Princess Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies in Yoruba Traditional and Cultural Renaissance and Perspective

An exposition on Princess Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is presented in this discourse against the background and backdrop of Yoruba traditional cultural renaissance and perspective along with her several achievements as an exemplary woman and a woman of means and accomplishments. PRINCESS Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies hails from the Ira palace, in Ira, Kwara State, Nigeria. She was born on 15th, October, 1962, and she is the daughter of Susan Mofoluwake Adepoju and Isaac Popoola Salako. The short history of Ira, her home town has it that, the founder of Ira was Laage, who happened to be the first Onira.

She is therefore pristine omo Laaru, omo laage. Laage was a hunter who came from Oyo to hunt in the surroundings of Fere. He and his people were at Fere for a long time. It was the need to move closer to Oya’s grove that made them found the present site of Ira. It was never told that there was a settlement there before. After Laage was the reign of Lariekan, Oluagbe, Olurogba, Dibuloye, Labimtan, Abioye, kolawolu, Erewole, Oyekanmi, Oyafioye, Oyesanya, Oyeniyi, Oyenike, Oyebanji, Oduoye, Oyesoji, Oyelola, Moronfoye and Oba AbdulWahab Oyetoro who is currently the Onira or Ira as at today in 2022. Princess Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies father is from the lineage of the Oduoye.

“Oya” a goddess of Yoruba land from Ira is well known in tradition, after the death of her husband Alafin Itiolu Atanda Opo popularly called Sango Olukoso had to; she had come to Ira where she entered the ground at a place called Igbo-Oya which is existing up till today. Oya was defied by her people at Ira by Sango’s friends and aids for her loyalty to Sango. A shrine was built for her at Igbo-Oya {Oya’s grove} where people from far and near worshipped her every year. The advent of Christianity and Islam has led to the end of Oya worship at Ira. History told us that Laage also disappeared into the ground just like Oya. The site where he entered the ground is at a place in Obada’s compound, in Ira.

In Yorùbá, the name Ọya is morphologically coined from “O ya” which means “she tore.” She is known as Ọya-Ìyáńsàn-án – lyá Mésàn, – the “mother of nine” — because of her 9 children. She is the goddess River Niger (known to the Yorùbá as the Odò-Ọya). Ọya (Yorùbá: Ọya, also known as Oyá or Oiá; Yàńsàn-án or Yansã; and Iansá or Iansã in Latin America) is an orisha of winds, lightning, and violent storms, death and rebirth. She is similar to the Haitian Lwa, Maman Brigitte, who is syncretised with the Catholic Saint Brigit.

Oya in Yoruba religion, commands winds, storms, and lightning. She is the queen of the river Niger, and the mother of nine. She is a warrior and is unbeatable. Attributes of Iansã include great intensity of feelings, sensations, and charm. Another ability attributed to Iansã is control over the mysteries that surround the dead. Iansã is syncretized with Saint Barbara. In the Candomblé nação (association) of Angola Congo, Iansã is associated with the colour red. The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that Oya is one of the ancestors of Yoruba and a model for women.

Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies (pronounced [ƒúnṃiláýô Àḍêʃàŋýá Đévìěs] born 15 October 1962); is from the lineage of Oya. Funmilayo is a Nigerian Educational Consultant and an Associate Professor of Linguistics with specialization in Applied Linguistics and Communication. Former Director, Centre for Vocational Skills, Entrepreneurial and General Studies, Rivers State University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. She is a Linguist, educationist, poet, communication expert, advocacy and activist. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is an Academic and educational consultant. Director, Centre for Vocational Skills, Entrepreneurial and General Studies, Rivers State University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

BIOGRAPHY
Funmi Adesanya-Davies was born on 15 October 1962 in Ira, Kwara State, Nigeria, daughter of Susan Adepoju and Isaac Salako. She was educated at St. Clare’s Grammar School, Offa and Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State, in the North Central Nigeria. She holds B.A (Combined Honours) in English and Yoruba at the University of Ife, Nigeria in 1985 and obtained her Masters in English Language from University of Ilorin, Kwara State in 1987 and her Doctorate degree in 2003 in Linguistics and Communication at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria with a Post Graduate diploma in Education (PDGE) 2000 in English Education.

