A socio-cultural group, Alaketu Illustrious Descendants (A.I.D), has called on the Nigerian Government to immortalize Nigeria’s first female minister, Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola who passed on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Penpushing reports that the group made the call in a statement on Thursday, explaining that this is in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nation, adding that this would serve as a befitting tribute to her pioneering contributions in governance, diplomacy, and community service.
The statement in similar vein encouraged the Ogun State Government to do same, in view of the fact that the deceased was from the state, and made the state proud, as Nigeria’s first female minister,
Penpushing further reports that the socio-cultural group, made a suggestion that institutions or major infrastructure projects could be name after her to preserve her legacy for future generations, pointing out that she was contributed immensely towards the growth of the country.
The late Oyagbola joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963 and, during the Second Republic in 1979, was appointed Nigeria’s first female cabinet minister in President Shehu Shagari’s administration.
Penpushing also reports that she served as the Minister of National Planning from December 1979 to October 1983, being the only woman in the cabinet at the time, during the tenure she played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and was instrumental in the construction of key federal roads across Yewaland.
The deceased, even after her ministerial service, remained active in public service, in 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed her as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, a role she held until 2003.
Penpushing reports that Oyagbola also made history in the 1990s as the first President of the International Delphic Council (IDC), an organization dedicated to promoting arts and culture globally through the revival of the Delphic Games—an ancient Greek tradition.
The deceased was born on May 5, 1931, in Igan Alade, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, and had an illustrious educational and professional journey, having trained as a teacher at Christ Church Teacher Training College, Ilaro, before traveling to the United Kingdom, where she obtained a degree in accounting.
Penpushing further reports that Oyagbola a respected community leader was the first Iyalode of Yewaland, as well as the Bobajiro of Igan Alade, Yeye-Oba of Ketu, and Matron of several clubs and associations.
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