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By Funsho Arogundade
Leadership is not only based on merit and competence but also takes account of symbolic impact. For Senator Grace Folashade Bent, a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, who represented Adamawa South Senatorial district in the sixth Senate, her dedication to public service and commitment to Nigeria’s progress are qualities that make her a standout leader.
A detribalized Nigerian, who is fondly called “GOGGO” by her admirers and the people of Adamawa State, especially her constituency, Senator Bent, in 2007, made history when she defeated many of her opponents in the senatorial election to represent Adamawa South, the largest senatorial district in the state, on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). With this, she became the first female Senator in the northeast geopolitical region of Nigeria and also the first female Senator based on marital affiliation to be elected into the Senate from northern Nigeria —her husband, Jackson Bent is an indigene of Adamawa State— and she is the first Nigerian to systematically analyse inter-ethnic marriages in her ground-breaking book, Inter-Ethnic Marriages In Nigeria: Beacon Of National Unity.’
Senator Bent has a clear vision for the future of this great country. She is a woman who believes in hard work and encourages those around her to exhibit such sterling quality. She demonstrated a high sense of commitment to doing good for the people while at the red chamber of the National Assembly—and even outside the hallowed chamber.
Apart from being a socialite, the elegant politician’s impressive portfolio also included serving as Coordinator of the Stakeholders (Special Duties) Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. She has therefore been rewarded for her good deeds.
In diplomatic circles there is a high sense of meritocracy where individual achievement is valued. As such, Senator Bent’s achievements were valued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who nominated her as one of the ambassador-designates. No doubt, as ambassador she will establish a robust and harmonious relationship with her host country.
Indeed, it was a double honour for the courageous, devoted, visionary and dynamic woman who is dedicated to the cause of her country and people. Apart from being an ambassador designate, Senator Bent alongside her husband, Jackson Bent were recently installed as ‘Yeye Aare Arimuyanga of Oka Akoko’ and Aare Amuyangan respectively during the celebration of Igoke Agba by the monarch of Oka Akoko, Oba Dr. Yusuf Adebori Adeleye at the palace of the ancient Ondo State town.
