Nigeria’s first female minister of cabinet rank, Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, has passed away.
She died on Friday at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and commitment to public service.
As the country’s first female minister her groundbreaking role as the country’s first female cabinet minister paved the way for women in governance, leaving an enduring legacy of service and leadership.
Oyagbola was appointed Minister of National Planning in 1979 under President Shehu Shagari’s administration, holding the position until 1983.
As Minister of National Planning, she contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development policies, setting a precedent for women in leadership.
After leaving office in 1983, she later served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, with concurrent accreditation to Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala from 1999 to 2003.
Beyond politics and diplomacy, Oyagbola championed societal transformation through Attitudinal Healing, advocating for moral rejuvenation, youth empowerment, and national development. Her efforts sought to instill values of ethical leadership and social responsibility in Nigeria.
Chief Oyagbola held numerous chieftaincy titles, including Yeye-Oba of Ketu.
She was born on May 5, 1931, in Igan Alade, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
