National Development: The Female Trail Blazers

Women play a crucial role in national development in Nigeria across various sectors, including education, healthcare, politics, entrepreneurship, and community development. Despite facing numerous challenges such as gender inequality, limited access to resources, and cultural barriers, Nigerian women continue to contribute significantly to the country’s progress and advancement.

Here is a list of women blazing the trail and creating enabling environments for women’s full participation in advancing the country’s development agenda.




Dr. Bisi Esuruoso( SchoolRun Academy/ Safe Schools Lagos)

Dr. Bisi Esuruoso, formerly known as Akin-Alabi, is a renowned educator and entrepreneur with a strong background in education and childcare. Born in Igbo-ora, Oyo State, Nigeria, during the civil war, Dr. Esuruoso’s upbringing was marked by academic excellence and a passion for learning. After completing her secondary education at the age of 16, she embarked on a journey that would see her become a prominent figure in the education sector both in Nigeria and abroad.

Dr. Esuruoso’s career trajectory is marked by her dedication to improving education and childcare services. After obtaining her MBA in 1994, she ventured into teaching and childcare in England, where she founded and managed several childcare centers. Her contributions to excellence in education and childcare earned her recognition, including an invitation to 10 Downing Street by then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2001.

In addition to her work in England, Dr. Esuruoso has made significant contributions to education in Nigeria. She founded SchoolRun Magazine in 2007, the first indigenous educational quarterly aimed at parents, educators, and individuals interested in the education sector. Through SchoolRun Academy, Dr. Esuruoso provides a platform for maximizing educational potential and fulfilling dreams.

Dr. Esuruoso’s impact extends beyond publishing. As the Special Adviser on Education, Science, and Technology to the Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria, she spearheaded the OYOMESI initiative. This initiative aimed to revitalize the education system in Oyo State through character education, curriculum enrichment, and teacher competency improvement programs.

Throughout her career, Dr. Esuruoso has demonstrated a passion for creating sustainable learning cultures and empowering the next generation. Her vision for the future of education in Nigeria includes nationwide intervention programs, curriculum enrichment, and multi-agency collaboration to achieve desirable educational outcomes.

Dr. Bisi Esuruoso is a visionary educator and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Through her various initiatives and contributions, she continues to make a profound impact on education and childcare services, leaving a legacy of excellence and empowerment.




Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare (Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing.)

Barr. Barakat Olawunmi Bakare was born on the 10th of March 1986, in Surulere Local Government Government Area of Lagos  State. Barr. Barakat is a true Lagosian and urbane scion of the Oshodi  Royal family, Olorogun Adodo family, and the Onisemo family. She attended Mainland Preparatory Private School Bank-Olemoh Surulere, for her primary education. She proceeded to Anglican Secondary School, Akinhanmi, and Lagos State Model College Kankon, for her Secondary Education.

Barr. Barakat enrolled for A-levels at the College of North East London, where she studied aspects of law, history, politics, and psychology. She holds a law degree (LLB) from the prestigious University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, as well as a Master’s Degree (LLM) in International Commercial Law from the same institution. She attended the Nigeria Law  School, being a prerequisite toward law practice in Nigeria.

In 2017, Barr. Barakat became the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the councillorship candidate representing Akinhami-Cole Ward (Ward E1) of Surulere Local Government, culminating in her election as Councillor. She was elected Leader of the Surulere Legislative Assembly in 2018. She was re-elected as a Councillor in 2021, also maintaining her position as the Assembly Leader. In 2022, Barr. Barakat contested for the Lagos State House of Assembly under the umbrella of APC, but she withdrew from the race due to the party’s decision.

She served as TGSEE Campaign Secretary, the official body that made the victory of all APC aspirants in Surulere Local Government in the 2023 General elections possible. She also served as Chairperson of the Logistics Committee for Wasiu Eshilokun Campaign Council in the 2023 general elections.

As a Legislator in Surulere Local Government Area, Barr. Barakat Olawunmi Bakare passed over 27 bylaws during her time as the leader of the Surulere legislative council to ameliorate the living standards of the people of Surulere and also improve the IGR of the Council. She represents women and youth inclusiveness in governance.