CHURCH AND PASTORAL CAREER
Born-again in 1974, served as Chapel Prefect in Secondary School, Sisters Leader at University of Ife (NIFES) and during NYSC. In 1988, she founded Agape Bible Church, (Eagle’s Cathedral)at Presidential Housing Estate (Church Headquarters), as a member of Board of Trustee of Christian Excellence Ministries. This is with the aim of spreading and preaching the integrity of the Holy Bible and helping to raise the Body of Christ, in Rivers State, South/South, Nigeria and to the uttermost parts of the Earth. Bishop Funmi Adesanya Preaches and Ministers on invitations and always represents Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and she serves as the Secretary to the Elders Council of the National Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (Nigeria) (an Affiliate of Association of African Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs.

EDUCATIONAL CAREER
Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya-Davies, B.A (Ife), M.A English (Ilorin), Ph.D Applied Linguistics & Communication Studies (Port Harcourt) and P.G.D.E (Port Harcourt) is a Linguist, a Poet, Educationist, Activist and an expert in the field of communication studies. Mercy, an academic and educational consultant, on professorial cadre, was the former Director of General Studies of Rivers State University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, where she has lectured in language, linguistics and communication studies in the past thirty years. She also facilitates courses in Language and General Studies at the National Open University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and served on sabbatical, as a Dean at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Regent University of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana and a Visiting Professor to the University of Cape Coast Cape Coast, Ghana, Mercy is an External Examiner supervising Doctoral dissertations, for the School of Postgraduate Studies of the African No One University, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

ACADEMIC CAREER
Adesanya-Davies facilitates Seminars and Workshops for Longman Pearson, Nigeria and Cinefores, Brainfriend Project, National Open University of Nigeria and served on sabbatical, as a Dean at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Regent University of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana and as Visiting Professor to the University of Cape Coast Cape Coast, Ghana. Mercy facilitates Seminars and Workshops for Longman Pearson, Seminar Presentations and Workshops. Port Harcourt, and Cinefores, Brainfriend Project, Lagos, Nigeria. She has over one hundred national and international published articles and poems to her credit and has delivered several scholarly, professional and public lectures in Nigeria, Africa, UK, Europe, United States, Canada, etc. (within and outside Nigeria. Mercy is a member of; The British Association for Applied Linguistics (UK), Internationale de Linguistiquee (AILA), International Phonetics Association, UK.,, Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) Nigeria, The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and Teachers Registration Council (TRC) Nigeria etc. She also serves as External Examiner supervising Doctoral dissertations, for the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
Member of:

The British Association for Applied Linguistics (BAAL) UK
Internationale de Linguistiquee (AILA) UK
International Phonetics Association (IPA) UK
International Reading Association (IRA) USA,
Linguistics Association of Nigeria (LAN) Nigeria
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Nigeria
Nigeria and Teachers Registration Council (TRC) Nigeria
CONSULTANCY
Consultant with Young People We Care (YPWC) Accra, Ghana,
Voice of Wisdom and Vision Int’L Ltd/GTE Abuja, Nigeria,
Niger Student Union Government, Nigeria,
Chief Consultant of Mercy Ade-Davies Consults- Port Harcourt, Nigeria

AUTHOR
Editor and one of the contributors to The Jonathan/Sambo Presidency in Nigeria: A Symbol of Peace, Unity and Progress – Foreword by General Dr. Yakubu Gowon. GCFR, presented to the Nigeria University Commission(NUC) in 2013 for all the Universities in Nigeria. Poet; All Poetry and Icheke Journal of Humanities.

