It was a simple invitation that was to end with  a relationship many say may outlive the tenure of the deputy Governor of Lagso State Mrs. Orelope Adefulire.

A meeting between the deputy Governor and the former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria and Lagos Environmental Ambassador Omawunmi Akinifesi at the former’s office at Roundhouse, Alausa, Lagos, was all it took to lend credence to the ex-beauty queen’s drive to bring women, especially younger women in Lagos State, in touch with opportunities for self development and empowerment, which has been a focus of her work since 2008.

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“From your time in the Ministry as Commissioner for Women Affairs, you have clearly demonstrated a passion for women and girls in Lagos State,” Ms. Akinnifesi told the deputy during their conversation.

“You have served as a role model in areas from public service to personal achievements, and you have clearly shown consistency in your understanding of what that target is- group needs, and how society should meet that need”

The Deputy Governor was visibly gladdened by Ms. Akinnifesi’s visit, noting her “passion and resilience for women, as well as a track record of capacity to empower and encourage young up and coming women in the state and in Nigeria as a whole.”

She reaffirmed her commitment and will to support Omowunmi’s projects, and outlined areas of immediate and mid-term collaboration.

“Clearly, I am excited to receive support in the work that I do,” she said after the meeting. “Much of the work that I do as a business woman are decidedly low key because those are professional assignments.

But the work that is ahead in terms of advocacy and empowering young women in Lagos with capacity and knowledge deserve more attention.”