Former Chairman of First bank, Ibukun Awosika; immediate past First Lady of Kebbi State, Zainab Bagudu and former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen have praised the leadership qualities of Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.
At a conference to celebrate the leadership journey of the former First Lady of Ekiti State at 60, organised by Sisterhood Across Borders at the Civic Centre, Lagos, yesterday, women’s rights advocates, gender experts and business leaders took turns to relish her memorable impact on the lives of women and entire society.
“Bisi has been smart; she has always been a fighter for something. She is a thinker who is committed and diligent about issues. One thing I respect you for is that politics has not found a way to silence you because in the space of politics, too many people become compliant and lose the substance of who they are. But you manage to navigate a tough torrent, keep your voice and substance,” Awosika eulogised.
Tallen described Adeleye-Fayemi as a special gift, not just to the people of Ekiti State and Nigeria, but also to Africa.
“Bisi is a blessing to women and girls in Nigeria. I am grateful for your selfless sacrifice and passion in standing as a gender champion. You are a great Amazon that has touched millions of lives, especially the girl child. Continue in your passion to reach the less privileged in our society, especially the unreached who do not have the opportunities we have,” she said.
On her part, Bagudu described Adeleye-Fayemi as an Amazon who is keen to drive the cause of women’s health, through her breast cancer campaign.
“Erelu would not have been able to achieve all that she does if she did not take her health seriously. So, I urge especially women to continually carry out breast examinations and get a mammogram to reduce the death of women to breast cancer,” she noted.
In a keynote address, the Ghanaian Ambassador to Brazil, Abena Busia, described Adeleye-Fayemi as one whose legacy transcends women and girls globally, and continues to touch lives.
Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Monisade Christianah Afuye, noted that the former first lady has been a voice for children and widows, adding that through her advocacy, wife battery has reduced in Ekiti State as it now attracts a jail term if found culpable.
In his speech, her husband and former of governor Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, said: “I cannot imagine what my life would have been in the last 36 years with her. She has been my adviser and political mentor. She is convinced that a life of sacrifice is worth living and she is the most articulate in the midst of activist radicals.”
Highpoints of the event were book readings and the unveiling of Adeleye-Fayemi’s books – ‘A Tray of Locust Beans’ and ‘Demand and Supply’. Responding, Adeleye-Fayemi thanked womenfolk for believing in her activities and drive for them, adding that no community, society or nation could achieve any of its goals if it does not empower women.
“This is something we all have to do as men and women for a more prosperous and peaceful society,” she noted.
