7 Notable Female Role Models from Ogun State

Hard work, some say, does not kill. Rather, it is the secret to success and for this reason, many have embraced it as a virtue that is required to excel in life.

In the past, men were more on the forefront and get most of the accolade for hard work, leaving the women at the home front. Today, women are now at the forefront as the men and some are even becoming captains in various industries.

In recognition of the efforts of women who go all out to make a name for themselves, NRTC has traveled to Delta, Edo, Lagos, and is now at Ogun state to acknowledge 7 Notable Female Role Models from the state. This list spans across various industries.

1.Kemi Adeosun

Born on March 9, 1967, Kemi Adeosun is a chartered accountant and Nigeria’s former finance minister under the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari. Kemi is also the former chairman of the Board of African Export–Import Bank (AfreximBank).

Her academic qualifications spans through the University of East London and University of London where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Financial Management respectively.

NRTC Latest Posts

• 
  Barack Obama: Rema, Asake appear on former US president’s favourite music list
• 
  Basketmouth urges producers to portray Nigerian culture in movies
• 
  Top UK Universities That Offer Maximum Value for Minimum Cost – A New Study Reveals
• 
  Usyk outclasses Fury again to retain unified heavyweight titles
• 
  Aston Villa deepen Manchester City’s woes with resounding victory at Villa Park
• 
  Netflix secures landmark deal to broadcast Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031

Her other achievements include: Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors, African Development Bank (AfDB) (2015-2018); Member of the Investment Committee, United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (2018); Ex-Officio Alternate Member of the Board of Governors, World Bank (2015-2018). She is one of the notable female role models from Ogun state.

2.Eniola Badmus

Badmus is an award-winning Nigerian film actress born on September 7, 1983. She gained prominence in the industry when she starred in the film titled Jenifa. She holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan.

Eniola also obtained a Master’s of Science (Msc) in Economics from Lagos State University. She has featured in movies like Angelina, Village Babes, Oreke Temi, Blackberry Babes, Mr. & Mrs. Ibu, and many others.

Her talent and efforts in the film industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts awarded her as the Best Actress in Africa. She also clinched the Best Comedy Act at Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards in 2015.

3. Ty Bello

Toyin Bello is a singer, photographer, and philanthropist. She was a part of defunct gospel group Kush. As a solo artist, she released songs like Greenland, Funmise, Freedom, and Ekundayo.

She finished from the University of Lagos with a degree in Economics. Bello blossomed in her photography career when she was made the official photographer to former President Goodluck Jonathan, during his tenure in office and she’s also worked with Thisday fashion magazine.

On the set of a photo shoot for British born Nigerian rapper, Tinie Tempah. She discovered Olajumoke Orisaguna after she coincidentally photo bombed the photo shoot. The photo then went viral, and Olajumoke became famous and was featured on the cover of Style magazine.

She is also the director of Link-a-child, an NGO that seeks for sponsorship of orphanages in Nigeria.

TY Bello and Kashetu Bello who tied the knot in 2009 had their first fruits, twin boys named Christian and Christopher on October 10, 2014.

Read Also: Sharif-Aminu: The Need to Calm Down on Religious Fanaticism

Her numerous awards include Best Female Video(Ekundayo) at the Soundcity Music Video Awards. She also won Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best New Act of the Year in 2008.

4. Funmilola Ransome-Kuti

Chief Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, MON born 25 October 1900 was a Nigerian human rights activist, political campaigner, educator, and suffragist.

She was the mother of Dolapo Ransome-Kuti, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Beko Ransome-Kuti.

The Abeokuta Grammar School had Ransome-Kuti as its first female student. Moreso; she organised literacy classes for lower-income women. She was quite influential in the movement of Nigeria’s independence. Mrs Kuti also moved for Nigerian women to vote and ended unjust taxes on market women.

Ransome-Kuti is an awardee of the Lenin Peace Prize. Likewise, she was also made a member of the Order of the Niger for her work. She died aged on April 13, 1977 after she sustained injuries from a military raid on her family property. She is one of the notable female role models from Ogun state.

5. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello (born 27 April 1967) is a professional Veterinarian and, Epidemiologist. She is the daughter of Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former president.

Iyabo graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1988, with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. She also bagged a master’s degree and a PhD in Epidemiology from University of California and Cornell University, in 1990 and 1994 respectively.

Iyabo Obasanjo’s career began when she was appointed as the Ogun State Commissioner for Health and thereafter, she was elected as a Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in April 2007 under the platform of People’s Democratic Party.

6.Lola Shoneyin

Shoneyin is a poet and author who was born on February 26, 1974. She is famous for her debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.

Shoneyin is a recipient of Ken Saro-Wiwa Award for prose in Nigeria and PEN Award in America. She is the convener of the annual Aké Arts and Book Festival. Brittle Paper named her as African Literary Person of the Year in 2017.

7. Ayo Adesanya

Ayo Adesanya is an actress and producer in the Yoruba and English-language films industry. She was born 11 August 1969.

At the University of Ibadan, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. Her debut television feature was on Tunji Bamishigbin’s soap opera titled Palace. After which she joined the Yoruba-language film industry, where she has featured, produced and directed several films. Some of her movies include Dancer and Tears in my Heart.