Of Toyin Saraki and Pillar of Support
When Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, turned 50 last year, most of her guests on the occasion generously lavished encomiums on her. The compliments, in the eyes of those who know her very well, were neither exaggerated nor undeserving. By all standards, she is a role model per excellence and an epitome of womanhood.
A very supportive wife, Society Happenings gathered that she ensures that the success of her husband, in his political career and other endeavours, is prioritised in her prayer points very religiously. Indeed, the former Kwara State First Lady, we were informed, ensures that the home front is ever peaceful, thereby guaranteeing her husband’s peace of mind.
Evidently, events in the past years have shown that God has always granted her prayers for her husband and children. She not only loves her husband but she also believes in his cause, nay struggles in life. Luckily, she is today reaping bountifully, having sowed in sweats
A few days ago, another captivating chapter opened in the life of this amiable woman and her family, when her husband emerged the Senate President, a few years after he served out his second-term in office as Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of Governors Forum where he became one of the most influential and respected politicians in the land.
Interestingly, she also become one of the most- sought- after women in the country, as political jobbers and friends literally turned her home and office into a Mecca of sorts. The reason, it was learnt, was that the slimbuilt lady has her husband’s listening ears. This she does with ease and smiles and it was revealed that she never despises anyone and many go back home with smiles on their faces.
She comes from a privileged background, having been born into the family of one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Otunba Adekunle Ojora and Erelu Ojuolape Ojora. But despite her background, she has been showing fellow-feeling to the needy.
Unknown to many, we gathered that this act of generosity didn’t just start when she became First Lady but during her days as a student in England, where she voluntarily participated actively in the care of the aged. We gathered that her milk of kindness, however, reached a crescendo when she established The Lifestream Charity in 1993, where she has been sponsoring ailing people for corrective surgeries in Israel, United Kingdom and South Africa. The charity also offers scholarships.
She also set up The Kwara WellBeing Trust to provide non-governmental support for the humanitarian activities of the state government in 2003. Her advocacy has also improved the level of enrolment and completion of education for children, particularly the girl-child. She has consistently encouraged women to seek medical care during pregnancy and immunise their children. Hundreds of women have benefited from the enterprise scheme of the organization. She has also paid particular attention to improving the lives of people with special needs, among several other lifesaving initiatives and interventions.
Her Wellbeing Foundation Africa that was an offshoot of the former, The Kwara Wellbeing, has so far developed and spread beyond the shores of Nigeria as it has touched many lives across Africa dealing with maternal and infant healthcare to address the rate of maternal and infant mortalities.