By Femi Alufa

The words of King Lemuel’s mother ,the utterance which his mother taught him:”who can find a virtuous woman for her worth is far above rubies” was echoed by the genius with a pen who wrote the number 31 chapter of the book of Proverbs in the Bible. King Solomon could not have met Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi but he describes her perfectly in Proverbs chapter 31 verse 10 to 31 in the Bible.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi is one of those rare women whose attitude, achievement, assets and applause has truly given us a stunning picturesque of a virtuous woman in our world today. She radiates power and authority, values and virtues with a life of selfless service, social change, fairness and fearlessness and no less influence. This wife and mother is a woman of influence not because she is a wife of the former Governor as a former First Lady but because she is a quintessence of candor and courage and she is recognized at home and abroad for her profile as a testimony of an excellent worth.

Reading through her Autobiography, Speaking Above A Whisper, which she gave to me as a complimentary copy in the early January 2021.I read her life peregrinations that is really adventurous and fascinating like the Homer’s Odyssey, and concluded that this is a woman of extraordinary energy and a gem of creativity, courage and compassion that exemplifies a beacon of hope to our generation and has a rendezvous with destiny. Your Excellency Ma, May your strength be firm.

Her story is not only about courage and inspiration but calmness in misfortune and head straight to the pursuit of prize. She is a good runner that never wanders to reach her goal. Her lovely father described her as an exceptional child: There is nothing you cannot do. My daughter here is worth more than ten sons. She really appreciates her parents for her good upbringing with immense gratitude as she wrote in her autobiography: Many people refer to me as privileged, silver spoon or aje butter. I am not sure if these are indeed accurate assumptions. My parents were not rich people, but I do admit that I grew up lacking nothing…I was brought up with the right balance of love, attention and indulgence on one hand, and appropriate discipline, accountability and sanction on the other.

She also attributed her good success in life for the gift of a lifetime companion.”I thank God for giving me my husband, Kayode Fayemi, who I refer to as JK …With him in my life, the journey has been exciting and deeply fulfilling.”

Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a dogged advocate of gender equality and an indefatigable champion of the masses with a heart of gold. She is hospitable as she will treat you with a kind and courteous attention irrespective of your social status. If you judge her from distance you will be mistaken that she is not receptive but she is humble and down- to earth. She is an egalitarian and gender specialist who believes in equity and fairness to all.

Moreover, Mrs Fayemi is a woman who leads with wisdom, courage, compassion and giftedness. These are the virtues that first endeared her to me when meeting her for the first time. May God continue to speak His blessings into her life.

Happy Birthday to Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, the wife and mother who is a woman of influence not because she tries to be one, but because of who she is as an embodiment who speak well above a whisper.
We thank God for such a good favour and glamour as you to humanity. May you live each year in good health and strength. Long live the most gorgeous and glamorous First Lady of our time.
Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Igba odun,odun kan ni o.

• Femi Alufa is the publisher of Ekiti Summit News Media Group. BIOGRAPHICAL VIGNETTE

Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, feminist scholar, author and philanthropist was born in Liverpool, England on June 11, 1963 by Nigerian parents. She had her education in Nigeria and United Kingdom with academic laurels in History, Cultural Anthropology and Gender studies. She received her Masters degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU),Ile-Ife,Nigeria and Middlesex University,UK.

In 2000, she co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)-the first Africa-wide grant making fund that is supporting women’s organization in Africa.

Mrs.Fayemi has received honours at home and abroad, she is the Ochiora (Women’s Leader) of Imezi Owa in Ezeagwu LGA, Enugu State, Erelu (Queen mother) of Ishan Kingdom in Ekiti State and Ajiseye (Philanthropist) of Ado-Ekiti. The New African Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People of Africa (2011), President, Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide (ABBW) (2020-2022) and Ekiti Summit News – ESN (Ekiti Summit Newspaper Person of the Year (2021).

The mother of Folajimi Amandla and wife of Dr.Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State is also the Mother Teresa to millions of children and youth across the world. She is a true African icon and beacon of inspiration to our world.

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