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It was glitz and glamour as dignitaries poured encomiums on Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry and second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Dr) Onikepo Akande, on her 80th birthday.
Family, friends, industry leaders and several dignitaries gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, to celebrate the former two-time minister, who served under the government of former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).
Among the dignitaries who lauded Akande at the occasion was the Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, extolled the virtues of Akande, as she described her as a courageous woman whose contributions to national development could not be overemphasised.
She said, “In a society where we have so many women achievers, Aunty, as I have called her over the years, is a woman who has not only been a pillar in our society but also exemplifies that of a woman in leadership, business and governance.
“I first met her in 1999 when my husband was the Governor of Lagos State. Beautiful to behold and still is. She was one of those who gently consoled me when I was struggling to fit into my role.
“Since then, she has always held a special place in my heart. She is one of those shoulders I stand on today. Her gentle support means a lot.
“As a two-time minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, your remarkable leadership has profoundly shaped our nation’s commerce, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
“Your style of education and courage are still committed to advancing the development of our nation. Today, as you mark 80 years of your life, I join in celebrating the contributions that make you a mentor and an inspiration to younger generations.”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, announced that the government had renamed a street in Ibadan in honour of Akande.
He noted that everyone had a reason to “believe very strongly in all those things that we have spoken about the celebrant.”
The governor described Akande as a run-to-person in the state when in need of advice.
“In honour of the celebrant, the government has named the street along Felele Idi-Odo road which leads to Akande’s house, after the former minister.
“It is now to be called ‘Mama Onikepo Akande Street’,” the deputy governor announced on behalf of the state government.
He said the road would also be rehabilitated, noting that in about two weeks, construction work would begin work on the road.
Earlier in a statement, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Akande on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, described Akande, a renowned economist, accountant and industrialist, as a distinguished Nigerian who has served the country passionately and made significant contributions to the business world and society.
The governor said Akande, the Iyalaje of Ibadanland, deserved all the accolades for her impactful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy and governance.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate the first female Minister of Industry, Chief (Dr) Onikepo Akande, on her 80th birthday.
“Dr Onikepo Akande is worth celebrating on her 80th birthday based on her positive impact on the country. She has served Nigeria passionately and made significant contributions to the business world and society. She is an icon in the business world and beyond.
“She contributed positively to governance and nation-building as a Minister of Industry and later as a delegate at the 2014 National Conference.
“As Chief (Dr) Onikepo Akande joins the league of octogenarians today, I pray that God will grant her good health to enable her to render more service to humanity, the business community, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Speaking at the birthday ceremony, the Emeritus Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, said he had known the celebrant since she was eight years old.
He said Akande had always wished to be famous and she had succeeded in this, among other enviable ambitions.
Chief Ogunsola said, “It is, therefore, my joy that my wife and I celebrate my dear niece, my sister and friend, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, Commander of the Order of Niger, Iyalaje of Ibadan, twice former minister and a host of other accolades, on attaining a special and enviable age of 80. I also congratulate her husband, HRM Oba Adebayo Akande.”
A former Minister of Health, Prof Debo Adeyemi, lauded Olori Akande, describing her as a very committed official while she was serving in the cabinet of Gen Abdulsalami.
On behalf of Abdulsalami, he said, “We bring celebrations and Goodwill to the celebrant.”
He said Akande served as a member of the cabinet of Gen Abdulsalami meritoriously.
“In the government of Gen Abdulsalami, of which Olori Akande was a prominent member, she ‘midwifed’ the transition from military to democratic rule which Nigerians are enjoying today.
“May you continue to make useful contributions as you have been doing for decades to the growth and development of Nigeria, even as you age gracefully and peacefully. Happy birthday!”
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; two former governors of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Others were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wife of former Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat and a host of other dignitaries.
