Not all women possess the characteristic of having a motherly heart. Some, recognising the duty of this position, put themselves under serious pressure and take up concerns that others might consider unnecessary. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State and wife of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is such a woman. At 57, she ticks all the boxes on compassionate administration.
The dedication of Governor Sanwo-Olu to the people of Lagos is indisputable. Yet, compared to the single-mindedness of Ibijoke, her husband might as well stand behind her. Many first ladies have learnt to give their all to their people by associating with her, not to mention her devotion to the interests of the common people, earning her nationwide renown.
Her birthday celebration this year was not very different from last year’s, except that there is even greater hope from those who benefitted from her presence. Still radiant, cordial, and affected by the goings-on in the lives of others, Ibijoke captivated the hearts of guests.
One must remember that Lady Ibijoke’s charm does not come from her exercise of power, nor the fact that she is a professional medical practitioner. Instead, it comes from her involvement in the advocacy for women and children, as well as senior citizens in Lagos.
She has many of such advocacy programmes and initiatives currently in play that cannot be summarised in a few words. Among these are the Boy Child Initiative for improving the welfare of boys, Community Sensitisation and Empowerment, Lagos Exams Support, Senior Citizens Support, School Infrastructure Project, advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and War Against Drug Abuse, to name a few.
Ultimately, Ibijoke deserves 57 loud rounds of cheers for every year she has lived. Despite the few years spent as Lagos First Lady, she has left strong impressions in the hearts of Lagosians everywhere.
