First lady Oluremi Tinubu has said she received counsel from Nigeria’s first female minister of industry Nike Akande when she was struggling to fit into the role of wife of Lagos State governor in 1999.
Mrs Tinubu, represented by Nana Shettima, stated this at the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs Akande in Lagos on Tuesday night.
“In a society where we have scarcity of women achievers, she is a woman who has not only been a pillar in her society but also a trailblazer for women in leadership, businesses and governanc,” she said.
“When I first met her in 1999, when my husband was the governor of Lagos State, she was a beauty to behold which she is, till now.
“She can also be referred to as beauty and brains. She is one of those who gently counselled me when I was struggling to fit into my role.
“Since then, she has always had a special place in my heart. She is also one of those whose shoulders I can rely upon. Her gentle support means a lot.”
The first lady noted that the celebrant the first female president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), is a “profound leader”.
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Akande possessed the virtues of industry, honesty and competence.
Obasanjo said he was confident that the celebrant will continue to be a shining example of a woman of excellence and probity.
“You have come a long way in your multi-faceted career as one of the foremost policy analysts, accountants industrialists and administrators.
“I recall your long service to your fatherland, Nigeria, in various capacities and it is instructive that your name, in the last three decades, has become something of recurrent decimal in both national and international affairs.
“This is indeed, a special occasion worth celebrating, not only because God has spared your life to see this day, but also for the brilliant achievements you have recorded over this period,” he said.
Also, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State, noted that the celebrant’s commitment to service to Nigeria and humanity in general, is commendable.
Akande is the Iyalaje and Iyalode of Ibadan land and wife of Oba Adebayo Akande, the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadan.
In the early 1990s, she was director of the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) and the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) now known as the Bank of Industry.