AWARDS
Spill Leadership Award for Education and Capital Development Drive in Nigeria (2012); Honors of Ambassador of Peace of Universal Federation of Peace (Nigeria Chapter) ( 2012) at the International day of Peace, with the Debate theme “Can there be Peace in our Region?”, The Best Adjudicator Award at the South-South Universities Debate Championship held at the University of Calabar, Nigeria in June, (2012), with the theme Nigerian Oil: In search of Good Governance;
Human Capital Development and Good Governance Award (2013) of The Spill Magazine, Nigeria.
UN-POLAC World Peace Ambassador Award (Amb.P.) 2013.
Nigeria Woman of Excellence Merit Award, (WEMA) 2014 with the theme ‘Women Inspiring Positive Change’ in commemoration of international Women’s Day (IWD)
African Achievers Merit Award by The Africa Media Excludes, Accra, Ghana, 2014;
Great African Legacy Award by Noble Global News Magazine, Dubai, UAE, 2014.
The Majesty Magazine’s Legend of Courage Award’, 2014.
Positive Change’ in commemoration of international Women’s Day (IWD), 2014
African Achievers Merit Award by The Africa Media Executives, Accra, Ghana, 2014
Great African Legacy Award by Noble Global News Magazine, Dubai, UAE, 2014
Nigeria Woman of the Year Award, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, 2014
Nelson Mandela Life of Legendary Achievement Medal Award, Dubai, UAE, 2014
Kwara’s Foremost Scientists and Thinkers Award, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2015
Catholic Daouses Merit Award, Erin-Ile, Kwara State, 2016
Prestigious African Icon Legacy Award Johannesburg, South Africa, 2017.
Universal Federation Ambassador of Peace Award. Nigeria
The Best Adjudicator Award- South–South University Debate Championship, University of Calabar
Human Capital Development and Good Governance Award, Abuja, Nigeria
Legend of Courage Award, Merit house, Abuja, Nigeria
UN-POLAC World Peace Ambassador Award (Amb.P.) Merit house, Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Woman of Excellence Merit Award, (WEMA), with the theme ‘Women Inspiring

According to Olusegun Abejide in the account in his book VOICE OF THE VOICELESS: The Uncelebrated Figures Of Nigerian Modern Democracy, in a chapter published on :Towards Female Presidency in Nigeria: A Case Study of Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

He expounds, “I like the progress millions of Nigerian women have made thus far. They are breaking the glass ceiling in many spheres. Professor Mercy Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has demonstrated that women have the potential to move Nigeria into greater heights. She is a champion of education that we should always celebrate. Her rise to the current level is a prove that it is still within the realms of possibility for our women to be what they want in our country.

She is a linguist and an educationist who has dedicated her life to public service and inspiration of the youths. She has been an excellent and inspiring university lecturer who has nurtured thousands of Nigerian youths over the years. Teaching is a noble profession that does not only impact scholarly knowledge but opens up people’s eyes enlightening them, so they can see society from a different and vintage angle. Many may not know how many lives she has changed, but those who have had direct contact with her understand the charisma and vision Prof. Adesanya-Davies carries around with very great passion.

Apart from serving as a university lecturer and administrator, she has also grown into an activist, researcher, poet, author and consultant at the peak of her academic career as a university don. As a researcher and an academician, she has published remarkable research articles and several books which are in eight different international languages available at: https://www.bookdepository.com; https://www.amazon.com;https://www.morebooks.de;https://www.waterstones.com;https://www.waterstones.com; https://m.barnesandnoble.com etc., and several other platforms. For online users, it’s easier to locate her publications. She is a testament to the progress that the Nigerian women are making, not only in Nigeria alone but across Africa. She pushes herself to excellence, which always drive to success.

Through, Prof. Adesanya-Davies demonstration, we can see the potential of many women’s abilities to rise in the corporate world, the political sphere, and other areas. She proves that we can be exactly what we wanted to be when we have good drive, courage, determination energy, vision and mission. There is much hope when we would see our women, sisters or mothers bracing up themselves for any challenges and pushing themselves to success. She is a role model to many girls, ladies and women in our country Nigeria, in Africa and the world at large. There is a lot to borrow from her, and I believe she will remain devoted to inspiring and guiding us all.

THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
In 2019, Professor Adesanya-Davies was a promising presidential aspirant who finally emerged as a flag bearer and candidate in her chosen political party. She threw herself into the presidential race, not for theatrics but with the hope to run the country and save it from rampant corruption, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and several other challenges. I found her fit for the office; she is daring and smart a performer. If there was a Presidential candidate, I never doubted in the 2019 elections, it was Professor Adesanya-Davies. I was confident of her and firmly trust that she could deliver on her promises. She sought to vie for the presidency on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) the largest and oldest Party in the country, but couldn’t secure the ticket. As such, she size the opportunity She move to get repositioned in another Party, ,Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA), where she emerged as the presidential Candidate and contested the election. The presidential ticket in 2019 was then zoned to the core North.

Geographically, Funmilayo was disadvantaged because the Ira-born-Princess hails from ‘Ile Oba Ira’ compound, Ira, Kwara State of Nigeria at the North Central in the Middle Belt where no one has ever occupied the position of President or Vice President since independenc e. Ira is the home of the most popular Yoruba goddess, ‘OYA’ meaning ‘RIVER NIGER’ and she was said to be female deity married to “Sango” and later to “Ogun” after the death of Sango in Yoruba history and legendary. The two make gods were said to be the top-two Yoruba-land deities. Suffice it to say, zoning is one key component of our democracy, and I do not know if it serves us perfectly as a country inevitably.

The obvious fact is that we zoned our country politically to the disadvantage of others who may perform better. However, since we have embraced multi-partism, she had to look for another political vehicle that would allow her to contest. Since her interest in getting the PDP ticket was unexpectedly cut short, MAJA (Mass Action Joint Alliance) became a viable option for her in 2023. With our politics narrowing down to APC and PDP, MAJA became a third force.

For long, power has been revolving around APC and PDP; I was a tad bit confident that Professor Adesanya-Davies would pull a win. However, she did not win the general election as MAJA Presidential candidate, but her confidence, brilliance, and determination remain unmatched. I admired her campaigns and her interactions and talking points. There is a lot we could learn from her running for the position of the President. She has challenged women that leadership of Nigeria is not reserved for men alone. That women should not sit back but should be ready to compete with men in all spheres.

In her running for the top office, she promised exemplary leadership. She promised selflessness and a unity government that would deliver on its pledges. I trusted these pronouncements from her because I was sure that she was among the few bests who had a genuine interest among all the presidential candidates then. She was out to serve, why others may be seen to be after power and protecting the interests of their cronies. In her powerful and confident voice, I was sure of her genuineness. She was running to bring change and restore confidence in leadership and governance in our country after many years of disappointments from past administrations. Her messaging was powerful and was centred on real change she referred to “As the CHANGE we need to CHANGE the change”, that we continue to desire as a country. Insecurity was also her major concern as a woman who has been to the labour room a number of times and can place value on human’s health, life and dignity.

If she became President, she would have protected the ideals of a fair, democratic and egalitarian society. She stands for a society that thrives on genuine constitutionalism indicting Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious state. Her agenda was tagged, “Advanced Restructuring Agenda” within a populist frame work and ideology. Those in power and out of power should uphold our constitution by respecting the liberties and rights of other citizens. This would have been achievable if she took power. Nonetheless, the future is still bright, if Nigerians would try an impeccable female President like Prof. Adesanya Davies. I believe she could bring the desired change since a female president will be focused on delivering on her promises, not pleasing, and protecting cronies who loot from the public, also as an experienced academic, professional and technocrat. She also wrote over fifty positional papers submitted to the Senate committee on constitutional review during the ongoing revie excercises, while she was present at the public hearing sponsoring herself..

