Growing up as daughter of a professor influenced my values – Ogun First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun

The First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, tells NAOMI CHIMA about her childhood, role as First Lady and wife to Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other issues

Tell us about your educational background.

I attended The International School, in Ibadan, Oyo State, for my secondary education. I then obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from the University of Ibadan in 1988. I am a wife and mother to four children.

How did growing up as the daughter of Professor Oladipo Oduye, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan shape your values and perspective on life?

Growing up as the daughter of a professor influenced my values and perspective on life. Being raised in an academic environment instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and intellectual curiosity. The structured nature of university life gave me a deep appreciation for routine and I guess, it also influences my expectations of people. I like certainty and predictability but I also know that life sometimes throws you the unexpected. I have learnt to find balance in whatever happens. My father’s career, and my mother’s work as a university administrator exposed me to an atmosphere where education was not just a means to an end but a way of life. Discussions at home often revolved around knowledge, integrity, and service to the community. This shaped my belief in the power of education as a tool for transformation. Those values continue to influence my work today, whether in public service, advocacy, or my commitment to initiatives that uplift and empower others, particularly in Ogun State.

Can you share some fond memories of your childhood and how they’ve influenced your approach to parenting your children?

My earliest memories are made up of going to school for the first time and just being in awe of how massive everything was; from the gate to the buildings, trees and so on. There were friends I made in school back then that, thankfully, are still my friends today. In comparison to today’s world, a lot of our playtime was spent outdoors, even though we had a strict curfew of 6.30 pm.

One of the highlights of my childhood was in the early 70s when the Ibadan Zoo became fully established and I went there for the first time. This was probably in 1974 or 1975. I was in awe of all the exotic animals I saw there. During my childhood, I spent a lot of my free time in nature.

What is your daily routine, and what is the one thing you cannot go a day without doing?

The first thing I do in the morning after prayer and meditation is to spend about an hour on the treadmill. I am a very sporty person, so if I don’t use the treadmill, I might do a bike ride. I hardly eat breakfast, and if I do, maybe some tea. I usually do a bit of light reading up until 10am or 11am when I settle down to look at my itinerary for the day or week with my team. As the wife of a governor, there are certain aspects of my work that are tied to the office of the First Lady, so I attend to such as well, reading letters and memos, and giving feedback on our initiatives. The office also makes things dynamic and sometimes unpredictable. Some days are earlier than others, which would mean thatsome of those activities can be cut short.

What inspired you to venture into business, and what were some of the challenges you faced as a woman in a male-dominated field?

What inspires any woman to go into business? Sometimes, it is just an urge, or a passion to do something more than just getting and staying on the job. I wanted to establish something enduring that I could hand over to the next generation. However, business is both exciting and challenging. Exciting in the sense that if you’re prepared when a big opportunity comes, it will be like it landed squarely on your lap. However, it could be challenging because a simple change in government policy can shut you down for good. However, in nearly 30 years of being in business, there have been more good days than bad, and it is getting better.

As a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, what advice would you give to young women seeking to make a mark in their respective industries?

For every young woman seeking to make a mark in their respective industries, my advice would be to start by identifying what success marks you want to make. It is different for everyone. Some women aspire to build global enterprises, while others want to create something meaningful within their communities. Both paths are valid, and neither is less significant than the other. The key is to be prepared. Opportunities don’t always come with a warning, and when they do, you must be ready to take them. Learn everything you can, whether through formal education, mentorship, or even experience. Challenges will come, especially in industries where women are underrepresented. There will be moments of doubt, but keep pushing. You will make it. Also, never underestimate the power of networks, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. Most importantly, put your trust in God,because with him all things are possible.

Your work as the First Lady of Ogun State has focused on social welfare, education, and poverty reduction. What drives your passion for these causes?

My passion for social welfare, education, and poverty reduction comes from the belief that a society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. The title of the First Lady of Ogun State is not a position I will hold forever. There is a time limit to it, so I always think about the best I can do for people who are unable to help themselves. I have the platform to make a tangible difference, and I take that responsibility seriously. Whether it’s supporting widows, orphans or people living with disabilities, or promoting initiatives in nutrition and health, every little thing matters. Beyond policy and initiatives, this work is personal to me. It is about giving people the tools to build better lives, whether through access to education, economic empowerment, or social support. When a woman gains financial independence, a child receives a quality education, or a family finds stability, it doesn’t just change their lives, it strengthens the entire community. That impact is what keeps me going.

Can you share some success stories from your initiatives, such as the Ajose Foundation, and the School for Special Needs in Abeokuta?

Certainly, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing real, measurable changes in the lives of those we support through initiatives like the Ajose Foundation, and our efforts at the School for Special Needs in Abeokuta.

