I have been privileged to meet different distinguished women at different times in my life and the woman who graces this page this week as my Leading Woman is indeed exceptional. A mother, mentor, humble, graced, elegant, affable, intelligent, dependable, with integrity and without airs…these are few words that come to mind as I try to describe this woman of substance. I write about her not describing her from a distance or as someone I have read about in the papers, heard on radio or seen on television…NO! I write about her as someone I have a personal relationship with so when I say her traits of selflessness, compassion and wisdom are exceptional, it is from who knows and it is the TRUTH!
Being in a position of honour comes with all the paraphernalia of the ‘office’ but never for one day has this woman exhibited the trait of someone swallowed up in the euphoria of the office of The First Lady of a remarkable state like Lagos State. For someone to remain meek and refuse to be carried away on an enviable position as The First Lady of Lagos State for 8 years??? That can only take the grace of God and a beautiful soul like that of my Leading Woman for this week. Let the drums roll out for an exceptional woman of courage and compassion, the gentle yet firm and protective wings beneath His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), a woman of distinction and exceptional values, Dame Abimbola Emmanuella Fashola as she recently turned 50!
As I begin this write-up, I reminisce about BusinessDay Inspiring Woman Series 2 which was four years ago, (Oh! by the way, Inspiring Woman Series will be 6 this year yaaaayyy!!!!) of which she was a special guest of honour. I knew getting her on board might be difficult but I never gave up. I wrote her an invitation yet I would ‘stalk’ her at every event I met her and would remind her of the conference and she would smile at every point and say “I will do my best to be there”. I believed her but I was also aware that her schedule was (and still is) VERY tight but I refused to give up.
On the day of the event, a young man walked up to me while I was in the hall prepping up for the conference and he began to inquire about the event and where The First Lady would sit. Immediately he asked, I enquired from him (because we had confirmed The First Lady of Ekiti already) “Sir, are you from The First Lady of Lagos?” and immediately he said yes, I began to jump all over the hall like a kid in the candy store, I was so excited and from that day, she made a strong impression in my heart. If I loved her a 100%, it rose to 1000000 more.
When she got to the event, she said to me “There is a program I have to go for so please pardon me if I am not able to stay to the end” and I thought to myself “If only she knows that her coming here is all that matters to me even if she decides to stay for 5 minutes”…are you ready for this shocker? Not only did she stay for the event but she stayed till the end. I remember clearly how I got up to give the vote of thanks at the end of the event, I looked at the high table and saw the calibre of women there; The former First Lady of Ekiti state, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, The First Lady of Lagos state, Dame Abimbola Emmanuela Fashola, The Legendary Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the industrious and admirable Ibukun Awosika and wondered how (if not through God’s help and the support of my solicitous Publisher/CEO, Frank Aigbogun and my ever dependable Editor/ED, Phillip Isakpa) it would have been a success and as I began to speak, tears flowed freely from my eyes and I remember how she got up in company of the First Lady of Ekiti state to wipe my tears away. As she put my head on her bossom I cried profusely but even in the midst of the tears, I made up my mind never to give up on anything I determine to do in life. Dame Abimbola Fashola helped inspire that decision in my life and years have passed yet I know I can never forget her…NEVER!
Not too long ago, I helped coordinate a musical program for her with another friend of mine called Big Bolaji, as we prepared for the program I and Bolaji thought of the idea of producing a short documentary to be aired on the day of the musical program. We decided to do so to appreciate and celebrate her and something stood out from the words everyone we interviewed spoke about her: her humility and simplicity! That is how you know the true character of a person: consistent disposition! I know no one is perfect but I have not met one person who has even one negative thing to say about her, not one.
The same humble and altruistic traits backed by her endearing demeanour that her father in-law saw in her over 22years ago while she was serving guests at her friend’s engagement ceremony, made him say to her “I will like you to meet my son”…The rest they say is history. Today, that union of Babatunde Raji Fashola and Abimbola Fashola is celebrated globally. Character brought her to the place of honour and honour guaranteed her bliss…a lesson indeed!
Little wonder The Governor in a recent interview celebrating her 50 birthday said “I would not be standing here today without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 22 years, the rock of our family, the ever smiling Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola”. did i just hear you say “uwwwwwwww”? This was exactly my expression too when I read about his statement.
Today, we all celebrate Babatunde Raji Fashola for his exceptional leadership qualities and visible, efficient governance of Lagos state but in addition, his home enjoyed peace because of his virtuous and ever supportive wife…hmn…peace at home aids effective governance-Noted!
Though I am away in America on a break, I have seen pictures of her 50th birthday celebration, my friends who attended told me I missed and I know I did but my best way of celebrating this great icon of destiny is putting pen to paper by sharing with the world the amazing personality of someone who has helped shaped the lives of millions of people not even with words alone but with her character.
As you agelessly turn 50, may God’s light shine brighter in you, through you and around you. As His Excellency prepares for a greater assignment, I know he is assured of the best support ever because you are a beacon of light and hope. Humanity celebrates you, God bless the day I met you. I love you now and always will. Happy 50th birthday!
Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola was born on 6th april, 1965 into the Ojo I’badan family of Ibadan, Oyo State. She is a distinguished alumnus of the Lagoon Secretarial College, Lagos. Before now, she worked at the British Council for 19 years at various positions before she resigned her appointment in 2006, to support her husband.
As the First Lady of Lagos State, she is the Chairman of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) – a community based; non governmental organisation. Under her leadership, COWLSO has commissioned four (4) recreation centres, and pays for the free screening and treatment of women with breast and cervical cancer. COWLSO is also currently building the first retirement villa for active retirees and senior citizens.
She is a tireless advocate of health and socio-economic issues, who has had a towering impact on public awareness and sensitization campaigns on topical issues of children and women health, the environment, education, HIV/AIDS discrimination, voluntary blood donation, poverty eradication and skill acquisition.
As a dedicated humanitarian, who gives her time, expertise, and resources to make a difference in the lives of people, especially the youths, this passion gave birth to her initiative -LEARN (Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network) a non-governmental organisation established to groom youths to be self-confident and socially responsible.
In recognition of her modest contribution to humanity, she was honoured by His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, with a papal medal award. She is also a recipient of several other local and international awards. Of all her achievements, the greatest according to the First Lady is being a devoted wife and mother.
Kemi Ajumobi