What is more, by now, Nigeria should be ripe for a female President. It is time that Nigerians consider transferring power from men to women. The Presidency has been in the hands of men who have presided over corruption, insecurity, and joblessness. In historical context, women have proved to be great leaders. In Europe, when queens were in power, they were decisive and powerful. They led armies to war and won. They were not cowards but confronted problems more than Kings. This gives a robust justification that women can always provide leadership that helps us develop as a country. We should take a leaf from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who served as president of Liberia (2006–18), being the first woman elected head of state of an African country. Amongst her several achievements as President, she secured millions of dollars of foreign investment and established a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to probe corruption and heal ethnic tensions. Again, Camala Harris is presently the Vice President of the United States of America, a welcome development and she is doing well.

Don’t doubt the ability of genuine qualify female leaders. We should refute the notion that power should forever stay in the hands of men. God made the women help to meet for the men according to the Holy Writ. They are the peak of God’s glorious creation. We should have the willingness and courage to entrust them with power. I support all efforts that can help us get women into power, a female President. Professor Adesanya-Davies is supper-ready to govern Nigeria. I believe she is all that Nigeria needs now and we should embrace her. She is breaking the cultural barriers that for long limited women and confined them to low-cadre positions as men run high-cadre offices to loot and enrich themselves at the chagrin of the poor.

ADVOCACY FOR FEMALE LEADERSHIP
Professor Adesanya-Davies is championing on the rights of women and human rights generally. She believes that women possess power, which can benefit the masses when properly tapped into. Even with her royal lineage, she still acknowledges that numerous obstacles continue to strangle attempts by women to champion their liberties and rights. Her support for women is rooted in her belief that if women take overpower, children and youth stand to be empowered or taken care of. Her aim is go give back to Nigeria that made her. She was quoted to have said, “When a woman comes to power, all things will unfailingly change.”

Today, young people are neglected despite their education. Millions of Nigerians are wallowing in poverty, and efforts to fight poverty are not producing any meaningful impact because men in power do not care. But naturally, women are caregivers and cannot forsake the youth and children.

Women can empathize and drive policies targeting areas that can improve the lives of the youth. The millions of Nigerian youth walking in the streets are educated people energetic enough to build their country. Unluckily, corruption has stifled all efforts to attract investors and expand our manufacturing industry or revamp industries that can be engines of job creation. Women are not second-class citizens but are people who have society’s interests at heart more than men. The looters of our public resources are not female leaders but men. We are not talking about a war between men and women, but we are in a discussion to save a country. Professor Adesanya-Davies is of the persuasion that we should try female leaders. We should entrust them with more power because they will cater to society in its entirety. We should be tired of a sad state of affairs in the nation, where only a few thrive when a majority are stuck in abject poverty.

Professor Adesanya-Davies should be supported in her noble cause to rally women and youths and encourage them to take up leadership in the country. The time for women to be at the periphery is over, they should be at the centre where they can make decisions or plans that can steer Nigeria to shared prosperity. In future elections, I believe that we shall have the boldness and shrewdness to elect female leaders into powerful officers. She also believes power to the mothers is power to the their children the youths.

HER VISION
As an impeccable and erudite scholar, this university don and writer – Her reputation and academic exposure are worth admiration. Professor Adesanya-Davies shares a vision that augurs well with a majority. She is a social democrat; this explains her desire to build a society that caters to the needs of all. Even though we have personal ambitions, such aspirations should not oppress others. Her vision is to rebuild the manufacturing sector, which she firmly believes can create jobs to enable the youth to earn a living. She said it’s time we face power supply, while especially harnessing our God’s-given SUN, the Solar energy. We must produce to create employment; otherwise, every day’s unemployment we complain about shall not be solved. Her emphasis on manufacturing is rooted in industrialising Nigeria. It should not be business as usual; the millions of unemployed youths will continue being a burden because we are not keen on finding a solution.

