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Tag: Florence Ajimobi

  • JUST IN: Tinubu nominates ex-Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi as ambassador

    JUST IN: Tinubu nominates ex-Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi as ambassador

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after he sent the first batch of three names.

    Among the 32 new nominees is former First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Abiola Ajimobi.

    A statement by the Special Advicer to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said in two separate letters to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu asked the Senate to consider and confirm expeditiously 15 nominees as career ambassadors and 17 nominees as non-career ambassadors.

    “There are four women on the career ambassadors’ list and six women on the non-career ambassadors’ list.

    “Among the non-career ambassador designates are Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu from Abia, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri (Delta), former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    “Others are Tasiu Musa Maigari, the former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly, Yakubu N. Gambo, a former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

    “Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau; Otunba Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister from Osun State; and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu from Anambra State are on the nomination list.

    “Also on the list are former First Lady of Oyo, Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent, former governor of Abia, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer and Senator from Ondo State, and the former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See, Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.

    “Among the nominees for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates are: Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).

    “The other nominees are Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo), Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah(Edo), Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger), Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kawara) and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).

    “The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and to Permanent Missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. All the nominees will know their diplomatic assignments after their confirmation by the Senate.

    “Last week, President Tinubu sent three ambassadorial nominees for screening and confirmation. The nominees were Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun). All three are in the pot for posting to the UK, USA, or France after their confirmation.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon.”

  • Foundation celebrates Florence Ajimobi at 65

    Foundation celebrates Florence Ajimobi at 65

    Founder of Olusegun Okanlawon Foundation (OOF) and a House of Representatives candidate in Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency in 2023, Engr. (Dr) David Olusegun Okanlawon, has conveyed his warm congratulations to Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the wife of the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, on the occasion of her 65th birthday on Friday.

    Okanlawon extolled Ajimobi as a dedicated and compassionate woman whose positive influence has circulated the walls of the entire region in Oyo State.

    In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Adedokun Sunday, Okanlawon described the former First Lady of Oyo state as an excellent leader, a philanthropist, mentor and unrepentant progressive angel.

    “Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi deserves to be celebrated at all time, with the quality commitment and leadership prowess she has rendered to the progressive family and to Oyo State, after the demise of our leader, the former Governor Ajimobi, her agile wife has taken over in order to fill the vacuum.

    “Chief Florence Ajimobi has contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of Oyo State and the nation at large, she’s indeed a model for many other women in leadership and administrative positions.

    Read Also: Florence Ajimobi remains an amazing matriarch

    “We are proud to associate with her, she’s a worthy and great ambassador of the pacesetter state, with her numerous achievements across the local governments in Oyo State, no doubt she’s one of the female leaders Nigeria is proud of today,” Okanlawon said.

    “Chief Mrs Florence Ajimobi deserves to be celebrated at all time, with the quality commitment and leadership prowess she has rendered to the progressive family and to Oyo State, after the demise of our leader, the former Governor Ajimobi, her agile wife has taken over in order to fill the vacuum.

    “We are proud to associate with her, she’s a worthy and great ambassador of the pacesetter state, with her numerous achievements across the local governments in Oyo State, no doubt she’s one of the female leaders Nigeria is proud of today,” Okanlawon said.

  • Ajimobi’s lovely letter to wife on birthday

    The Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi on Friday displayed how much he still loves and cherishes his wife Florence.
    This he displayed via a beautiful birthday message published in some national newspapers (including The Nation) Friday, to celebrate and wish her what he described as ‘Diamond Birthday.’

    Here is the letter:

    At times like this, writing about you is something I would ordinarily hesitate to do. This because it would compel me to share a lot about our intimacy.

    READ ALSO: Ajimobi and the power in the tongue

    Besides, given the deep affection we both share and how invaluable you have been to me, there is absolutely no way I would be able to recount all your matchless attributes in this limited space.

    But since it’s your Diamond Birthday celebration, this momentous occasion should not pass by without a worthy toast to you, my priceless jewel and supportive companion.

    Mr and Mrs Ajimobi

    At a time when the privileged in our society are wont to blow their own trumpet, you have chosen to allow your numerous altruistic deeds speak for you.  You are a quintessential quiet achiever, a philanthropist extraordinaire and devout Christian, who relates with humanity with the fear of God.

