On Tuesday 8th of October 2019, the College of Social and Management Science popularly called COSMAS of Tai Solarin University, Ijebu Ode held its first annual national conference in a 3 day event which had many activities lined up for each day. The theme of the event was Issues of Peace and Security in Contemporary Nigeria. It was a laudable event where some prominent personalities were given special recognition award for their philanthropic gestures and political activities towards the development of their community.
One of the outstanding personalities and woman of substance who were honoured was the Iyalode of Itori land, barrister Shade Balogun, a foremost lawyer and businesswoman per excellence. The conference keynote speaker was former president, Olusegun Obasanjo while Professor Ayo Olutokun was the chairperson alongside the Professor Abayomi Arigbabu who is Vice Chancellor of the University and Dr Gafar Idowu Ayodeji as the Acting Dean of COSMAS.
The University conferred on a distinguished Nigerian, Barrister Shade Balogun an exemplary women leadership Award for her contribution to women folks in Nigeria as a whole. She was also the co- chairperson of the glamorous event. Not only does Barrister Shade Balogun has a passion for women, she is also a giver to a fault. She is well-loved by many women around her and no wonder, in politics she strutted like an eagle that she is, very determined and focus, she has always shone like a star wherever she is. Despite being a society woman, she is also well-read and attended Ivy League schools, she is well educated and no wonder, this has opened many doors for her academically and part of the reason she was being awarded for her success in all fields. She looked so beautiful like a fashionista that she is in a lovely well tailored printed Ankara mixed with a velvet dress. We present to you an amazing woman who has conquered both in the corporate, social and education sector.
Barrister Shade Balogun ,Attorney at Law, Administrator,business consultant,philanthropist and politician at the inception of her educational soujourn had the privilege of attending the revered mount Carmel Catholic School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Fullam Gulliat Secondary School, London and Action Technical College, London for her GCE Advanced level. She is a woman of honour,nobility, astute, trustworthy and reliable.
Barrister Shade is known for intelligence and frankness. As a politician,she respects those placed in authority over herself and those she is privileged to supervise. she excepts respect also.She delights in sharing her experience with others as she is prepared to sacrifice her personal gain and sustain a meaningful relationship. She abhors injustice, unfairness and will stand up for under priviledge. She has the courage to express her views, especially if that, in her considered opinion,will help in solving a problem. She is someone you can rely upon.After graduation with a degree in Law, in United kingdom, she came back to attend Nigeria Law School and was consequently called to the Nigerian Bar as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.Amongst her classmates in the Law School were the present minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, a former deputy governor of Osun State, Erelu Sola Obada, former governor of old Oyo state, Major General David Jemibewon and also the industrial and oil guru, Tunde Folawiyo. She obeyed the nations clarion call and observed her National Youth Services Corp, NYSC programme with her primary assignment as a solicitor/legal adviser of a financial institution in Lagos.Having prepared herself for commercial ventures, she then decided to dabble into private merchandise.To God be the glory,since then it has been success upon success for a woman of great vision and selfless patriot.
She is a role model in candour, perseverance and dedication to duty. Due to her support for community development, His royal highness, Oba Fatai Akamo, the king of Itori Land, Ewekoro Local government, Ogun State bestowed on her a traditional title of Otun Iyalode of Ewekoro. In order to extend her philanthropic aptitude to nooks and corners of Ogun State, she was encouraged to dabble into the state’s political foray and had diversified experiences. Barrister Shade Balogun is a recipient of several awards in humanitarian and business sectors. She has lived a remarkable life to triumph over numerous obstacles, and her life has been shining example of the rich dividends available to those who preserve in the pursuit of their dreams and are willing to pay the price of diligence, hardwork and determination.
She is a woman of many accomplishments, she was the Special Adviser on legislative and chieftaincy matters, Ewekoro Local government, Ogun State. she was the secretary of the recognition of people’s Democratic Party, Ogun State. She was a member, primary health Authority, Ewekoro local government, Ogun State. she was the vice-chairperson, women wing committee of Ogun central senatorial district(Elders council). She is a consultant to Ewekoro Local government, Ogun State. She is a member of Hajia Aisha Buhari, 2015 and 2019 presidential campaign committee, All progressive Congress(APC) and a Director, Lekki British School, Lagos. She is a member of the British Red Cross Society and also a member, Ikoyi Lions Club, Lagos.
In recognition of her philanthropic gestures and political activities towards ensuring peace and development of the society,the college of social and Management Sciences(COSMAS), on behalf of the indefatigable vice chancellor ,professor Abayomi Arigbabu, FMAN, Tai Solarin University of Education conferred on her an Exemplary Women Leadership Award, a prestigious award of all times.
In her utmost appreciation, she wrote, “I wish to thank the College of Social and Management Science, Tai Solarin University of Education for the great honour and privilege extended to me as a special guest and awardee and I seize this special occasion to call on our youths to be focused, resilient and hardworking in order to achieve success in life. Professionally I am a lawyer, notwithstanding I ventured into entrepreneurship. I acquired sewing machines, relevant equipment to establish a fashion outfit. It happened because I was determined to succeed no matter the odds. To succeed, one must have a plan, focus on the plan, and be resilient and hardworking”.
TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI
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