Nigeria is rich in oil, and it should not create a few millionaires, but it should give everyone a fair share. The oil in Nigeria is enough to support its dreams to industrialise. However, we should be willing to fight cronyism in government for people to realize that they hold offices to serve, not to loot and protect their cronies. If corruption is curbed, more money shall go to job creation. We shall have sufficient funds to allocate to critical areas that can create job opportunities for many of our youth. In her vision, Professor Adesanya-Davies still believes the youth should be at the center of change delivery. The young people should continue being at the forefront and reject politics of demagoguery, where we are told sweet words or fake promises. Today, many officeholders made fake promises, and people still want to elect them back to office. We should not tolerate such, but the youth should be ready to hold to account their leaders.

Nigerians should evaluate leaders instead of depending on their lies to make decisions. They should check their records and assess their personality. Without a background check, tainted individuals shall continue to dominate our public service or government. Ultimately, we shall not get the right leaders we want to lead us to prosperity, development, democracy, and social justice.

CONTINUE WINNING THROUGH PERSEVERANCE
How the leaders and the people begin each day is crucial. Let’s start the morning with the vigor of the rising sun. Doing the act of humanity and praying will awaken and revitalises outlives, most especially at the crucial moment of the country, we need a leader like Prof. Adesanya Davies. The busier we become and the bigger the number of problems we confront, the more critical it is for us to win the first thing in the morning and throughout the entire day. Please establish a track record of success in your everyday activities by succeeding in your first and last tasks of the day. That’s how we’ll be able to make the seemingly impossible possible. That is when we will be able to achieve a historic victory that we will be remembered for all time.

It is inevitable that as we engage in a struggle for humanity, the three impediments and four devils would come up to attack us. Every day is a serious test of will and determination. That’s why it’s essential that we powerfully engage in fighting for the people we govern through employing the strategy of voicing for them. Please, let’s strive to transform even opponents into allies for our movement. Momentum is key to winning in every struggle for humanity. The inner determination of leaders is the force that increases this momentum.

First and foremost, as leaders, are you striving with a sense of urgency, fueled by a strong desire to succeed? You must be filled with an unshakeable determination to succeed at any cost. Second, are you gaining momentum in your efforts to dispute incorrect information and uncover the truth? As the leader of humanity, I pray that a passionate spirit of justice and truth will burn brightly in your hearts as you take on your responsibilities. Third, are you marching forward with the ferocious, lion-like momentum that comes from being a mentor and a disciple? That is a mentor that produces great disciples. Please advance with the spirit of the oneness of mentor and disciple, confidently sharing the purpose of being human with one another. Fourth, is your progress marked by a vibrant, cohesive momentum that will pave the way for a seemingly unstoppable march toward victory? Please, show people throughout the country and the world the underlying strength of a great leader through unity of “many in body, one in mind.” For the sake of the country!

Everything is constantly changing. I am sure we can all see how things are unfolding in our very eyes. The problem is that; is Nigeria changing for good or worse!- Our leadership acumen practice enables us to steer those changes in a positive direction, the direction of happiness. People can always make positive changes in their lives. We can influence our environment for the better. According to the teachings of the human spirit, great leaders of the past usually convert their lands three times before declaring them to be pure land. This is exactly what Prof. Adesanya Davies is advocating for. To fully exercise such programs, she seeks the highest office of the land. Humanity is the great struggle to carry out such a transformation in our environment and turn the troubled country in which we live now into a humanistic land, a realm of happiness and peace.

As such, instead of lamenting challenging situations, let’s rouse the strong determination to change them. It took our forefathers repeated times before the land was fully transformed from the colonial era to the independent era; until truncated to the present Barbarism in the 1966 military coup. As a result, let us always remember that only through prayer and action that is accurate, wholehearted, and persistent in our efforts for mankind can we be able to positively turn our communities into the paradise that we have been dreaming of.

FEMALE PRESIDENT: CHALLENGES, POSSIBILITIES AND TIMING

No matter how much sacrifice has been made by women in the past, such as Dora Akunyili, Kudirat Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and countless others, if women don’t stand up for their rights today, all will be for naught. This is the reason some women like Prof. Adesanya Davies, like Queen Amina, of the north and Moremi of the south are leading the women into this war against the men-dominated arena.