    Because of your signature ebullience and warmth, you have been described in glowing terms and honorifics as caring, affectionate, accommodating, generous, beautiful, loving…by others over time. But, these are snippets in comparison with what you truly represent to me, our children and grandchildren.

    Be assured that you will forever remain the Snow in my Winter,…because of your uniqueness

     

  • 7 interesting facts about Florence Ajimobi at 60

    One look at Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, brings warmth to the heart and rightly so.

    She is a woman with unique qualities and impeccable character worthy of emulation. As she celebrates her 60th birthday today, these are seven things noteworthy about her.

    1. Although she was born in Benin City on the 5th of April 1959, she is of mixed ancestry. She hails from the renowned Hajaig family of Lebanon and grew up in Ibadan in Oyo state.

    2. She possesses a degree in Secretarial Studies and Management from The Polytechnic Ibadan as well as a Doctoral degree in a management science. She was on Monday 1st of April 2019 inducted as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (CIPRMP) based in Ghana.

    Read Also: Florence Ajimobi at 59: When noise is not music

    3. She is the biological mother of five; four daughters and a son. In 2012, she adopted twin boys, Oluwaseyifunmi and Oluwaseunfunmi making her a mother of seven.

    4. She is the Yèyé Ààré of Ibaanland. This title was conferred on her on the 16th of December 2016 by Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    5. She is passionate about humanity. Florence Ajimobi is the founder of several humanitarian projects such as Access to Basic medical Care (ABC) foundation, Ajumose Food Basket, Educate A Rural Child project among many others.

    6. She is also a philanthropist. She has donated a fully equipped ICT center to Ajayi Crowther University and is known for donating gift items and cash particularly to orphanages within Oyo state.

    7. Her desire is to become a pastor at 60. She stated this wish at the August edition of Women Intercessory Network Prayer Rally in 2017. As she clocks 60 today, we do hope her wish comes true.

  • Impostors have cloned my voice, Ajimobi’s wife cries out

    Wife of the Oyo state governor, Dr Florence Ajimobi has raised an alarm that some members of the opposition parties have started circulating false audio files using her voice.

    On Thursday, while Mrs. Ajimobi was addressing the women of Oyo state at an empowerment program at the Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan, told the women that an audio manipulation aimed to discredit her husband and claim that her husband, Governor Abiola Ajimobi is retiring from politics because of age.

    She urged the people not only to discountenance the audio broadcast but to also support her husband’s ambition to return to the Senate as the representative from Oyo South Senatorial District.

    At the event which was attended by women groups, market leaders, non-governmental organisations, youth groups, among others, one thousand women were empowered with various small scale business equipment and N20, 000 cash.

    Some of the items distributed to the women include, sewing machines, industrial cookers, freezers, hair dryers, grinding machines, and popcorn making machines.

    Speaking on the purported audio broadcast circulating on the social media, Mrs. Ajimobi lamented that she couldn’t have imagined that people would stoop so low and to the extent of defaming her and her husband all in the name of politics.

    Although, she agreed not to mention the name of any particular politician to have been behind the schemes, she was vehement in pointing accusing fingers in the direction of the opposition parties.

    She said, “Yesterday, some people mimicked my voice and said that my husband is no longer interested in politics because he’s too old. I didn’t say anything of such and the audio broadcast is not me.

    “Besides, age is just a number. Some persons are fifty something years old and they are not as sensible and reasonable as my husband.

    “I have handed them over to God. As they plan to defame me, God will defame them. I will not mention their names; they have started circulating it online.

    “I am scared, I thought those who go on holy pilgrimage regularly should be holy and righteous, but they are just wicked people. Some of them were given tickets in APC, yet they betrayed us and left for another party and diverted all the benefits that should have come to our people.

    While noting that the government is not coming with the empowerment because of the election, the first lady reminded the people of various similar efforts that had lifted the people from poverty.

    She however urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment program to ensure that they vote for APC in the general election.

    She said “Don’t think that this is a campaign, we have been doing this before now. There is no party that can do what we are doing today.

