A Gender advocate and Founder of Society Development Foundation for Women and Children (SODEF), Precious Olofinyokun, shine brightly Wednesday at the 5th FOWOSO Summit, where she received the esteemed FOWOSO Award for her efforts at championing the cause of girl-child.
Olofinyokun stood out among the 2023 FOWOSO Summit honorees, with her citation detailing her remarkable contributions to the betterment of the girl-child in Ondo State, and beyond, a recognition voiced by FOWOSO itself.
No fewer than 20 prominent citizens of the state were honoured with awards in recognition of their contributions to gender development. They include the State Commissiiner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, who was made He 4 She Ambassador; Mrs Toyin Ade; Mrs Kehinde Adeniran, Miss Lead Akinfiresoye and Princess Dora Kayode- Awoloye.
Speaking shortly after the award presentation, Olofinyokun commended the Ondo State First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, Ada Owerri 1, for recognizing her modest contribution to girl- child welfare with the prestigious award.
Olofinyokun highlighted Mrs Akeredolu’s remarkable efforts in advocating for improved welfare for girls and women, stressing that the Ondo State First Lady’s inspiring contributions to the development of women and girls has made her a role model to the younger generation.
She equally praised the Society Development Foundation for Women and Children (SODEF), acknowledging the group’s contributions to women and children development, which she said, played a pivotal role in realizing the award.
The Gender advocate pledged to use the honour as a catalyst to redouble her efforts at elevating the girl-child’s prominence in societal priorities.
Miss Olofinyokun who dedicated the award to all champions of the welfare and wellbeing of the girl child, also thanked her mentor Erelu Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi and those who have positively influenced her work, including Dr Margaret Fagboyo, Barr. Shirley Atane, Barr. Rita Ilevbare, Mrs Tumininu Adedeji, Barr Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, Miss Moyinoluwa Gold as well as her current boss Omoba Jimi Odimayo
She urged political figures, religious leaders, traditional custodians, and all stakeholders to elevate the status of girl-child welfare, emphasizing its pivotal role in nation-building.
The Awardee said her recognition by the FOWOSO not only honours her unwavering commitment but also serves as a rallying point for a unified efforts toward elevating the welfare and rights of the girl-child in Ondo State and Nigeria at in general.