Also, someone like Boma Goodhead will stand up against this male-dominated, oppressive regime at the gate of the National Assembly, but more other women should follow in her footsteps? Who, like Sarah Jibril, will take the risk of representing women’s gender in the face of overwhelming hurdles and constant setbacks as the first female presidential candidate ever in Nigerian history? Who like Prof. Remi Sonaiya will again float a new party, become the Presidential candidate to further good governance in the nation while coming up with a very thorough, functional and viable manifesto and agenda for Nigeria. Actually, where are the daring, serious and prominent women in politics, proven with records for 2023 Presidential election except Professor Funmilayo Adesanya–Davies!

Now, Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya and Olivia Tariel (who recently declared her intention) are the only two Amazon running for the 2023 Presidential election, amongst the five female candidates that participated but lost in the race of 2019. She is confidently running for re-election in 2023, and one wonders, we haven’t even heard a single mention of her among all the men running nor her mention even the Nigerian women leaders. Who has done this to the women folks in Nigeria.

Thanks to the youths in the tertiary institutions National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and National by Association of Northern Nigeria Students (NANNS) as well as Niger Delta Students Union Government, National that acknowledged and endorsed her. Thanks to the YouWin-I-Win Youth group and YELI and CAPH that also gave her endorsements for instance, and the media always on her for support. Where are the EIMEN GROUPS and their endorsements? Are they afraid or unconcerned about the state of the nation or they feel incapable for the tough job. Kudos to the women groups that just won the 35 percent affirmative action for women in appointive position of recent. If the women will embrace the Princess Funmilayo Adesanya–Davies vision and every woman vote would vote for her, they will surprise the entire nation and we could have such a huge influence.

There is a revolution within us if we only recognize it. It is in the bosom of a woman where the Nigeria of our dreams resides! A Women named Nigeria by inspiration, Flora the girl friend of Lord Lugard after they came for the exploration of River Niger in Africa. As our mothers gave birth to all the men they can still nurture us all as they did while we were children. We have two options: Hide in fear or show up in large numbers to support our preferred female presidential, gubernatorial, and other elected positions candidates in the country.

Always remember Adesanya-Davies was found of saying with passion and quote “l have a dream that one day a woman will become the president of Nigeria to transform and the dream is now!” She adds, ” I am most passionate about the transformation, development, progress and unity of Nigeria, as an accomplished educationist, I believe I can boost Nigeria’s Human capital development index and its competitiveness in the area of skills acquisition, talent management, economic development for our noble but jobless teeming youths, as well as social emancipation for women. One need to read some of her poetry works on Nigeria for instance: “I see a new Nigeria where all things work!”, Nigeria My Fatherland”, Welcome to a New Nigeria”, My Niger Area”, “Arise oh Women in Nigeria” “Stop Boko Haram in Nigeria”, Africa: My Land of the Living, etc,. You can assess to read some of them online at Allpoetry: World web largest poetry site, where they are displayed Online; and where she has published about five hundred general poems, and several on CIVID-I9. (https://allpoetry.com ›).

In her last declaration at Abuja, FCT, on 24th March, 2022, at Change Ambassadors for Peace and Humanity (CAPH) and YELI International / Yeshua International School of Theology (YIST) Annual event, once again she reinstates, “May I declare again to you all, that I, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a linguist and educationist, who has served as a university lecturer and administrator for the past thirty-six (36)years. Also a consultant, human resources person, communication expert, journalist, technocrat, researcher, writer, poet and activist, and a frontline politician, and presidential candidate of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) in the 2019 election in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is now re-declaring to be a presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP aspiring to become the President of Nigeria come 2023. She is fondly called by her nick name which is, PMA-Choice!