She was appointed to the Lagos State Executive Council and sworn in as Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing on Wednesday, 13th September, 2023, by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.




Engr. (Dr.) Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi ( Chairman APWEN Lagos )

Engr. (Dr.)Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi (formerly Agbaje) is the Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos State Chapter.

She serves as the Managing Director/CEO of Wurvicat International Limited, an indigenous firm specializing in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, as well as the supply of various Electrical distribution materials. The company also offers Project Management and other related Engineering services, garnering a reputation as a professional organization within the Engineering field.

Before establishing her own company, Atinuke Owolabi accumulated valuable work experience both within and outside Nigeria. She spent approximately two years at Shoreline Power, a subsidiary of ABB Electrical Systems, before joining Schneider Electric. At Schneider Electric, her contributions significantly contributed to the company’s growth and profitability, particularly in elevating the low and medium-voltage portfolio to a distinguished brand within the Power Sector.

Atinuke Owolabi holds a B.Eng. (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and a Masters in Engineering and Management from Coventry University, United Kingdom. Additionally, she has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering and Technological Development, Honaris Causa, by European American University, Commonwealth of Dominica Africa Operations. She is an active member of several professional bodies and has been involved in promoting the Engineering Profession in various capacities.

Passionate about community development and poverty alleviation, Atinuke is the founder of three NGOs: Touch of Love and Lifting Hands Foundation, Wurvicat Solar Foundation, and Engr. Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi Capacity Building Initiative (WAAO CBI). These organizations focus on providing relief for widows and senior citizens, alleviating poverty among youths, and empowering women and children through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Atinuke is actively engaged in politics, serving as the Convener of the Coalition of Professional Women in Politics and holding leadership positions within the APC Professional Women Network. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to various sectors, including construction, engineering, politics, and humanitarian efforts.

Atinuke Owolabi is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). She is also a member of several other professional organizations, holding various leadership roles and contributing to their activities and initiatives.

Her dedication to excellence and service has earned her recognition and accolades from both professional and humanitarian organizations. Outside of her professional commitments, Atinuke enjoys traveling and has participated in numerous international conferences and seminars. She is also an avid golfer and a member of the Ikeja Golf Club. Atinuke is happily married with children.

Eko Omobolanle ( Urban Tree Revival Initiative)

Eko Omobolanle, popularly known as Eko Omobola, is a prominent climate activist and founder of the Urban Tree Revival Initiative. Born on November 17, 1991, in Lagos, Nigeria, Eko has emerged as a leading figure in the fight against climate change, leveraging her platform to raise awareness and inspire action.

Eko received her education at Ansar-ud-deen Comprehensive College in Ota before pursuing a degree in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology in Akure. She holds 2 master’s degrees, one in Forest Economics and Management in Nigeria and another in Forestry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Tuscia, Italy. She is currently undergoing her PhD research on the Impact Assessment of Environmental Research Infrastructures to address Global and European Environmental Challenges. Her academic background equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to address environmental challenges effectively.

As the founder of the Urban Tree Revival Initiative, Eko has mobilized thousands of volunteers to engage in activities aimed at combating climate change. One of the key initiatives of the organization involves visiting schools in communities across Lagos and Ogun states to educate students on the dangers of carbon footprints and the importance of reducing them. Through these efforts, nearly twenty-four thousand students have been empowered with the knowledge to take action against climate change.

Furthermore, Eko has demonstrated her commitment to environmental conservation by donating and planting over a thousand trees, which are diligently maintained by her club members to ensure their survival. Her dedication to tree planting and environmental advocacy has earned her recognition and admiration from her community and beyond.

Aside from her work with the Urban Tree Revival Initiative, Eko is also the founder of GRO Gardens, another initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Eko Omobola’s activism extends to social media, where she has garnered a significant following on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where she shares educational content and updates on her initiatives, and inspires others to join the fight against climate change.

She was recognized as one of the Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders. She was also given the Young Pacesetter Award at the UN Trustee Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, by the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, together with other outstanding young people. She is a Climate Reality Leader trained by Al Gore, former US Vice President, in 2020. In 2021,

Through her tireless efforts as a climate activist and environmental advocate, Eko Omobola continues to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.