    “There is no party that can cater for women like this party. It takes only someone with the fear of God to do this kind of empowerment in a hard time like this. Let’s not go backwards, only Buhari can take this country forward.”

    The Governor who later joined the event seized the opportunity to introduce the All Progressive Congress governorship candidate, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu to the people, assuring them the APC candidate has all it takes to build on the foundation he had laid in the last seven and half years in the state.

    In the various responses, the women groups all pledged their support to the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, adding that they will reciprocate Mrs. Ajimobi’s kind gestures since assumption of office with massive votes for all the candidates of the APC.

  • Buhari will emerge as president again – Ajimobi’s wife

    Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on Sunday in Ibadan declared that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the Feb. 16 presidential election.

    The governor’s wife declared this at the first edition of the 2019 Women Intercessory Network (WIN) with the theme “Mega Tehila.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WIN is a quarterly prayer and fasting session organised by the governor’s wife.

    The wife of the governor also said that victory was certain for her husband, Abiola Ajimobi, who is contesting for the Oyo South Senatorial District.

    She also expressed optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would record a landslide victory at the 2019 general elections.

    She, however, called on women across the nation to prevail on their children to shun violence during and after the elections.

    “Buhari is going to emerge as the president of Nigeria again and Ajimobi is going to emerge as a Senator of Oyo State.

    “All the APC candidates are going to win and the will of God is going to prevail in this election and in our Nation.

    “APC is the party of peace and the party that can move Nigeria forward unless we want to deceive ourselves.

    “This election is going to be a peaceful one, we the women of the state have prayed and God has answered our prayers because we know we serve a living God.

    “I implore all women not to let their children be used for violence to disrupt the peace in the country during and after the elections,” she said.

    She further urged mothers to be strong and take the responsibility in ensuring their children’s safety before, during and after elections.

    In a short exultation, renowned Ibadan-based prophet, Michael Olowere, declared that the forthcoming polls would be peaceful and urged Nigerians to sustain their faith in God.

    He charged Nigerians to engage in glorifying God at all times and in all situations in order to see His deliverance.

    NAN reports that the programme, which held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Ibadan witnessed a turnout of over 3,000 women.

    The women programme featured praise worship, sermon, scripture reading and special prayer sessions.

    NAN

     

  • Christmas: Ajimobi tasks women to help the less privileged

    In the spirit of the Christmas season, no fewer than 1,000 children were treated to some fun and entertainment, courtesy of the wife of Oyo state governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.

    The children’s party is coming after an earlier efforts aimed at putting smiles on the faces of orphans, vulnerable and less privileged children and widows from across the state.

    The two events saw hundreds of people been given gifts and goodies to celebrate the season.

    While the sharing and distributions of gifts at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, the Christmas party for the children held at the Agodi Gardens, Ibadan on Sunday.

    Addressing the beneficiaries of the gifts, especially women, Mrs Ajimobi urged women in the state to replicate the essence of the season by providing help to other less privilege and needy within their domain, in the spirit of Christmas.

    She seized the opportunity of the occasion to thank the people of the state, particularly, the women for their support to her husband’s administration in the last almost eight years.

    She also solicited for support of the women for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 governorship election, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, so there could be continuity of what she described as “the good work done by Senator Abiola Ajimobi.”

    Read Also: Ajimobi and his Adelabu choice



    She also charged the children at the Christmas party to be good so as to grow up as responsible adults that will build the nation.

    She said, “I thank the entire women of the state for your support in the last eight years; without you I wouldn’t have achieved so much.

    “I want women to let the fear of God continue to guide them.

    “They should be charitable, particularly in this season of Christmas which is a time of giving because there are so many people around us that don’t have the same opportunity as we do.

    “Children, Christmas is about giving to the poor and needy. You must continue to be good children so that you can grow up to be responsible adults.”

    Some items distributed included bags of rice, vegetable oil, salt, juices and tissue papers, among others.

    Highpoints of the children party include, dancing competition, games, prize giving, parents dancing competition, cutting of Xmas cake, music, entertainment, among others.

    (more…)

  • Don’t lobby for positions, ex-CJN urges women

    A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Aloma Mukhtar, on Wednesday in Ibadan urged women not to lobby for positions but work hard to distinguish themselves.

