FIRE STARTER…WHY NIKE ANIMASHAUN IS CONSIDERED WORTHY OF THE HONOUR

Nike Animashaun is unusual. She exudes the savvy of the ancients, the type of spunk that spurred medieval Amazons to dare and surpass exploits that were the exclusive preserve of men. She projects that shrewd, indefatigable spirit that shepherds the greatest of men to most enviable heights. Nike served the Lagos State government in different capacities for 18 years before she was retired by the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in 2015 with other 20 permanent secretaries. Whilst in service she was known for her honesty, hard work,

humility, diligence, due process and transparency. She was also known to be very strict and disciplined when discharging her official duties. In 2015, she was amongst the permanent secretaries honoured and given an award for her excellence, exemplary leadership and selfless service to Lagos State by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. She was appointed as a General Manager in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 2015 where she continues to demonstrate her ability for hard work, commitment and selfless service. There is no gainsaying Nike exemplifies a totally modern, yet timeless construct of audaciousness and femininity which manifests as a

blend of dashing individuality, genius and noble pedigree. Folk who are familiar with her beginnings and ascent in government earnestly attest to her industry. She worked hard to attain her current status and she is far removed from the contemporary alpha female stereotype that glorifies flamboyance, self-aggrandizement and narcissism above substance. Whether at work or at play, Nike applies herself diligently like one who understands that the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard and excel at work worth doing. Spurred by untiring passion to assert herself and establish her ingenuity at work, she has won many souls over and has had even her most ardent critics eating from her

palms.