In a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the late Florence Bamidele Makanjuola, The Opekete Foundation recently hosted the 2025 Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (FBM) Roundtable Forum. This engaging virtual event aimed to ignite dialogue around the vital importance of educating the girl child for not just leadership, but also for making a global impact.
Held on what would have been Makanjuola’s 104th birthday, the forum gathered an impressive lineup of 200 participants, including educators, philanthropists, academics, and inspiring young women. They came together to explore a thought-provoking central question: “What must education deliver to truly empower the girl child in today’s complex world?”
Dame Omolara Euler-Ajayi, the chairman of the Opekete Foundation, kicked off the forum with a strong opening statement emphasizing the organization’s mission of turning legacy into tangible impact. She highlighted that educating girls is one of the most powerful tools available for social transformation, with benefits radiating beyond individual lives and into families, communities, and broader society.
The highlight of the event was a keynote speech by Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). She articulated the notion that girls’ education is not merely about access but is a strategic investment in the nation’s future. Professor Ogunsola passionately argued that educational systems need to cultivate critical thinkers, ethical actors, and confident leaders capable of navigating the fast-paced changes in today’s world.
The forum featured two dynamic panels, starting with “Education, Leadership, and Systems Change,” moderated by Gbenga Olatunji, a healthcare expert from IQVIA UK. The discussions revealed the existing gaps between education systems and real-world opportunities. Panelists, including Dr. Hadiza Abdurahman and Foluso Gbadamosi, underscored the necessity for education that prioritizes life skills, confidence, and identity over mere credential attainment.
The second panel, titled “The Power of Opportunity: Voices of Change,” brought forward the profound narratives of Florence Scholars—young women who have benefitted from the Foundation’s support. Their testimonials portrayed how education, when paired with mentorship and exposure to various opportunities, can lead to significant transformation in individuals, highlighting the shift from mere survival to impactful service and leadership.
Concluding the event, Aishah N. Ahmad, Trustee and Legacy Steward of the Opekete Foundation, paid homage to her grandmother, Florence Makanjuola, asserting that education is not an end but rather a pathway toward dignity, self-determination, and service. The commitment to carry forward Makanjuola’s legacy in a meaningful way was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
As the roundtable wrapped up, it became abundantly clear that merely providing access to education is not enough. True empowerment of the girl child requires an intentional ecosystem of mentorship, supportive institutions, and systemic change.
Accompanying the enlightening discussions was a touching documentary, “The Opekete Foundation: A Living Legacy,” which chronicled the inspiring life of Mrs. Makanjuola and her enduring influence on education as a tool for societal good.
The 2025 FBM Roundtable Forum is a testament to the ongoing commitment to empowering girls across Africa and beyond—a vital step towards a more equitable future.
Tags: #Lifestyle #Politics #WorldNews #Education
