ARABIRIN, EPITOME OF POSITIVISM, PATHFINDER FOR THE FUTURE
Many words seem insufficient to describe the First lady of Ondo state, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the Talk and Do Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Odunayo Akeredolu. In line with the wise words, behind every successful man, there is a supportive woman, Arabirin is a singular backing and indeed the mainstay of Mr Governor, a supporter who continually fuels his courage with love and confidence to move on.
Her role can be described like that of a think tank, a shield, a co-driver and indeed cheerleader. There is no gainsaying in fact that Arabirin remains the backbone of Mr Governor, his best friend, counsellor and matriarch of the Akeredolu dynasty who has supported the giant strides of Mr Governor in steering the modern sunshine state.
In this tribute, I would like to elucidate two of the several qualities of Arabirin that makes me describe her as an epitome of positivism and pathfinder for the future.
Positivism is a term coined from positive, a verb describing a state of life that is based on ability to diffuse positive actions in a most contagious manner that elicits like reactions in the followership or audience. Such is the attitude of the Mama BRECAN whose bespoke way of life reflects positivism in its purest form.
A real life example is the fact that Mama Betty is a 26 year breast cancer survivor who has dedicated herself to raising life saving awareness about breast cancer, much like the mantra of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, (BRECAN)….giving hope, saving lives. This gale of positivism reflects from her to the thousands of disciples who take the message of breast awareness across generations, communities and regions.
Chief Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is a clearly a pathfinder for the future and a leader of new innovations, this quality has earned her the title of Digital Mama, much unlike her generation and way ahead of generations after her. Not only is Mama tech savvy, she has consistently and selflessly dedicated her time, passion and resources to closing the gender digital divide while encouraging women who know her to step up the techy ladder and do things in the new way.
Arabirin is also one person known to be ready always to challenge cultural and socio-religious bias and stereotypes that hold the society back, thus affecting the future from today through her Voice in such a determined pitch.
Truly, Arabirin Chief Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, Ada Owere 1, Ada Emeabiam 2, is a woman of great substance and quality worthy of emulation, she is my mentor and leader, a woman who knows her worth and is neither afraid to be herself nor stand up for the course of others. She is a dogged fighter, political strategist, a gender specialist per excellence and mother to all.
This tribute is not only an expression of my sincere words in appreciation of the life of service to humanity of the First Lady of Ondo State but also my deep wishes of more blessings upon her as she climbs the seventh floor of achievements and love.
Happy Birthday to our Mama, We love you.
Chief Olamide Falana
Special Adviser- Gender to Mr. Governor
