by 'Tunde Ogunmola
The appointment of Rt. Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso as the Executive Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to public service.
With a remarkable track record and unwavering passion for driving growth and development, Hon. Tejuoso is ideal for this critical role. She's indeed a round peg in a round hole.
A seasoned lawyer with bias for gender activism and progressive politician, Hon. Tejuoso has consistently demonstrated her commitment to empowering women and championing social justice.
Her contributions to the Lagos State House of Assembly where she represented Mushin Constituency 1 for four consecutive terms, are notable and marked by significant legislative achievements, including the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill into Law, a Private Member Bill she sponsored when she heldswey as the Deputy Chief Whip in the House. This landmark legislation has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals in Lagos State, and also served as a reference to other States' Assemblies.
Her contributions to the passage of numerous other bills, spanning education, health, infrastructure, and child rights, cemented her legacy as a champion of social justice.
Hon. Tejuoso's contributions of social justice and women's empowerment extended beyond the Chamber of the Assembly. Her book, "Overcoming Domestic Violence," is a testament to her dedication to addressing critical social issues. Through her collaboration with Non-governmental Organisations NGOs and fellow activists, Hon. Tejuoso has worked tirelessly to create a more just society.
Born into the eminent family of the late Dr. Smith of Lagos, and married into the famous Tejuoso royal family of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Hon. Tejuoso's foray into politics began in 1996 with the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), where she vied to represent Mushin at the House of Representatives. But the democratic project was short-lived by the military junta of late General Sanni Abacha.
However, as she navigated the complex world of politics, Hon. Tejuoso's passion for public service only grew stronger. Undaunted, her determination and sheer confidence and passion for public service led her to join the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999 at the beginning of Nigeria's Fourth Republic and later became the Secretary of the Central Working Committee of AD in Mushin. Throughout her illustrious career, Hon. Tejuoso has achieved numerous milestones, including being a founding member of the Ideal Club, a political group in Mushin and later founded the Tejuoso Campaign Organisation (TEJCO), demonstrating her unrelenting commitment to her community. Being a pioneer member of prominent organisations, such as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation (BATCO), and The Independent Campaign Organisation (ICG) further solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in Lagos political firmament.
Retrospectively, Hon. Tejuoso's journey is a validation to the power of perseverance and determination. From her early days at the University of Lagos Staff School to her academic pursuit at West Virginia University and the University of Buckingham, she defied odds and pushed boundaries. Her academic achievements, including a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, paved the way for her distinguished career in law and politics. She is currently advancing her academic pursuits, working towards a doctorate degree at the prestigious University of Lagos. Hon. Tejuoso's emergence as Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly, a historic milestone that made her the second female legislator to hold this position, is a confirmation of her trailblazing spirit.
A woman of unyielding spirit, her dedication to public service, coupled with her impressive record, makes her a model for quality leadership.
As Rt. Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso embarks on this new chapter in her career, her legacy serves as a compass for women and girls across Lagos and Nigeria, while she is poised to make a greater impact and bring to fruition an accelerated economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced living for people of the Southwest.
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