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.

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.

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”

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How Elizabeth Anjorin rose from the streets of Badagry to become one of Nollywood’s most resilient and inspiring women

Her name is Liz Anjorin — a powerhouse in Yoruba Nollywood, celebrated for her strength, business sense, and determination. Born Elizabeth Ibukunoluwa Anjorin, she is one of the few Nigerian actresses whose story deeply reflects the grit and glory of a woman determined to change her destiny.

Early Life and Background

Liz Anjorin was born in Badagry, Lagos State, into a modest family where her father was a Christian and her mother a Muslim. Growing up, she faced the harsh realities of poverty, helping her mother hawk food and doing small jobs to survive. She often recalls in interviews how this experience shaped her drive for success.

She once described her upbringing as “tough but defining,” saying that it taught her the value of hard work and persistence. Those early days in Badagry became the foundation of her story — one that would later inspire many women to rise above life’s limitations.

(Sources: Culture Intelligence, Glamsquad Magazine)

Education

Liz Anjorin attended both her primary and secondary school education in Lagos before proceeding to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. She studied Transport Planning and Management, a course she chose because she believed it could open doors in both business and logistics.

Despite the challenges of combining education and financial struggle, she persevered and eventually graduated. Her academic journey, though not smooth, reflected her enduring belief that education was a tool for transformation.

(Source: Vanguard Nigeria)

Career Rise and Achievements

Liz Anjorin’s journey into Nollywood began in the early 2000s. Her first major break came with the movie “Ise Onise”, which drew attention to her acting prowess. From there, she went on to feature in and produce a series of successful Yoruba-language films such as “Arewa Ejo” (2009), “Owowunmi” (2010), “Tolani Gbarada”, “Gold”, “Kofo Tinubu”, and “Owo Naira Bet.”

Her films often tackle themes of womanhood, betrayal, love, and ambition — mirroring her personal philosophy that women can be powerful without losing their moral compass. Over the years, she became not just an actress but also a producer, entrepreneur, and motivational voice for young Nigerian women.

She has received multiple award nominations and industry recognition for her work in Yoruba cinema and entrepreneurship.

Family and Personal Life

In July 2020, Liz Anjorin married Lateef Adegboyega Lawal, a businessman. The union sparked considerable attention online but has since become one of her most defining life chapters.

She has a daughter, Rotimi, from a previous relationship and welcomed another child with her husband in May 2021 in the United States. Liz often speaks about motherhood as her greatest blessing, saying it gave her strength and purpose.

Her family life, though private, remains a balance between career and faith. She is known to be deeply spiritual, combining both her Christian and Islamic upbringing into a personal philosophy centred on gratitude and faith.

(Sources: Legit.ng, Allure Vanguard)

Age and Personal Values

Although Liz Anjorin’s exact year of birth is debated, most reliable reports list it as April 4, 1976, placing her in her late 40s as of 2025. She remains vibrant, outspoken, and confident — traits that have earned her admiration and controversy alike.

She often describes herself as a “child of grace” who has refused to let gossip or public scrutiny define her worth. This resilience has become one of her trademarks in Nollywood.

(Source: The City Celeb)

Legacy and Impact

Liz Anjorin’s legacy is deeply tied to her entrepreneurial mindset and her message of self-reliance. She runs multiple businesses, including a fashion brand and luxury fabric store, reflecting her belief that actors should not depend solely on movie income.

Her transformation from street hawker to celebrated actress and business mogul serves as a living inspiration to young Nigerian women — a reminder that success is born from persistence, not privilege.

She remains one of the most influential Yoruba actresses of her generation, representing women who dare to rise, speak, and rebuild their own stories in the face of adversity.

From Badagry’s humble corners to the bright lights of Nollywood, Liz Anjorin’s life is a remarkable story of faith, discipline, and determination. Her journey continues to inspire, proving that resilience — not background — defines destiny.

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Ken Okolugbo, Communication and Strategy Consultant to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why some people from the Anioma area of Delta State do not identify as Igbo despite their ethnic and linguistic similarities.

Speaking during an interview on African Independent Television, AIT, Okolugbo said the reluctance of many Anioma people to associate with the South-East stems from the lingering stigma attached to the Biafra war.

He said: “My full name is Ekenechukwu Chikwunonazu Okolugbo, that is pure Igbo. But some of my people will say, no, we are not Igbo because they don’t want to be with the South-East, because of the stigma the region has always had in terms of the Biafra war. So they will tell you, no, I don’t want to be identified with the South-East.”

Okolugbo, who served as a consultant to the Senate President during the recent state creation deliberations, commended the 10th National Assembly for addressing the imbalance in state distribution across the country.

He noted that while the South-West, South-South, North-Central, and North-East each have six states, and the North-West has seven, the South-East remains with only five — a situation he described as inequitable.

“I give it to the 10th National Assembly for realizing that this imbalance has to be taken care of. It is not just about agitation for states, it is about fairness,” he said.

According to him, the proposal to create new states, including Anioma, Orashi, Adada, Etiti, and others, was part of efforts to promote inclusivity and reduce agitations in the South-East.

He added that granting the South-East a sixth state would help douse regional tension and send a strong message of equity and reconciliation.

“One of the reasons we have unrest in the South-East has been marginalization. If a new state is created, it will give the people a sense of belonging and help address some of the grievances fueling the Monday sit-at-home,” he said.

Okolugbo described Anioma State as the most viable among the seven proposed new states, though he acknowledged that other regions also have legitimate claims.

“It’s one and a half years into the life of this administration. I don’t think so many states can be created. But if even one is created, it will be a win-win situation for the Tinubu administration,” he added.

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