President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s first female cabinet minister, Mrs. Adenike Ebunoluwa Oyagbola. She died at the age of 94.
In a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu described Oyagbola as a trailblazer who shattered barriers for women in leadership.
“As the nation’s first female minister of cabinet rank, she paved the way for countless women to aspire to and achieve leadership roles in the country,” Tinubu said.
Oyagbola served as Minister of National Planning from 1979 to 1983, playing a significant role in implementing Nigeria’s Fourth Development Plan. Tinubu commended her contributions to national development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of arts and culture, stating that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Governor Abiodun also paid tribute to the late Oyagbola, recognizing her impact as the Iyalode of Yewaland and a champion of gender equality in politics. He praised her exemplary life of courage, humility, and dedication to service.
“We thank God for her eventful and glorious years of service as a politician and a diplomat of high repute. May God grant her family the strength to bear this loss,” Abiodun said.
The late Oyagbola, an illustrious daughter of Ogun State, will be remembered for her remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political and social development.