By Chris Onuoha

The First Lady of Osun State, Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Award of Excellence in Governance’ culminating to UN Peace Ambassador badge by the United Nations Global Women Foundation (UNGWF).

Erelu Adeleke received  the award in New York, United States on March 18, 2024, at the event organised by EDU WEALTH AFRICA summit in collaboration with UNGWF with theme; “Transforming Lives, Building Futures for Women and Girls.”
Focusing on global discourse on women’s empowerment and governance, the highly attended summit also featured a remarkable leadership and advocacy for gender equality. The gathering also served as a platform to celebrate exemplary individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing gender equity and inclusive governance.

“With this recorgnition, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’s unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls has been a beacon of inspiration across Africa and beyond,” said the organisers. “Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’s recognition underscores the pivotal role of visionary leadership in driving transformative change on a global scale,” they added.

Speaking on the euphoria of the award and plethora of others, HE Erelu Ngozi Adeleke expressed her overflowing joy for being found worthy of such a global recognition including numerous honours that come her way. She also dedicated the award to her husband,  His excellency, Sen. Jackson Ademola Adeleke for being the supporting pillar behind her achievements and upwardly mobile gaits.

“I am overflowing with joy and gratitude to announce that I have been honoured with the prestigious ‘UNITED NATIONS PEACE AMBASSADOR AWARD’, presented by the United Nations Global Women Foundation.

“This global recognition is a demonstration of the dedication and hard work that I have put into promoting peace and empowerment on a global scale.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation for my darling, amazing and supportive husband, the executive governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke whose love and support have been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” she added. 

Erelu Ngozi Adeleke also expressed gratitude to her supportive group, ‘Team Erelu Ngozi Adeleke’ for their loyalty, commitment and support which according to her have played a significant role in my success. “Without your constant moral, physical and intellectual support, this would not have been possible, remarked Erelu Adeleke, as she also thanked the phenomenal women in Osun State and the State of the Livingspring, US, who have shown tremendous support for the administration of her husband. 

“Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Global Women Foundation for bestowing this prestigious honour upon me. It is truly humbling to be recognized on such a global platform. 

“As the First Lady of Osun State, I am committed to continuing my efforts to improve governance and promote peace and unity,” she said.