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  • Celebrated on two continents: Akinmulero bags House of Lords humanitarian award, another in Nigeria

    Celebrated on two continents: Akinmulero bags House of Lords humanitarian award, another in Nigeria

    Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist Bolaji Akinmulero was recently honoured by the British House of Lords and back home by the 7th Southwest Legendary Awards (King’s Edition) for her philanthropy and leadership qualities. Chijioke Ezeali reports.

    Nigerian-Born humanitarian and business leader, Dr. (Chief) Mrs. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero, has been celebrated on two continents for her outstanding contributions to leadership and humanitarian service. Within weeks, she received two prestigious honours in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, reaffirming her status as one of Nigeria‘s most accomplished global figures in philanthropy and community development.

    At the House of Lords, British Parliament, London, Dr. Akinmulero was decorated with the Distinguished Royal Mother of the Day Award and conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance during the 3rd Global Leadership Investment Summit and Peace Awards (GLISPA UK 2025).

    The high-level summit was organised by the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) in partnership with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), Euroknowledge UK, and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), USA.

    The event drew prominent dignitaries including H.E. Mike Mbuvi Sonko, former Governor of Nairobi, Kenya; Hon. Likando Kalaluka, Zambia’s former Attorney General; and HRH King Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, who served as the Royal Father of the Day.

    The programme was anchored by Dr. Graziella Thake, Secretary-General of UNIPGC Australia, while Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, UNIPGC Global President and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, urged honourees “to serve as peace ambassadors and champions of sustainable development.”

    Dr. Akinmulero, the Yeye Oba of Ayeka Kingdom, Ondo State, was recognised for her “leadership pedigree, professional excellence, and capacity-building prowess in transformational governance”.

    In her remarks, she said, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Every recognition is a reminder to lead with compassion and serve humanity with purpose.”

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    Her son, Tolulope David Akinmulero, a British-born American and one of the special guests at the House of Lords, expressed his pride in his mother’s achievements. He said, “I’m so proud of you, Mum. You truly deserve every award you’ve received and every one yet to come. You’re out of this world — the best mum ever. Seeing you recognised for all that you’ve done brings me so much joy, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

    Her elder brother, Chief Olawande Alex Oyebobola, the Akile of Ayeka Kingdom, also received a GLISPA Peace Award and an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance, underscoring the family’s shared legacy of leadership and community service.

    Recognition at home

    Barely two weeks later, Dr. Akinmulero was once again celebrated in Nigeria as Woman of the Year (Humanitarian Service) at the 7th Southwest Legendary Awards (King’s Edition), held at JM Royal Haven, GRA, Shagamu, Ogun State. The regional awards honour individuals across the Southwest for excellence in leadership, innovation, and social impact.

    In her acceptance speech, Akinmulero said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the Woman of the Year (Humanitarian) award from the Southwest Legendary Award. This recognition means so much—but more than anything, it’s a reminder that the work continues. To me, this award is not just an honour; it’s a challenge—to reach more lives, to serve with greater impact, and to keep showing up where it matters most.”

    Her words earned a standing ovation, with several dignitaries describing her as a model of integrity, humility, and consistent service.

    Sustained humanitarian impact

    Earlier in the year, Dr. Akinmulero had received the United Nations Outstanding Humanitarian Award in New York, presented by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United States, in recognition of her long-standing service to women empowerment and humanitarian advancement.

    She is the Chief Executive Officer of several care facilities in California, USA — including Divine Residential Group Home Corporation and Mercy Residential Home — renowned for their compassionate, person-centred care.

    Currently, registration formalities for the Aderonke Akinmulero Memorial Foundation, conceived in memory of her late daughter, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Aderonke Akinmulero are ongoing. The Foundation will promote education, vocational skills, and youth mentorship, extending her humanitarian mission across borders.

    A global ambassador of Nigerian excellence

    Born into the Oyebobola royal family of Owo, Ondo State, Dr. Akinmulero represents a rare blend of royal heritage and modern leadership. With British-Nigerian citizenship and U.S. permanent residency, she continues to champion cross-cultural cooperation and leadership development.

    From the United Nations Headquarters in New York to the House of Lords in London, and most recently to the Southwest Legendary Awards in Ogun State, Dr. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero’s story is one of resilience, service, and impact.

    As she remarked at the Shagamu event, “Awards are not destinations—they are reminders to serve, to give, and to keep believing in the power of good.”

  • Akinmulero reflects on UN Humanitarian award, vows to do more

    Akinmulero reflects on UN Humanitarian award, vows to do more

    When Chief Dr. Mrs. Bolaji Akinmulero received the United Nations Outstanding Humanitarian Award in New York last month, the moment was emotional and deeply inspiring.

    Standing before global dignitaries at the United Nations Headquarters, Akinmulero paused to reflect as she received the prestigious award, presented by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United States.

    The honor recognises her decades of humanitarian service, global advocacy, and unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment across continents.

    “This honour holds a special place in my heart,” Chief Akinmulero stated in her acceptance speech.

    “I sincerely appreciate the recognition it represents and the opportunity it brings to continue making a difference.”

    She emotionally dedicated the award to her late daughter, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Aderonke Akinmulero.

    “Her memory is a guiding light in my life,” she said. “And I pray that her soul continues to rest in peace.”

    Akinmulero is the Chief Executive Officer of four thriving care facilities in California: Divine Residential Group Home Corporation and Mercy Residential Home, among others.

    Under her visionary leadership, these institutions have become benchmarks for high-quality, person-centered care for vulnerable populations.

    Her leadership spans the full spectrum of healthcare facility management—from regulatory compliance and financial planning to staff development and resident well-being. Her work has consistently promoted compassionate care, dignity, and strong community relationships.

    Beyond healthcare, Akinmulero is a dynamic international businesswoman with ventures spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    Her business portfolio includes interests in real estate, agriculture, transportation, and logistics, where she has built bridges across international markets and empowered numerous women in business.

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    Born into the revered Oyebobola family of Owo, Ondo State, Akinmulero holds the traditional title of Yeye-Oba of HRM Dr. Babatunde Michael Ayeyowa, the Lumure of Ayeka Kingdom, Okitipupa Local Government.

    She remains a strong advocate for youth development, women’s rights, and cultural preservation.

    Her brother, Chief Olawande Oyebobola, the Akinle of Ayeka Kingdom, expressed his pride:

    “Bolaji has always led with heart and purpose. This award is proof that even global institutions recognize what we have always known—she is a light to this generation.”

    Another sibling, Pastor Ayodeji Emmanuel Oyebobola, shared his admiration:

    “Her strength comes from deep faith and compassion. Our family is blessed by her example, and the world is better because of her calling to serve.”

    With British-Nigerian citizenship and U.S. permanent residency,f Akinmulero bridges traditional values with modern leadership, maintaining strong ties to her heritage while operating on global platforms.

    At her care facilities in California, her dedication is evident.

    “She’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave,” said Maria Gonzalez, a nurse manager. “Even with the UN award, she came back to work the next day like nothing changed.”

    In memory of her daughter, Chief Akinmulero has announced plans to expand her women’s empowerment programs and launch a memorial foundation focused on uplifting underserved communities.

    “This award is not a destination, but a call to deeper service,” she said. “Aderonke’s light shines on, and through this mission, she lives.”

    With her latest global recognition, calls are growing for her expertise to be tapped at the national level, with reports suggesting that international organisations are also seeking partnerships to scale her impact in humanitarian work.