By Leshi Adebayo
Today marks the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child for the year 2021. Globally observed every October 11, the day is set aside to celebrate the girl child.
In this piece, BlackBox Nigeria highlights the profiles of 10 outstanding women in Lagos State who are making waves in their chosen fields.
1. Dr. Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
Wife of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, she is a renowned medical practitioner who has served meritoriously in several medical establishments in the country. The 54-year-old is the current chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). She was once the Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Harvey Road Comprehensive Health Centre, Yaba Lagos, and a one-time CEO of the General Hospital, Somolu, Lagos.
2. Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello
She is the ninth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University. The renowned Professor of Physiology resumed office in September, 2021. She had a stint as acting Vice-Chancellor of the same institution.
3. Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye
She is the provost of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED). She assumed office in 2019, becoming the second substantive female Provost of the 64-year-old institution. A Professor of Health Education, she has authored several books on Physical Health Education (PHE).
4. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf
A pharmacist by profession, she is currently the Commissioner for Tourism, Lagos State. She is a youth activist and a philanthropist who is engaged in social development and women empowerment. Pharm. Uzamat is the author of a book titled, Duty Calls.
4. Mrs. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba
She is currently the youngest chairperson in Lagos State. Gbadebo-Alogba is the Executive Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was formerly the Vice-Chairman of the same LCDA.
5. Ms. Ruth Olusanya
She is the Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State. She was appointed in 2020 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a replacement for Mr Lawal Gbolahan. She formerly served as Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture.
6. Tara Fela-Durotoye
The beauty entrepreneur and lawyer is known for establishing the first makeup school in Nigeria. A pioneer in the bridal makeup profession, she launched the first bridal directory in Nigeria. In 2013, Forbes Magazine listed her among the 20 young power women in Africa and in 2020, the same magazine included her in the list of Africa’s 50 most powerful women.
7. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
She is a Nigerian businesswoman and lawyer. She is known as one of the pioneers of event planning business in Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events. In 2016, she was named in the BBC’s 100 women series. She is the elder sister to late OAP, Tosin Bucknor.
8. Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi
Top-class broadcaster at The Beat 99.9 FM and entrepreneur, she is the co-host of “Off-air with Gbemi and Toolz” podcast. She has also been featured on two Nigerian movies. She has interviewed national and international personalities such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Davido, Wizkid, Angẹla Simmons, Tim Westwood, Jidenna, among others. The 37-year-old is a recipient of many awards.
9. Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija
Described as the one of most powerful women in the world, Alakija is a Nigerian billionaire-entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the Group Managing Director of Rose of Sharon Group which includes several companies. In 2020, Forbes Magazine estimated her net worth to be around $1bn. She was once regarded as the richest woman in Africa by Forbes.
10. Mrs Victoria Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire
She served as Lagos State Deputy Governor from 2011-2015. Prior to that, between 2003 and 2011, she was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. She began her political career as a representative of the Alimosho Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly. She is currently the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals.
