My first experience with Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, will live in my memory forever. I had visited with her husband, who was then a candidate for the position he now holds, at their lovely but modestly furnished home in Ikoyi in 2019.
As I sat in the living room waiting for my possible boss to come, the woman of the house entered through the door next to where I sat. I recognized right away that this was my principal’s wife.
I stood up to meet her, but to my absolute surprise, madam returned my pleasantries in an incredible manner–in a bent knee position (this is considered high etiquette among Yoruba people). This act of Omoluabi, which came easy that day, made me reflect, because madam is an accomplished public worker, a well-read and much traveled medical practitioner who has also reared beautiful, top-performing children. I immediately told myself, “This is a family you must work with”!
This first experience was not an accident, as madam continued to stimulate my thoughts and imagination in a variety of ways. One of these was a day when we worked until late at night. She approached me more than three times to inquire whether I had been provided food, and each time I answered I was fine. The last time, she demanded that I eat something. I informed her that a cup of tea would be sufficient. Madam walked into the kitchen and personally made me the tea. Madam had about four domestic helpers at the time, including a cook and a chef whom we affectionately referred to as Mr. White. Those guys are still with her now!
Character is a key ingredient for success. I’ve seen a great deal of character in our First Lady-intelligent, friendly, hospitable, and generous. Madam would call to see how you were doing, especially if she noticed something was wrong with you and you were upset.
A strong supporter of her husband’s THEMES initiative. Dr. Sanwo-Olu is a major supporter of the governor’s development plan. She accomplishes this through her countless initiatives for women and the disadvantaged members of society.
Her campaign against sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State has helped to lower the number of rapes and other forms of gender abuse.
Today is Madame’s birthday. She deserves all of the happiness, love, and prayers that come with a day like today.
On behalf of my family, I wish our First Lady, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a happy birthday and many more years of good health and happiness as she continues to serve humanity.
