Makinde: Celebrating a gem far above rubies at 52 By Iyaloja General, Princess Abeo

For me, celebrating Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde, the First Lady of Oyo State, on her birthday has become an annual tradition that must be observed. I can state with absolute certainty and emphasis, based on the data at hand, that the First Lady is a mother who sincerely cares about improving people’s lives and also consistently evolving initiatives to make our world a better place.     

On the occasion of her 52nd birthday anniversary, we have another opportunity to honour a woman of grace, a brilliant example of a virtuous woman, a supportive wife and caring mother of the state, and one with a large heart.

Mrs. Maminde is a gem far above rubies. She is well-known by her admirers as a compassionate woman, a pillar of support for the family. When she speaks, wisdom is not only heard but also clearly seen, and the law of kindness is spoken on her tongue. It is her compassionate heart that has been the driving force behind the various programs and initiatives of the Office of the First Lady of Oyo State aimed at making a positive difference.

I can say equivocally without equivocation that she is a blessing to Oyo state since I am one of her admirers who closely monitored her programs and also documented some of her accomplishments, especially the one pertaining to the welfare of market women through numerous commendable initiatives.

Isn’t it clear that Governor Seyi Makinde’s wife’s encouragement has contributed to the Omituntun administration’s remarkable success? Unarguably, Mrs. Makinde has continued to be a steadfast rock of support for our beloved Governor as he works to build a strong economy for the state that sets the standard for others.

It is worthy of note that the First Lady’s programs, among other laudable initiatives in the last five years, have not only been sustained but also expanded to cover more beneficiaries.

Under the leadership of the First Lady, widows, downtrodden, young girls, children and orphans have directly benefitted from many of her programs including market women and artisans,

The First Lady has continued to promote robust platforms for conversations that drive positive change. In-line with her vision for good healthcare delivery and proper hygiene for children, the wife of the Governor recently flagged off ceremony for Human Papilloma VirusVaccination (HPVV) roll out in Oyo state to enhance the health and well-being of Nigeria’s youth, particularly young girls.

Mrs Makinde, who was represented by the Wife of Oyo Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, at the official ceremony held at Saint Paul Anglican Primary School, lyanbule, Basorun, Ibadan, noted that the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years is essentially to safeguard the future of our children and tackle a significant health challenge head-on.

She posited that, as a mother with gift of milk of passion for the young ones, it is crucial to get our children vaccinated in order to maintain good health, just as she had brought her granddaughter to be vaccinated.

I will always be grateful to our First Lady for her life of humility, forbearance, loyalty, and dedication to the betterment of her family and the state at large.

I also join Mr. Governor in celebrating Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, his priceless pearl, for her good influence on so many lives today.

God has been pleased to keep this wonderful gift for humanity intact, and I join the many well-wishers in expressing our profound gratitude to the Almighty!

Your Excellency, Please keep being a role model for women in leadership and government. If I’m lucky enough, I’d like to work closely with you to advance Oyo State and the status of market women in general.

Happy birthday ma!

Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo
Iyaloja General,
Oyo state.