In a world yearning for strong women who can uplift and inspire, the remarkable story of Idiat Olunranti Adebuleechoes loudly. As Amy Tenney aptly put it, “The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved, women who live bravely, both tender and fierce, women of indomitable will.”
Adebule’s name is etched alongside great leaders like Nelson Mandela, Amy Klobuchar, and Napoleon Bonaparte, not just for her impressive political career but for her dogged commitment to bettering the lives of her people. She embodies selflessness, focus, and diligence, and her conduct, despite her elevated position in the Centre of Excellence, remains remarkably free of conceit. Her warm smile, as infectious as her passion, is worthy of note all the time.
“History was made in the annals of our country’s political landscape with the inauguration of the 10th Senate, of which I am a proud part, representing the good people of Lagos West Senatorial District. Thank you, Lagos West; I will not take this mandate for granted,” she exclaimed after securing her recent senatorial seat.
Adebule’s political journey began as the 15th deputy governor of Lagos State, making her the sixth woman to hold this prestigious position from 2015 to 2019. But her ambitions don’t stop there; she is relentless in her quest to encourage more women to take part in the political sphere.
Her life story is one of dogged determination and relentless effort, a proof of triumphing over life’s adversities. Born in the modest Ojo Alaworo Community of Badagry, Adebule’slifelong mission has been to serve as a beacon of hope for her people. Her pursuit of excellence has been the driving force behind every endeavour, propelling her up the ladder of success in an intensely competitive world.
Born on November 27, 1970, into the Idowu-Esho family of Ojo Alaworo in Lagos State, Adebule’s journey started with her primary and secondary education at Awori College, Ojo. She then pursued a degree in Islamic education at Lagos State University in 1992. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a diploma from the Nigeria Institute of International Education Association in 2006, specialising in early childhood development curriculum, school administration, and evaluation. She continued her education with a master’s degree in curricular studies at the same university and later completed her doctorate degree in 2012.
Her career took root as a junior lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe. Later, she transferred to the Department of Curriculum Activities at Lagos State University, where she played a vital role in shaping the Lagos State Education Policy Document. Her leadership positions within LASU were numerous, from chairing committees to overseeing various educational programmes.
Adebule’s outstanding leadership qualities have consistently set her apart as a figure destined for greatness. Leadership, as she understands it, is the linchpin to driving change and progress in any society. Her political journey began when she was appointed as Commissioner 1 in the Lagos State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (PP-TESCOM), under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She then served as a board member of the Lagos State Scholarship Board.
In July 2011, she took on the role of Secretary to the State Government, a pivotal position appointed by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). On May 29, 2015, Adebule was sworn in as the deputy governor of Lagos, a momentous occasion marking the zenith of her political career.
Her journey through the labyrinth of Nigerian politics took her through various political parties, including the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the Badagry Division of the Leaders Forum. She also served as the Woman Representative for the Lagos Central Working Committee’s West Senatorial District. Her passion for the welfare of society’s underprivileged sections is deeply rooted in her personal experience, as she hails from humble beginnings. Adebule empathetically refers to the poor and vulnerable as integral parts of her constituency and goes the extra mile to provide assistance.
Apart from her remarkable political career, Adebule is a prolific writer, with her works featured in numerous regional, national, and international publications. Her contributions, such as “The Imperative of Religion and Peace in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: the Plateau State Experience” and “The Effective Use of Educational Technology for Religious Education Teaching Among Secondary Schools in Lagos State, Nigeria,” reflect her deep insights and expertise.
As a leader with a proven track record, Adebule’s hard work and devotion have earned her recognition, leading her party, the APC, to nominate her as the deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 general elections. Her success in previous roles is a testament to her preparedness for more significant challenges, making her an unquestionably reliable and tested leader.
Beyond her leadership attributes, Adebule’s boundless compassion for the oppressed is a defining aspect of her character. Her commitment to uplifting the less fortunate is unwavering, and she views it not as a duty but as a passion. “I can’t bear the sight of people in despair,” she once declared. “If I could, I would give every despairing individual a reason to be hopeful and excited about life again.” Her heart overflows with the milk of human kindness.
Today, as the senator of Lagos West under the APC banner, Adebule continues to touch and transform lives. Her dedication to the less privileged and her commitment to providing for those who have little echo Franklin Roosevelt’s famous words, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”
Idiat Olunranti Adebule, a leader, an inspiration, and a compassionate soul, represents the very best of what a leader can be in the world of politics. Her journey is one of indomitable spirit, and her story attests to the effectiveness of women’s leadership not just in Nigeria and Africa but across the world.
