The Yorubas are famous in Nigeria for their love of education. So it will come as no surprise to many who did not know Lady Deborah Jibowu, who passed on at 95, and her place in the history books. In 1947, Deborah Jibowu graduated from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, making her Nigeria's first female graduate. And on Saturday, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary Olayinka Oyebode, the Governor of Ekiti Dr Kayode Fayemi confirmed her passing.
The Governor hailed her many contributions to the Ekiti people and her fatherland. He called her an "illustrious daughter" revealing that she made the Ekiti people proud.
He wrote: “She was an illustrious daughter of the Land of Honour and a patriot who served her fatherland diligently and made Ekiti proud through numerous achievements.”
Lady Deborah Jibowu: Nigeria's first female graduate dies at 95
In honour of Lady Deborah Jibowu, for those who knew the deceased and would like to say a word, the Governor has opened a condolence book at the Jibowu Hall in the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.
Furthermore, in his statement the Governor extolled her numerous contributions, outlining that “as National Commissioner, Girls’ Guide (1960-1980) and later Chief Commissioner (1991-1997), she invested her time and resources in moulding the lives of many young females across the country. In addition to coordinating many professional and civil society groups, including the Red Cross Society. Also, the National Council of Women Secretaries, National Youth Council and Education for All NGO Network among others.”
Lady Deborah Jibowu was also a recipient of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1962. Also, she was Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in 1965. And Fayemi commiserated with the members of the Fasanmade family of Ido-Ile Ekiti on her exit.
“Despite her royal and privileged background, the governor stated, Mama Jibowu invested her time, energy and resources on many laudable initiatives that impacted positively on the people, especially the girl child.”
Finally, he bemoaned her passing and the fact that Ekiti will miss her counsel and positive disposition. But they will take solace in the fact that she lived a life of honour. Also, she left behind a great legacy.
“Though we shall miss her wise counsel and positive disposition, we are comforted by the fact this great nationalist lived a good life and left behind a legacy of honour. She remains our pride in Ekiti,” he wrote.
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Source: Punch NG
