President Tinubu celebrates Olori Onikepo Akande on her 80th birthday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Olori Onikepo Olufunmike Akande on her 80th birthday. 

Known as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s economic and business sectors, Olori Akande’s legacy includes being the nation’s first female Minister of Industry and the second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu emphasised Olori Akande’s impact on the public and private sectors of Nigeria where she is celebrated as a leader and mentor.

Beyond her official roles, Akande holds the reverred title of Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland and is recognised as a dedicated wife to Oba Adebayo Akande, the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, as well as a mother and grandmother.

In her distinguished career, Olori Akande served as a director at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank, now the Bank of Industry, during the early 1990s. 

She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Women Development from 1992 to 1994, contributing to numerous development initiatives for Nigerian women.

Acknowledging her career in industry, President Tinubu praised her service as a public administrator, community leader, philanthropist, and accomplished business executive. 

Her tenure as Minister of Industry, marked by a commitment to progress, solidified her status as a formidable figure in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Olori Akande’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, with numerous national and international accolades highlighting her work in empowering women in business and entrepreneurship. 

Tinubu expressed appreciation for her mentorship, noting her role as an inspiration to countless Nigerian women.

“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Olori Onikepo Olufunmike Akande, OON, CON, as she joyfully marks her 80th birthday on 29 October.

“A true pioneer, Onikepo Akande holds the honour of being Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry and the second female President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“In celebrating her, President Tinubu highlights Olori Akande’s trailblazing record and her contributions to Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

“Affectionately known as Nike, she is revered not only as an exceptional leader but also as the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, a devoted wife to Oba Adebayo Akande, the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, a proud mother, and beloved grandmother.

“In the early 1990s, she served as a director of the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) and the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), now known as the Bank of Industry. She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja from 1992 to 1994.

“President Tinubu commends her exceptional service as a boardroom player, public administrator, community leader, philanthropist, and business executive.

“President Tinubu also praises Nike Akande for her tenure as Minister of Industry, acknowledging her dedication and commitment to driving progress in the nation.

“Her remarkable career, bolstered by her Harvard education and expertise in investment, has earned her numerous national and international accolades, particularly in empowering women in commerce and entrepreneurship.

“The President expresses deep gratitude to Nike Akande for her unwavering commitment to mentoring and uplifting others, asserting she is a role model to countless women across Nigeria.

“He honours the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland as a symbol of beauty, diligence, courage, affection, and kindness. President Tinubu also notes her exemplary role as a supportive wife to a respected traditional ruler and as a mother whose children have achieved great success.

“The President prays to God Almighty to bless Nike Akande with continued health and longevity, allowing her to share her inspiring life story and encourage others to embrace optimism and resilience”.