Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, born on August 2, 1967, in Lagos, Nigeria, has a distinguished background in education and public service. She pursued her early education in both the United States and Nigeria. In 1984, she was admitted to the University of Lagos, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1988. She then obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication in 1990 and a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy in 1991 from the same institution. Her academic achievements were further honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Gender Development from the Geofidel Institute for Leadership and Management, London, in December 2020.
Olufolake began her public service career in 1993 at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where her dedication and integrity quickly became evident. She held various significant positions, including Third Secretary/Foreign Service Officer, and served at the Nigerian High Commission in London and Pretoria in roles such as Counsellor for Political Affairs, Trade, Investment, and Administration.
In 2004, she was appointed Head of Chancery and Trade and Investment at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria. She later returned to Nigeria to serve as Minister Counselor at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2007 to 2010 before being posted to the Embassy of Nigeria in Paris until 2013.
A seasoned diplomat, Olufolake held several leadership roles, including Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister/Head of Consular Education and Welfare Section at the Nigerian High Commission in London. Her efforts in organizing successful presidential visits and representing Nigeria at international forums were widely commended.
Olufolake Abdulrazaq has represented Nigeria at various high-level conferences and summits, including the International Maritime Organization Council in 1998, the Commonwealth Board of Governors Meeting in 2015, and the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2014. She has attended significant meetings, such as one with the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, and participated in the World Economic Forum in Jordan in April 2019.
As the First Lady of Kwara State, she has made judicious use of her position. Besides supporting her husband, Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to influence various social and community initiatives that improve the welfare of the people, she established the Ajike People Support Centre to address healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.
In addition, as Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, Her Excellency Olufolake Abdulrazaq collaborates with other First Ladies nationwide to drive impactful initiatives that create lasting change across Nigeria. Her priorities include promoting the enrollment of children in schools, empowering women and youth through skills acquisition, advocating against gender-based violence, and supporting women in leadership positions.
She is equally the current National Vice President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association and President of District 03 Nigeria Little League, indicating her impact in promoting sports development among the youth. Her role as a TB Champion and her involvement in the Kwara State Health Committee highlight her commitment to improving health outcomes in her state. She serves as the Matron of various organizations, including the National Council for Women Societies, the Ilorin Golf Club, and the Girls Brigade Kwara State, demonstrating her dedication to community service and empowerment.
Considering her efforts in improving the socioeconomic status and well-being of the people, especially the women, children, and youth, Her Excellency has been bestowed several traditional titles, awards, and recognitions. Some of these include Yeye Aare Soludero of Offa in Kwara State, the Labinjo of Eti Oni in Osun State, and the Erelu of Ilado and Inagbe Islands in Lagos State. These titles reflect her deep connection to her cultural heritage and community.
She also holds the Daily Independent Newspaper North Central First Lady of the Year and the African Peace Legend Award. Her Excellency’s humanitarian efforts have also earned her the Rotary Humanitarian Service Award.
With a heart of love and humanitarianism, Her Excellency, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq established a philanthropic center called Ajike People Support Centre, which provides resources and opportunities for vulnerable individuals and communities. The Centre has trained thousands in various vocations and led health outreaches, significantly impacting the lives of the beneficiaries.
Despite her demanding roles, Her Excellency balances her professional duties with her personal life, often involving her children in her work to maintain family bonds.
In conclusion, Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolake Abdulrazaq’s distinguished career in diplomacy, commitment to public service, and dedication to gender development are exemplary. As the First Lady of Kwara State, she continues to inspire and uplift communities through her leadership and compassion. Her legacy is one of service and empowerment, significantly improving the welfare of women, children, and youth. By actively participating in various organizations and committees, she ensures a broad impact, promoting social empowerment and better living standards for Nigerians.