In a remarkable celebration of service, vision, and grassroots impact, Hon. (Dr.) Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba has been honoured with the Outstanding Woman in Leadership Award by the Golden Integrated Empowerment Foundation. The recognition places her among a select group of figures shaping community advancement and strengthening political participation across Nigeria.
The colourful event, held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, gathered influential personalities from politics, business, and social development. It served as a platform to spotlight individuals whose dedication continues to uplift communities and inspire positive transformation at the grassroots level.
Princess Folashade has carved a respected niche in governance, currently serving as the National Chairman and Board of Trustees Member of the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC). She is also the National Director of the APC Professional Women Council and the Immediate Past Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government — roles through which she has consistently championed inclusive leadership.
Her impact extends beyond politics. As the Global Director General of the Asiwaju Distinguished Ambassadors Movement (ADAM), she plays a significant role in national political mobilization and strategic civic engagement. Her humanitarian footprint is equally notable through the Shelter of Grace Foundation, a charitable initiative she founded to uplift widows, vulnerable families, and underserved communities. The foundation’s programmes — from skills training to economic empowerment for women and youths — were major highlights at the award ceremony.
Organisers of the event praised her as a leader whose actions reflect compassion, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to human development. They commended her for consistently promoting youth participation, women’s advancement, and responsive local governance, noting that her leadership legacy in Ikorodu continues to energize young advocates across the region.
During her acceptance speech, Princess Folashade emphasized the transformative power of unity and deliberate leadership.
“One voice can shift the atmosphere in a room, and that same voice can influence a nation,” she said, urging emerging leaders to be courageous, visionary, and community-focused.
She went on to acknowledge the resilience of leaders working tirelessly despite Nigeria’s challenging socio-economic landscape, reminding citizens that development is a shared responsibility.
“Nation-building is not reserved for those in public office. Every individual holds a piece of the solution. Growth takes time, and we must all contribute meaningfully to the process,” she noted.
Princess Folashade expressed profound gratitude to the Golden Integrated Empowerment Foundation for the honour and dedicated the award to the people of Ikorodu, whom she described as her “pillar of strength” throughout her political journey.
The ceremony closed with applause from community leaders, political figures, women groups, youth organisations, and supporters who agreed that her recognition was well-deserved.
With this latest accolade, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba further solidifies her standing as one of Nigeria’s most influential female voices driving progress, empowerment, and sustainable leadership within the local government structure.
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