    Mukhtar made the call at the 2018 National Women Summit of the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA).

    The former CJN, who spoke on the challenges facing women in Nigeria, also urged them not to compromise on their principles in the bid to achieve fame.

    Citing her rise to the peak of the judiciary, she said women could distinguish themselves without necessarily compromising and “ without necessarily trying to push yourself into a situation whereby you are not allowed to function the way you should function.’’

    “Just put your trust in God, your faith in Him, work hard, persevere and be patient, ” Mukhtar added.

    The wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, said OYSOWA was established in 2012 to help in solving problems encountered by women and youths in the state.

    Read Also: Buhari to military: End Boko Haram threats now

    “Against all odds, the challenges we face cannot demoralise us because we are resilient; they are only a test of our superior ability and strength, and we will overcome them as well as achieve our dreams and aspirations.

    “We should never give up on our aspirations and back out when all hope seems lost.

    “ Always learn that the only way you are going to get to anywhere in life is to work hard and be consistent,” Ajimobi said.

    In their goodwill messages, the wife of the Delta governor, Mrs Edith Okowa, the wife of the former Lagos State governor, Mrs Emmanuella Fashola and the guest of honour, Mrs Yemisi Jenkins, all urged women to support each other to achieve set goals.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as theme: “ Against All Odds.’’

     

  • ‘Embrace demand-driven researches’, Ajimobi challenges Poly Ibadan

    *as wife donates ICT centre to mark birthday

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state Thursday challenged the management and staff of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to embark on researches that were driven by the current demand of the people of Nigeria, especially, Oyo State.

    Ajimobi gave the charge in an address while commissioning a multi-million naira Information Communication Technology (ICT) Building donated to the institution by his wife, Dr Florence Ajimobi to mark her 59th birthday anniversary.
    The governor charged the management to see technology as the only saviour of the modern Nigeria in reviving the economy and provision of job opportunities for the youths.

    He said, “The richest people of the world today are those in the area of technology. So, our new education policy, apart from building character is also about technology.

    “While calling on the students to imbibe good character, I challenge the Polytechnic Ibadan to embark on researches that are demand-driven. That is the essence of the donation of this structure and the equipments therein. I’m pleased today to stand before you and say my wife has contributed to technology.”

    According to the governor who described his wife as an icon in philanthropy, his wife taught him the art of giving pointing out that, people can assist the society by giving back to their alma mater.

    He called on people of means to always assist the less privileged and contribute to the growth of public institutions.

    “I have known my wife for over 38 years and of these years, she has taught me to always give back to the society. I have realized that it is not what we say but what we do. You that God has assisted with what it takes to assist humanity should do so. Do not say unless you are rich, from whatever you have, give a little.

    “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. Let me challenge you all to give more”, Governor Ajimobi appealed.

    The governors wife, an alumnae of The Polytechnic, Ibadan in her address said having discovered the wonders of Information technology and its contribution to the modern world, she had vowed to do her bit to spread its gospel to the world, which led to the donation of the ICT building and its equipments.

    She enjoined the authority of the institution to give optimal maintenance to the structure so that its effect on the society would endure.

    “Today, to the glory of God and in commemoration of my 59th birthday, I am donating the 4th ICT center to my alma mater, the Polytechnic Ibadan because I realize there is a great need for this intervention in the institution. It is my hope that this center will open new vistas of opportunities to all who are privileged to use it.

    “While we are today gathered to commission this ICT center, I want us to cast our minds forward to about five years from now and ask ourselves ‘in what state will this center be’? Will the status quo be maintained or even improved upon or will we be greeted by a building that will stand as a shadow of its former self? I urge you to please give maintenance of both building and equipment utmost priority so that it can continue to serve you optimally.”

    The Chairman of the  institutions Governing Council, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi thanked the donor and her husband for not losing touch with their alma mater especially in the area of infrastructural development.

    Adeyemi reiterated the belief of the institution in the ideals of ‘town and gown’ as they strive to improve on the relationship between the institution and the private sector adding that the new facility “will no doubt provide an excellent working environment for staff and students which would enhance the quality of training especially in the department of Office Technology and Management”

    Earlier, a birthday thanksgiving held at the Agodi Government House Chapel where Pastor Taiwo Adelakun called on all the people to be conversant with how they would end their living in the world.