Thus, she calls on the women, the Youths, the HeForShe as well as all Nigerians to vote for her as the next President come 2023, once she wins the PDP Presidential primary; stating that, “She has the vision, mission, dream, knowledge, drive, creativity and capacity and needed intelligence to reshape Nigeria with a feminine touch in grand style and lead the country to social, economic and political advancement and stability through her “PMA ADVANCED RESTRUCTURING AGENDA.”

Mercy Olufunmilayo, a multi-talented teacher of teachers is a member of POLAC Int’l Peace Advocate, who currently serves as the Country President, International Director, as well as Deputy Chairperson on the Board, serving humanity towards achieving ECOWAS Millennium Goals. POLAC – Positive Livelihood Award Centre, alias UN-POLAC ‘s mandate is to enhance the effectiveness of the UN Millennium Development Goals and UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme particularly the maintenance of peace and unity in diversity. She is as Ambassador Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a linguist educationist, public servant since 1988 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has served as a University lecturer and administrator for thirty-six years, 1985 to date as a consultant, researcher and activist.”

There are over 84 tourist sites in Kwara state. These are places of interest for tourists and the people of the state. In Kwara state, there is the popular Esie Museum, Asa Dam, Owu Waterfalls, Sobi Hill, Jebba and Okuta Ilorin among others and Oya groove in Ira stands tall amongst them. Ira town has benefitted immensely from celebrating the annual Oya festival in the town.

Further, the frontline female politician and presidential candidate of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) in 2019, Funmilayo Adesanya–Davies who first declared that she would contest the 2023 presidential election but purposely declined says, first she did because, “the Form turned out not to be free for women as it was claimed, secondly, I simply backed out because of the increasing numbers of persons, l had thought it would be like 3-5 persons ONLY for the PDP Presidential screening ultimately as a consensus candidate emerges. Thirdly, as a woman, I am now willing to concede as Vice President in 2023 at this point or contest as an Independent candidate.

Adesanya-Davies continued, “If for instance a woman is not made the Nigerian President in 2023, then a woman should unfailing be chosen as running to emerge as the Vice president, and I am willing to conceded that at this point.” The only female presidential aspirant, Olivia Tariela that picked the expression of interest form in PDP was said to have paid N6M, while female presidential aspirant under the platform of APC, Uju Kennedy picked her form after payment of N30 M, which the parties claimed to be free for women.

A frontline female politician and presidential candidate of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA) in 2019, Funmilayo Adesanya–Davies who first declared that she would contest the 2023 presidential election but purposely declined was asked reasons why? “As I have said, that as a woman, I am now willing to concede Vice Presidential position in 2023 at this point, because if a woman is not made the Nigerian President in 2023, then a woman should unfailing be chosen as running to emerge as the Vice president… However, ultimately, I have a dream that one day a woman will become the president of Nigeria to transform this nation.”

FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES RECEIVES HER 7th HONORARY DOCTORATE / PROFESSORIALAWARDS
It’s global and national congratulations all the way as BISHOP AMB. PROF. MERCY ‘FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES, the Nigerian Kwara-born IRA Princess, Ex-presidential, Bishop, Author, Academic, Linguist, Poet, on Saturday, March 26, 2022 received her 7th. honorary Doctorate and Professorial (Honoris Causa) Award from Reform Catholic Church & Yeshua International School of Theology, England, UK (Doctor /Professor of Peace and Humanity), founded by Late Reverend Father Cardinal Dr. Peter R. Edwards, Archbishop of All England and Patriach Yeshua International Worldwide, Leeds, England.

She received the Doctorate and Professorial awards as well as Change Ambassadors for Peace and Humanity Awards of 2022, alongside Amb. Barr. Florence Olubunmi Akaakar and Archbishop Amb. Dr. Dele David and others who received honorary doctorates.

The special event of Awards which took place in Abuja, Fct, Nigeria was attended by several national and international dignitaries and it was organised by Change Ambassadors Network (CAN) and YELI International in partnership with: United Nation Department of Social Affairs (UNDESA), The World Leaders Forum (TWLF) & IACB, Ireland, