Former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan and Mrs Folashade Tinubu -Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday received outstanding women icon awards.
They received the awards at the 2025 Yellow Ball held in Abuja.
Also honoured were the Minister of women affairs ,Hajia Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Regina Akume and Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
There was also Dr Rose Anthony, Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among others
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Yellow Ball Award is organised by Accolade Dynamics Ltd, a private sector operator for the recognition of individuals who impacted positively in the development of women.
Jonathan expressed gratitude for the honour and used the medium to decry what she tagged the underrepresentation of women in public offices.
“During former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, we achieved 35 per cent affirmative action.
“My husband maintained it but when it comes to elective positions, the men dominated and shut us out.
“I am deeply humbled to receive the Women Icon Leader of the Year award,
“I accept it as a personal recognition, and as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked with me to promote health and economic development,” she said.
She said that the award was a reminder to Nigerian women that their work was not yet over.
“”We must keep pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes and building inclusive communities to advocate for women’s healthcare and economic development.” she said
Mrs Regina Akume said that her recognition as woman of excellence award of the year meant a lot to her considering her immeasurable contributions to different developmental projects in the country.
“I feel great, wonderful and thankful for the recognition. it is good that I am still alive and people can appreciate me.
“I want to appeal to the youths out there to go to school because if you are knowledgeable, you know the right thing to do,” she said.
The Minister of women affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said that women’s contributions were at the centre of the nation’s growth.
She said that her ministry was making efforts to fill gaps wherever they existed.
“When you dream big, big things happen
We have to keep celebrating excellence and we will contribute to the nation’s development, that is what president Bola Tinubu is aiming to achieve.
Ms.Chizaram Tor, the Managing Director, Yellow Ball, said that the honourees were among leaders who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.
“Yellow Ball and Honours is a night to celebrate leaders who have built our communities and inspired others.
“We just want to acknowledge the women and the men in our communities in Nigeria that have brought us up and have continued to lead us to a greater prosperity in Africa.
“Women are the backbones of the country, we honour those men and women who have uplifted the society through coaching, skills, and confidence building,” she said.(NAN)
