Connect with us

Lifestyle

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu: The Trailblazing Advocate for Women’s Health and Empowerment

Published

on

How the former First Lady of Ondo State turned personal loss and passion into a national movement for cancer awareness and women’s rights

A Woman of Strength and Vision

The woman in the image is Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a distinguished Nigerian figure celebrated for her work in public health advocacy, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment. As the former First Lady of Ondo State and the widow of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, she has left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Born in Owerri, Imo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s journey from a young student in Eastern Nigeria to a national voice for women’s rights and breast cancer awareness reflects resilience, courage, and determination.

Early Life and Education

Betty Chioma Anyanwu was born in 1953 in Emeabiam, Owerri West Local Government Area, of Imo State. From an early age, she exhibited a keen interest in education and community development — traits that would later define her public service.

She attended Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, before earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1977. Betty later obtained a Master’s degree in Fisheries (Aquaculture) from the University of the Philippines Visayas, under a UNDP/FAO scholarship.

Her academic excellence and passion for health sciences positioned her to become one of Nigeria’s leading voices in public health advocacy.

Career and Rise to Prominence

Before her tenure as First Lady, Betty worked with the Federal Department of Fisheries in Lagos, where she served as an aquaculturist and contributed to Nigeria’s efforts in developing sustainable fish farming practices.

See also  PHOTOS: Nollywood Actress Binta Ayo Mogaji

However, her life took a deeply personal turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. Surviving the illness became a turning point — one that transformed her from a civil servant into an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness and women’s health.

Founding of BRECAN

In 1997, following her recovery, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu founded the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting survivors of breast cancer across the country.

BRECAN quickly grew into one of Nigeria’s most respected advocacy groups, holding public enlightenment campaigns, partnering with hospitals, and establishing community outreach programmes. Through her leadership, thousands of women received education, screenings, and emotional support.

Her popular slogan, “Pink is not just a colour — it’s a call to action,” became a national rallying cry for cancer awareness.

First Lady of Ondo State: Redefining the Role

When her husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, became Governor of Ondo State in 2017, Betty used her platform as First Lady to amplify social causes rather than pursue ceremonial functions.

She launched several initiatives, including:

BEMORE Empowered Initiative: A programme aimed at training young girls in ICT, solar technology, and entrepreneurship — equipping them with modern skills to compete globally.

Gender Equality Campaigns: Advocating for the inclusion of women in politics and leadership roles.

Health Advocacy: Continuing her mission to promote breast cancer screening and preventive healthcare.

Under her leadership, Ondo State saw a renewed emphasis on youth empowerment and women’s education, solidifying her reputation as one of the most active and influential First Ladies in Nigeria’s recent history.

See also  VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

Political Aspirations and Advocacy

In 2023, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu declared her intention to contest for the Imo East Senatorial District seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her candidacy represented a bold step for women in politics — a continuation of her long-standing fight for representation and inclusion.

However, she later withdrew from the race, citing irregularities within the party’s primary process. Despite stepping back, her campaign left an enduring message about fairness, integrity, and women’s participation in governance.

Personal Life and Legacy

Betty was married to Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and two-term Governor of Ondo State. The couple married in 1981 and had four children.

Her husband passed away in December 2023, after a long battle with prostate cancer. His death was deeply felt across Nigeria, but Betty remained a symbol of strength and continuity — standing firm in her advocacy even amid personal grief.

Continuing Her Mission

Today, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu remains active in civic and health-related causes. Her work through BRECAN continues to save lives and shape public health policy in Nigeria. She frequently speaks at national and international conferences, advocating for early cancer detection, research funding, and support systems for women.

Her enduring impact is reflected in the thousands of women empowered through her initiatives, the countless families touched by her compassion, and the young girls inspired by her unwavering confidence.

References

Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) Official Website

Vanguard News (2023): “Betty Akeredolu Withdraws from Imo East Senatorial Race”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

Published

on

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

See also  Alaafin kicks as Makinde installs Ladoja chairman of Obas council

“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

Published

on

Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

See also  VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

Published

on

The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

See also  VIDEO: South African pastor claims the rapture is happening today and Internet users are sharing tips on how one can be ‘saved’

“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Trending