At the School for Special Needs, we recognised the urgent need for a better learning environment, and took action by renovating key portions of the school to create a more conducive space for both students and teachers. Beyond infrastructure, we brought in international trainers to coach and equip the teachers with specialised skills to improve their teaching methods. This was a crucial step in ensuring that students with special needs received the quality education they deserve. Another major milestone has been the integration of technology-driven teaching aids. Through our continuous support and the donation of modern educational tools, we have seen remarkable improvements in learning outcomes. These resources have helped students engage better with their studies, making learning more interactive and accessible. The impact has been profound, not just in the academic progress of the students but also in the confidence and effectiveness of their teachers. Seeing these transformations reinforces my belief that with the right support and investment, we can create opportunities for all our children, regardless of their challenges.

How do you navigate the challenges of being a public figure while maintaining your personal integrity and values?

Maintaining personal values and integrity has not been difficult for me, perhaps because of my background. Accountability was a key thing where I came from. However, it does require a strong sense of self, a clear purpose, and the ability to stay grounded despite external pressures. Public life comes with scrutiny, expectations, and sometimes even misconceptions. But, I have always believed that my integrity as a person is non-negotiable. I also maintain my focus on initiatives that genuinely align with my beliefs. Another important aspect is maintaining a strong personal support system. My family, close friends, and trusted advisors keep me balanced, reminding me of who I am beyond the public role. They provide honest feedback, which is crucial in staying accountable to my principles. Challenges will always exist, but staying true to one’s principles ensures that, at the end of the day, one can look back on one’s work with pride, thanking God that one kept faith.

What do you believe are the most significant barriers to women’s empowerment in Nigeria, and how can they be addressed?

We can spend days discussing this, but I believe that the most significant barriers to women’s empowerment in Nigeria stem from deep-rooted cultural norms, economic inequality, underrepresentation in leadership, and gender-based discrimination. Traditional beliefs often confine women to domestic roles, while many girls still struggle to access quality education due to poverty or early marriage. Economically, women face challenges in securing funding, owning property, or breaking into male-dominated industries. Addressing these barriers requires enforcing more gender-sensitive policies, promoting women in leadership, and shifting societal mindsets through advocacy.

How can men be allies in the pursuit of gender equality, and what role do they play in creating a more just society?

There are men in corporate leadership and government who are indeed making a difference. Starting with my husband, whom many call a “he-for-she governor”. He is committed and is part of the few who promised to support our progress to have adequate representation of women in his government, and has kept that promise. Men advocating for women using their voices and through action makes a huge difference. For instance, when the 36 governors declared a state of emergency on domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, it completely changed the country. State governments strengthened their domestic violence laws and took measures to protect women. In some states, especially Ogun, Lagos and Ekiti, perpetrators of violence and sexual abuse are certain to spend lengthy terms in prison, and many other states are taking a tougher stance as well. Imagine that they continue to do so in other areas of life or sectors.

Your sense of style is often described as elegant and understated. What inspires your fashion choices, and do you have a favourite designer?

Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to overdo things. I like to keep things as simple as possible when it comes to clothing. While I have had clothes made by popular designers, most of what Iwear are made by local tailors in Ogun and Lagos, who are talented and pay attention to details. I am always excited to meet talented young designers and tailors. Some of them even try to introduce me to modern edgy designs, but I don’t experiment much. It all starts with the kind of fabric used for he outfit. In my case, it is adire, 90 per cent of the time, then deciding what to do with it.

How do you unwind and relax?

I watch some Nollywood movies when I have the time. I have also had the pleasure of attending a few film premieres in Abeokuta and Lagos, especially those historical movies, which remind us of where we are coming from as a people.

What are some of your hobbies?

Exercise and reading are at the top of my list.

What books or authors have had a significant impact on your life and perspective?

One book that has impacted me recently is Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. It gives you perspective about the world we live in, and how we got to the modern age. Books by Joyce Meyer are also my favourites. Two biographical texts I have read are Baba (Olusegun) Obasanjo’s My Watch, and Professor (Wole) Soyinka’s You Must Set Forth and Dawn. They are bulky texts and require some patience, but that sense of history, and what drives leaders’ decisions, is all in there. It also shows how fleeting life can be.

As the First Lady of Ogun State, what do you hope your legacy will be, and how do you want to be remembered?

This is not something I have spent a lot of time considering, but if I were to talk about being remembered, it should be how many people I was able to impact positively. I don’t really think about physical structures or monuments, because all those have their place. I think more of how someone’s life was not the same because they met me. I guess that’s why I focus more on women and children, because to be honest, that is where the greatest social impact is within any community.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite foods have changed over the years, so much so that I cannot identify which one I like the most. Maybe it’s because I am older. At the top of the list are ofada rice and ewa aganyin, even though I have been told to cut back and eat more healthy alternatives, so I look at them as delicacies now. Ikokore is also a favourite, as well as diverse Nigerian soups.

How do you prioritise your mental and physical health?

On mental health, I have learnt to quieten my spirit and spend time meditating on God’s word. I have quiet days when I don’t do anything, but rest my body and keep my mind at peace. I believe this is critical for survival in today’s world. Having friends and family that uplift me has also been truly a blessing.