Protocols
It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I welcome you all to this timely and important discussion, hosted by the HID Awolọwọ Foundation. Today’s webinar, centred on the theme, “Building a Viable Society in Challenging Times: The Critical Role of Women,” is both a call to action and a celebration of the indispensable role women play in shaping societies, especially in times of uncertainty and transformation.
As we gather virtually, permit me, first of all, to honour the legacy of Yeye Oodua
Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolọwọ, CON, whose resilience, and resolute commitment
to her husband’s vision of societal development continue to inspire generations. Her life exemplified the transformative power of women as builders of families, communities, and nations, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Permit me to, also, acknowledge the fact that her legacy is integral to that of her husband, Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ, SAN, GCFR. Indeed, theirs was an exemplary partnership in which Papa was the visioner and leader—a man with the foresight and determination to chart a course for a better Nigeria. His vision required a solid foundation to thrive, and that is where Mama Awolọwọ’s strength, loyalty, and dynamism came into play.
Charged with managing the home front, she went far beyond this role, becoming a driving force in her own right. Mama was a woman of remarkable entrepreneurship and resilience, who not only supported her husband’s vision but also stepped into the arena when times demanded it. She demonstrated an ability to adapt, lead, and
make critical decisions, ensuring that the family’s mission—and the legacy they were building—stayed on course.
In their partnership, we find lessons for our times. They teach us that even in the darkest times, we can find light through vision, courage, and the strength of partnership. They teach us that challenges are not barriers but opportunities to rise, innovate, and persevere.
As custodians of their legacy, we bear the responsibility to share these timeless lessons. We must ensure that the world knows of their sacrifices, their values, and the enduring impact of their work. In doing so, we preserve their memory and offer guidance to others searching for answers in their own challenging times.
Papa and Mama Awolọwọ were giants in every sense of the word—giants of
intellect, giants of integrity, giants of service, and giants of sacrifice. They were giants not only because of their individual accomplishments but because of the example they set as a team—a partnership rooted in trust, strength, and a shared vision for a better future.
Their lives were a testament to the power of purposeful living. They left us a blueprint for leadership and a legacy of hope.
It is, therefore, with immense pride and, I hasten to add, humility that I speak before you today, reflecting on the legacy of these two extraordinary individuals. To be their offspring is not just a privilege. It is a profound responsibility, indeed a calling—a calling to honour their memory and to ensure that their values, vision, and achievements are not only preserved but shared widely with the world.
As we celebrate their exceptional contributions, we must remember that their legacy is not meant to be confined to history books or family stories. It is a legacy that demands to be shared, understood, and applied—in Nigeria and beyond. Their ideals of visionary leadership, equality, and the pursuit of a better society are universal truths that resonate far beyond our borders.
To share their legacy is to honour their memory. It is to ensure that their life’s work inspires people from all walks of life to strive for excellence, to lead with integrity, and to dream of a brighter tomorrow. We must tell their stories—of how they dared to dream of a Nigeria built on education, self-reliance, and social justice. We must showcase how they embodied courage and resilience in the pursuit of their goals.
We are tasked with carrying forth the torch they lit, ensuring that it burns brightly for generations to come. This is the reasoning behind the decision to institutionalise their legacy through the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Foundation and the HID Awolọwọ Foundation in order to, among other reasons, provide avenues for continuous dialogue on the great issues of the day, as well as create a sustainable platform for intellectual growth and societal transformation.
As we do this, let us also remember that we, too, have the power to be giants in our own right. By upholding their values, by daring to dream and work tirelessly for the betterment of society, we honour their legacy and ensure that their vision continues to shape the Nigeria—and the world—of their dreams.
In times like these—when uncertainty clouds our path and the challenges before us seem daunting—it is essential to reflect on the example of two individuals who not only lived through challenging times but also managed to transform those times into opportunities for growth, resilience, and progress.
The challenges facing our societies today—be they economic instability, insecurity, social inequality, or global crises—demand innovative solutions and inclusive approaches.
Women, as agents of change, bring unique perspectives, compassion, and determination to the process of addressing these issues. Their contributions in leadership, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and governance are essential to creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
Today, we have brought together a highly distinguished panel of speakers, ably led by no less a personage than HE Dr Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group,
supported by erudite scholars and experts representing diverse fields and experiences, to engage in this important dialogue. Our aim is not just to discuss the critical role of women but also to identify actionable strategies that empower women to lead and contribute effectively to societal transformation.
We are also fortunate to have in our midst, functionaries of State, at the highest levels, to listen and contribute to the dialogue. We eagerly anticipate your insights into the theme of this webinar and we are convinced that this meeting of minds will yield significant results. We thank you all, most sincerely, for honouring us with your distinguished presence.
As we delve into these discussions, I urge each of us to reflect on how we can, collectively and individually, support the advancement of women and amplify their voices in every sphere of life.
In this regard, as the year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, a landmark event that laid the foundation for a global agenda for advancing gender equality, the HID Awolọwọ Foundation plans to commemorate “Beijing + 30” as part of our events calendar for next year.
I cannot end these remarks without expressing my profound appreciation to the Chairman, Senator Daisy Danjuma, and all the members of the Advisory Council of the HID Awolọwọ Foundation for their dedication, and unflagging support for the advancement of the Foundation’s mission. They have deployed their time, talent, intellect, networks and resources for the benefit of the Foundation. Their contributions have been pivotal to ensuring that initiatives like this webinar continue to inspire and empower society. My sincerest appreciation to you all.
Sadly, we lost a valued member, Chief Tunji Ayanlaja, SAN, a couple of years ago. Please join me to pray for the continued peaceful repose of his great soul.
In closing, Your Excellencies, Royal Fathers, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I, once again, welcome you, most heartily to this webinar and wish you a rewarding time with us this evening.
I thank you all for your attention.
Ambassador Dr O. Awolọwọ Dosumu Convener, HID Awolọwọ Foundation November 25, 2024
