is one deeply rooted in community service and social advocacy. For many years, it has been an essential tool for reaching those at the grassroots level who are often overlooked by traditional government structures. Through the various projects initiated by former First Ladies, several women and youth in Ondo State have been empowered with skills, financial assistance, and platforms to improve their socio-economic status.
A critical example is the BEMORE project launched by Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, which equipped young girls with digital and technological skills, preparing them for the evolving global market. Such initiatives have left indelible marks on the lives of many families across the state, providing hope and opportunities where there once seemed to be none.
Without a functioning Office of the First Lady, these vital initiatives risk being discontinued, leaving a gap in the state’s social welfare system, especially in areas concerning women and children. The absence of a visible and active First Lady under Aiyedatiwa’s administration raises questions about the commitment to continue these legacy projects.
Ondo State cannot afford to abandon the progress made in the past two decades, where the First Ladies served as advocates for the voiceless and pillars of support for the underprivileged. The absence of such a figure would undoubtedly slow down the momentum in addressing issues like gender inequality, child development, and economic empowerment for women.
Starnews NG strongly urges Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to, as a matter of urgency, reinstate the revered Office of the First Lady, ensuring it performs its numerous vital functions for the benefit of society. Beyond this, there is a need for transparency regarding the status of his wife and a concerted effort to bridge the current gap in leadership within that role.
The citizens of Ondo State, particularly the women and youth who have greatly benefited from the past programmes, deserve no less.
Leave a Reply