The First Lady of Ondo State, Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has said the office of the wife of governor must be used to complement the efforts of the Governor of a state.
Mrs Akeredolu made the remarks in her acceptance speech as the only female awardeee at the 18th Annual Awards of the Sun Newspapers, tagged ‘Celebrating Excellence’, held, Saturday, at Expo Convention Center, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
In the words of the First Lady, “I have always maintained that the office of the Wife of Governor should not be for fanfare, but be used to complement the efforts of the Governor, particularly on issues bothering women, girls and youths.
“Being the First Lady in the past five years has been challenging. It has come with ups and downs, but it has altogether been a worthwhile experience, a learning curve and platform for service.”
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who was honoured with the Most Supportive First Lady 2020 Award by the Editorial Board of Sun Publishing Limited, Publishers of The Sun Newspapers, noted that the award is a testimony to the fact that the society is taking note of our efforts at the various levels of leadership.
She said, “The true reward for our daily activities, innovations and initiatives lies in the fact that people’s lives are positively touched and in so doing leaving the world better than we met it. An award such as this is a testimony to the fact that the society is also taking note, and it is therefore encouraging.”
The First Lady who thanked her spouse and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, for being a great husband, her number one fan and a pillar of support, said she would continue to cherish the memories of her parents, whom she said laid the foundation of whom she is.
“I appreciate my darling husband, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, for being a great husband. He is my number one fan and has been the pillar behind most of my achievements. He gives me the space to be who I am and he is always ready and willing to give support at every point of need.
“I remember very fondly my parents, Chief BUB and Mrs Dora Anyanwu, of blessed memory, who laid the foundation of whom I have become today.” the First Lady said.
In his words, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the programme, represented by the Minister for Sports and Youth development, Mr Sunday Dare, the Sun has a tradition of celebrating men and women,
of rewarding Nigerian great achievers who have distinguished themselves in the different spheres of life, and in so doing playing significant in nation building and for setting agenda for the country.
“These individuals have been identified as outstanding achievers who despite the restrictions and limitations in the year 2020 occasioned by the covid 19 pandemic.They are distinguished Nigerians who in spite of the pandemic scourge devised novel ways to make great achievements.
“I commend the Sun Newspapers for celebrating these outstanding Nigerians and rewarding them with laurels.”
Other awardees include High Chief Okafor, Investor of the year; Brigadier General Shaibu Ibrahim, public service award;
Mr Moses Ekpo, Lifetime Achievement;
Dr. Chris Igwe, investor of the year;
Chief Olabode Gorge, lifetime achievement;
Brig-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), public service; Governor MaiMala Buni, Political Icon; Dr Ebuka Onunkwo, Industrialist of the year; Barr Allen Onyema, Exceptional Philanthropist.
Engr Nnamdi Ezeigbo, Enterpreneur of the year; Dr Adedeji Adeleke, Exceptional Philanthropist; Gov Yahaya Adoza Bello, Governor of the year; Chief Obi Iyiegbu (Obi Cubaba), Hospitality Icon; Alhaji Mustapha Ado, Industrialist of the year; Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, Sports Personality;
Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Lifetime Achievement; Gov Nyenson Woke, Man of the year; Gov Abdulahi Ganduje, Governor of the Year; Professor George Obiozor, lifetime achievement; Chief Kanayo O Kanayo, Nollywood Icon; Frank Okafor, Planner Builder of Distinction
Rt Hon Chinedum Orji (MNSE), Public Service Award.
Present at the event are Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Fmr Secretary to the Government of the Federation Amb Babangana Kingibe, Malam Mele Kyari Group Managing Director of NNPC, Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Betsy, Senator Dino Melaye, Are Onakankanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, former Miss Nigeria, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu.
Deputy Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Mr Olugbenga Ale, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, Members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Political Appointees ,FOWOSO and alumni of the BeMore Empowered Initiative were also present.