By Wilfred Eya
Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, is passionate and untiring in her pursuit of the common good. From her track records, every dream geared towards adding value to humanity is achievable.
A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service to the nation, Ambassador Abdulrazaq has served in various capacities, leaving indelible marks on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape by leading advocacies and influencing policies and programmes that directly affect women, youth, and children.
She established the Ajike People Support Centre to carter for the needs of vulnerable women, youths and children. Through this initiative, she has mobilised purposeful action to address pressing challenges.
The Ajike People Support Centre serves as a beacon of hope, providing vital resources, support, and opportunities for vulnerable individuals and communities. Under her visionary leadership, the centre has become a catalyst for positive change, tackling issues such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.
Her incredible dedication to humanity extends beyond the borders of Kwara State. As the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum, she spearheads collaborative efforts with other First Ladies nationwide, amplifying their collective voices and driving impactful initiatives that create lasting change nationwide.
Born on August 2, 1967 in Lagos, young Olufolake proceeded to the United States where she started her early education and later returned to Nigeria to complete same. She was admitted into the University of Lagos where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1988, after which she proceeded for her one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps at the 1st Mechanized Infantry Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna from 1988 to 1989.
In 1990, she bagged a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications before she proceeded to acquire a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy in 1991, at the University of Lagos. On October 5, 2019, Olufolake Abdulrazaq was conferred with Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa (DSC Hons) in Excellent Governance and Social Empowerment by the European American University.
She started her public service career in 1993 at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where, through hard work, dedication and forthrightness, ascended the ladder to the peak of her chosen career. She was the Third Secretary/Foreign Service Officer at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lagos liaison office from 1994 –1998, from where she proceeded to the Nigerian High Commission, London and served as Counsellor, Political Affairs, Trade, Investment and Administration from 1998 to 2004.
From November 2017 to September 2018, she served as the acting Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. She was also the Acting Director and Head of Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation division from September 2018 to April 2019.
While serving in South Africa, France and the United Kingdom, Abdulrazaq has been commended as part of the team that organised successful presidential visits to these countries. She is also the Alternate Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the board of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.
Olufolake Abdulrazaq is a lover of family, children, sports and all creative endeavours. She is The Sun First Lady of the Year.