By Adewumi Ademiju
In every society, the Girl Child is a profound blessing, endowed with unique wisdom and the innate capacity to drive progress and development.
Their significance extends beyond immediate families, shaping the very fabric of human society. It’s for this reason that stakeholders consistently champion the cause of Girl Child education, recognizing it as a pivotal tool for societal transformation and collective benefit.
The Enduring Power of the Girl Child
A girl child embodies multifaceted roles: a cherished daughter, a supportive wife, a nurturing mother, a guiding mentor, and countless other positive capacities. Their vital contributions to social, economic, political, and health advancements underscore the critical need for their education, which promotes equality and unlocks their immense potential. They are often characterized by their talent, obedience, diligence, and responsibility, qualities that extend far beyond family development.
With their inherent unique nature, girls are powerful agents of change. When afforded equal opportunities, they contribute significantly to building better, more inclusive societies.
A shining example of this transformative journey is Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, whose metamorphosis from a young girl has profoundly benefited womenfolk and society at large.
Born on June 23, 1975, to Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti South Senatorial District, Dr. Fagboyo’s life journey exemplifies the profound impact a girl child can have when empowered.
As the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Fagboyo has been at the forefront of designing and executing strategic programs focused on inclusive growth, gender equality, and sustainable development across Africa.
Her pioneering efforts have led to the introduction of numerous initiatives promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). These initiatives are instrumental in fostering good governance through transparency, accountability, and participatory governance within public institutions and civil society. She champions these ideals through sustained advocacy, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder engagement.
A seasoned development practitioner, Dr. Fagboyo has consistently championed sustainable development solutions, promoted robust community development, and orchestrated strategic partnerships for resource mobilization.
Dr. Fagboyo holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Ado-Ekiti. Her profound contributions to public service were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory, in July 2021.
Her extensive service includes being a member of the Federal Government’s National Technical Working Group on National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS), a member of the Ekiti Economic Development and Investment Team, and Secretary of the Ekiti State Covid-19 Response Resource Mobilization Committee.
From 2019 to 2023, during the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi, Margaret Fagboyo served as a Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs and was a key member of the Ekiti State Executive Council.
Dr. Fagboyo’s astute leadership strategies have garnered global recognition. She received the Africa Community Hero Award from Global Skills Hub UK under the Africa Heroes Project 2025, the National Leadership Award from the Coalition of Civil Society in Nigeria in 2022, the United Nations Distinguished Leadership Award in 2019, and the UKAID-DFID Individual Special Achievement Awards in both 2002 and 2005.
She is also a distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN) and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
With a career spanning over two decades, the Ilawe-Ekiti-born development practitioner recently celebrated her 50th birthday in Abuja at the BMO Event Arena inside RiverPlate Park. The event was graced by an array of dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former governors Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo, and the wife of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Regina Akume. Other notable attendees included the First Lady of Ondo State, Seun Aiyedatiwa, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, federal lawmakers, and diplomats.
Expressing profound gratitude at her birthday celebration, Fagboyo reflected on her journey to success, acknowledging its challenges but emphasizing the pivotal role of self-discovery. “If I have any regret, it would be the times I doubted myself or dimmed my light for others. But even those moments were lessons. I’m embracing the next chapter with purpose and courage,”
Driven by her vision for a vibrant Nigeria with impeccable institutions where inclusion and transparency flourish, Margaret Fagboyo has consistently urged both government and citizens to embrace leadership defined by integrity and accountability. She advocates for a Nigeria where institutions function effectively, justice is impartial, and every citizen feels included.
She vehemently speaks out against corruption, insecurity, and poverty, urging relevant authorities to prioritize education, healthcare, and resource mobilization for the benefit of all. Furthermore, she has called upon the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the long-awaited inclusive Bill for women empowerment and equity.
In her powerful words:
“With the passage of this bill, women will finally have their rightful space and be able to occupy positions they deserve.
” I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division. I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where women, men, and all marginalised groups are fully included in governance and development.
“Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all.”
Dr. Fagboyo, a recipient of the 2019 United Nations Distinguished Leadership and Role Model Award, was also conferred with a Fellow and Exemplary Leadership Award of the Institute for Strategic Management for her immense and significant contributions to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State. She humbly dedicated the COVID-19 prevention award to the great men, women, and frontline health workers who tirelessly worked to secure Ekiti’s success in managing the deadly virus.
Dr. Margaret Fagboyo stands as a profound testament to the transformative journey of a Girl Child who Metamorphosed, becoming an inspiring leader and an unwavering advocate for a better society.
Dr Fagboyo is a paragon of virtue . A symbol of hope . A lady of Grace who is so endowed with all elements of greatness that make her to stands out among her equals
She will definitely rise beyond our imagination .
God bless the destiny lady from Ilawe Ekiti who metamorphosed into a global brand .
Blessed be the day she was born.