    The priest called on the governor to pray and work relentlessly over his successor as according to him, the success of any leader hinged on his succession.

    “We should be concerned about our end. There is hope in working for the end. The life that counts is the life that is focused on the end. To our governor, I urge you to please make the development you introduced to governance enduring be working on a good successor.

    “The true worth of a leader is not in the leading but in the succession. Success without succession is a failure in disguise. I pray that our governor will end well,” Adelakun prayed.

    Mrs Florence Ajimobi had in the last three years, in commemoration of her birthday donated ICT centers to Our Lady’s of Apostle Girls Grammar School, Fatimo, Odo-Ona, Ibadan and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo among others.

     

  • Florence Ajimobi at 59: When noise is not music

    Whether it is an organisation or an individual making people’s lives better, the common trait of quiet achievers, according to Scott Graham, is that “they achieve results quietly (obviously!); they deliver without fuss; they solve problems and deliver solutions; they are innovative and, above all, they inspire us”.

    Quiet achievers are not common. Every nation or society boasts only a handful. They have become even much harder to find these days, when the common measure for strong is how loud, and for weak is how quiet.

    But, despite the growing unpopularity of being a quiet achiever, there are still few Nigerians who have persisted in this noble path. And one of such persons is the unassuming wife of the Oyo State Governor, Dr. Florence Ajimobi.

    Mrs. Florence Ajimobi will never accede to being unduly celebrated. She prefers to work hard in silence and let her successes make the noise.

    And this article will not attempt to rob her of that distinguishing attribute. Nevertheless, I strongly believe it will be a disservice to humanity if the noble deeds of this silent achiever are allowed to remain perpetually unsung.

    Since the begining of her husband, Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s tenure, the governor’s wife has embarked on programmes that directly impact the populace, especially women and children. These programmes have been deliberately designed to create maximum impact among the beneficiaries rather than being used as propaganda tools to hoodwink the people.

    The flagship of these programmes was christened the Access to Basic (Medical) Care Foundation (ABC).

    ABC provides free basic medical care to the inhabitants of Oyo State. It operates a central hub and accessible clinics in all local government areas in the state. The foundation has state-of-the-art equipment such as a mammogram machine, a cervical screening machine and an ultra-modern diagnostic laboratory among others. It also has a welfare home where vulnerable children adopted by Mrs. Ajimobi are cared for.

    The foundation carries out regular awareness campaign on the scourge of deadly diseases and ways to possibly prevent them. It also collaborates with local and international NGOs to check the prevalence of cancer in the country.

    The foundation was adjudged the ‘Most Outstanding NGO in the South West’ by the House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society and Donor Agencies.

    Another brainchild of Mrs Ajimobi is the Educate a Rural Child (ERC). The initiative was inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which incorporates the provision of universal basic education for every child as one of its objectives.

    The aim is to bridge the learning gap between children in rural areas and their counterparts in urban areas by providing standard classrooms and well-stocked libraries in rural communities. Pupils are also given school uniforms, sandals, school bags and notebooks. No fewer than 66 schools across the state have benefitted from the project.

    The Ajumose Food Bank was created by her to support the needy in the state to meet their nutritional needs. She personally oversees distribution of food items to families across the 33 local government areas of the state every month.

    She is also passionate about empowering women and children with Information and Communication Technology skills and thousands of trainees, who are mostly women, have graduated from the ICT centre she established in Ibadan.

    To commemorate her last two birthdays, she donated a state-of-the-art ICT centre to her alma mater, Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Ibadan and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

    This year, the central highlight of her birthday celebration is the inauguration of an ultra-modern ICT centre she donated to the Polytechnic Ibadan.

    Mrs.  Ajimobi is indeed a Super Silent Achiever, who holds dear to her heart the anecdote that teaches that “you are what you do, not what you say you’ll do”.

    As she celebrate 59 years of God’s grace and mercy, I join her in celebrating with these lyrics from a hit track of popular Nigerian pop artist, Adekunle Gold:

    Ariwo ko ni music o, Empty barrel lo ma npariwo. (Good music need not be noisy. An empty barrel makes the loudest noise).