Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq

Walking tall with grace and grit, Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq radiates her aura into the lives she touches with her profound work. Guided by the principles instilled by her father, she has made strides with her diplomatic work and is also the founder of the Ajike People Support Centre. Her work is primarily focused on sexual and Gender-Based Violence, gender inclusion, climate awareness, women in leadership and governance, mental health, and Drug Abuse Eradication.  

A combination of personal values, professional experiences, and a deep commitment to public service has shaped Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq's path to leadership. Growing up, she was fortunate to be surrounded by strong role models who instilled in her the importance of education, resilience, and compassion. These foundational principles have guided her through life.

Her career began in diplomacy, where she had the privilege of representing Nigeria on various international platforms. Working in this space exposed her to the complexities of global relations, negotiation, trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy. She feels that this taught her how to listen actively, lead with empathy, and advocate with integrity, skills that continue to serve her well in her current role.

She says, “Becoming the First Lady of Kwara State presented a new chapter that allowed me to channel my diplomatic experience into a more localised impact. It is both a humbling and empowering position. I've focused my efforts on initiatives that empower and uplift women, youths and children, improve access to healthcare, and enhance educational opportunities across the state. Through our programs and partnerships, we've touched many lives, and I consider that one of my most outstanding achievements.”

As a person, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq would describe herself as deeply committed, compassionate, and purpose-driven. She believes strongly in the power of dialogue, empathy, and collaboration to bring about meaningful change. Her upbringing, education, and professional experiences have shaped her into someone who values integrity, resilience, and service above all else.

She feels her communication style is centred on respect, clarity, and connection. As a diplomat, she learned early on that effective communication is not just about speaking, it's about listening, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. She strives to communicate inclusively and inspiringly, whether engaging with community members in rural areas, addressing policymakers, or speaking on international platforms.

As the First Lady of Kwara State, founder of Ajike People Support Centre, and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum, she often interacts with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. She says, “I approach each conversation with humility and openness because I believe real leadership begins with listening. My goal is always to make others feel seen, heard, and valued and to use my voice to advocate for those who may not have one.”

Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq has had the privilege of impacting and influencing several individuals and communities, and their stories continue to inspire her daily work. She emphasises, “Through my Office and the Ajike People Support Centre, we evolved an empowerment strategy where we train indigents in skills of their choice and present them with grants and tools to practice the vocation they have acquired. This initiative includes mentorship and financial literacy sessions to ensure beneficiaries are better positioned to manage prudently proceeds from their ventures.”

She feels her efforts have been rewarded when she sees how these beneficiaries grow their businesses. Some of them have gone from barely making a living to being able to support their families and positively contribute to the development of their communities.

Her scholarship award program has seen indigent youths through school, and beneficiaries from this program are also in their respective spaces, contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities, the state, and Nigeria as a whole.

Also, the outcomes elicited by the advocacies she led in sexual and Gender-Based Violence, gender inclusion, climate awareness, women in leadership and governance, mental health, and Drug Abuse Eradication continue to positively impact our larger society.

Her father, the late Mr. Ezekiah Olufela Davies, is one of her greatest role models. He profoundly impacted her life, and she feels he was a man of immense strength, grace, and wisdom, qualities she deeply admires and strives to embody in her personal and professional life. Watching him navigate through concerns with quiet dignity and unwavering determination instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and resilience from an early age. She adds, "Professionally, I've also drawn great inspiration from his work as the Head of Information at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, United States of America."

Staying current with the latest industry trends and developments is her commitment and a professional necessity. To this end, she regularly attends policy forums, diplomatic conferences, and developmental summits, locally and internationally, to share her insights on emerging global issues and best practices.

Additionally, she collaborates closely with policy think tanks, civil society organisations, and academic institutions, providing her with data-driven reports and analyses on evolving challenges in education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, and economic development.

Digital tools also play a key role. She follows reputable news outlets, subscribes to policy newsletters, and leverages social media to stay attuned to grassroots voices and innovations.

She feels that delivering a meaningful session to a policymaker, community group, or private client presents unique challenges that require thoughtful navigation.

She remarks, “One of the key challenges is addressing the diverse expectations and backgrounds of those I engage with. People come with different experiences, cultural contexts, and aspirations, and it's essential to find common ground while still addressing individual needs in a way that is both respectful and impactful. This demands high emotional intelligence, adaptability, and deep cultural sensitivity.” 

Another challenge is managing time effectively. As a First Lady and diplomat, her schedule is filled with overlapping responsibilities. To overcome this, she prioritises preparation, studying the client's background, the context of the session, and the desired outcomes, so that every interaction is focused, meaningful, and adds value. She feels that in some cases, there may be scepticism or resistance, especially when addressing long-standing societal issues like gender equity, health reform, or youth empowerment. It takes patience, evidence-based communication, and trust-building to shift mindsets and inspire action.

As the founder of the Ajike People Support Centre, she sees the future of the social impact and human development sector, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, evolving in dynamic and promising ways.

She believes the industry will move toward a more integrated and data-driven approach to development. There is a growing emphasis on accountability, measurable outcomes, and the use of technology to monitor impact. She says, “At Ajike, we are already aligning our programs with these standards by using evidence-based models to track progress in education, healthcare access, and youth and women empowerment.” 

She also anticipates a stronger push for collaboration between public institutions, private stakeholders, and non-profit organisations. This multi-sector partnership model will be crucial for scaling impact and ensuring sustainability. The Ajike People Support Centre is actively building these bridges, leveraging government policy support, private sector innovation, and community ownership.

In addition, youth and women will increasingly take centre stage as drivers of change. The future lies in empowering local change-makers with the skills, resources, and platforms to lead transformation within their communities. Ajike People Support Centre invests heavily in capacity building, leadership development, and mentorship to prepare the next generation.

She continues, “I see also the rise of digital inclusion as a game-changer. From digital literacy to online service delivery, technology will continue to expand our reach and effectiveness,  especially in rural and underserved communities.”

Her message is simple: never underestimate the power of your voice, passion, or purpose. She says, “We live in a time when meaningful change is not only necessary but possible, and it starts with each of us. Whether you are a young person with a vision, a woman striving to break barriers, or a leader working behind the scenes, your contribution matters; invest in education, champion empathy, and build bridges because unity and understanding are the most lasting impacts. Use every opportunity to rise and lift others as you do.”