Regent of Ayeka, Princess Oluyemi Bajowa, seven others bag Ondo female role model awards.
– Steve Ovirih.
Hero Magazine International has celebrated Ondo female role models in a huge Leadership award ceremony in Akure , the Ondo State capital. The high octane event held on Sunday, the 14th November at The Dome International event center.
It will be recalled that Hero Magazine International under the Editorial Management of Dr. Akinbiola, the Irele, Ondo South born Publisher has sustained this annual recognition and celebration of Amazons and women of substance who have distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavors in both public and private sector, for the past ten years and still running.
The event kicked off at 4 PM by which time the auditorium was already filled to the brim with eminent Ondo State indigenes.
Eight feminine achievers and pride of Ondo State emerged this year as Ondo State Female Role Model honorees ; they are : Her Royal Highness, Princess Barr. Oluyemi Bajowa, the Regent of Ayeka kingdom and wife of Prince. Dr (Gen) Olu Bajowa, OFR (RTD), Ondo State first female Brigadier General, Mrs Bolanle Esther Ajayi, Barr. Prophetess Comfort Omoniyi and Chaplain Mrs. Folake Esan.
The rest are DSP Funmi Odunlami Omisanya, (Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer – PPRO), Olubukola Olatokunbo Olayinka ( the famed Onigege Ara), Regent Amb. Olufunmilayo Ojo and Mrs. Olufunmilola Bankole.
In the opinion of the convener of the event and Publisher of Hero Magazine, Dr. Akinbiola, the selection process of the final list passed through a painstaking effort which required critical assessment as only the best were fit to be decorated as female role models who have done the Sunshine State proud.
In his remark at the event, Akinbiola congratulated the honorees and charged them to continue to impact the society so that the girl – child can continue to look up to them as proud and successful role models worthy of emulation.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN was represented at the event by the Secretary to Ondo State Government, who of course is the first female SSG in Ondo State, Princess. Barr. Oladunni Catherine Odu.
In her speech, Princess Odu noted that recognising women who are doing Ondo State society proud is a laudable project, stressing that Ondo State Government runs a women-friendly administration under Gov. Akeredolu who has encouraged women participation in politics. ” There are so many programmes towards women and girl- child emancipation embarked on by Ondo State Governor’s wife, Arabinrin Becky Anyanwu- Akeredolu, part of which is the BEMORE Bootcamp which has been yielding positive results in the state,” Princess Odu said. 
Earlier in his welcome address , Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, the human rights activist noted that all the awardees are trail blazers and have remained Outstanding and will continue to be. He saluted the commitment of Hero Magazine to seeking out these legendary women and recognizing their strides and contributions to the Ondo State brand. ” Without women there can’t be humanity and we have all come from the women who nursed us from the cradle to maturity, so these female achievers here seated are exemplary leaders in whom the good people of Ondo State are very proud,” Dr. Abayomi enthused.
Among the major highlight of the award presentation ceremony was the cultural dance by a special dance troupe ,
the unveiling of the 10th year c 
ommemorative Hero Magazine coordinated by Ondo SSG and the launching of the Magazine by the awardees as well as their well wishers; cutting of the award cake and presentation of plaque to the eight distinguished honorees.
The Regent of Ayeka, HRH, Princess Barr. Oluyemi Bajowa was presented the award of ‘the woman of the year role model’ and ‘woman of the year in public sector 2021.’,
In her acceptance speech which she made available to thepolity.net, Princess Oluyemi Bajowa said , ‘ it is with the greatest honor, privilege and utmost humility that I receive and accept the excellent award as the Ondo State Female Role Model and woman of the year in Public Sector 2021.
“I bring love, light and greetings from my husband , Prince Dr.(Gen) Joseph Oluyemi Bajowa, OFR, the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from the Source, my rock, my pillar , my crown, my inspiration,my teacher and my sweet love. The man that God brought into my life so that I can manifest God’s will and purpose in my life.”
Continuing Princess Oluyemi Bajowa said, ” I therefore dedicate this award to my husband, who has given me the platform to soar high like eagle and to be useful to humanity and the society.”
Gen. Olu Bajowa (RTD) who spoke with thepolity.net on the sidelines of the event maintained that women are more or less becoming key players in the socio-economic development of the society, charging men to continue to provide the leverage that could make their wives to soar and reach the peak in their respective professions.
The Jagunmolu of Ikaleland applauded Hero Magazine for beaming its searchlight on women who are deploying their skills towards advancing the cause of humanity.
While launching the Magazine, Gen. Bajowa made a handsome donation of five hundred thousand naira.
Among the high profile dignitaries at the event were Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Dr.Tunji Abayomi, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, former Secretary to Ondo State Government, Chairman Ondo State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Ajose Kudehinbu, Rt. Revd. Ipinmoye, Retired Bishop, Diocese of Akure, Pastor Omoniyi, Executive Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Olaniyi, Col. Tunde Afolabi, Col. Ologungboye, High Chief Babatunde Michael Ayeyowa, the Liha of Ayeka and Oloja Ugbeayeka and Ayeka High Chiefs.
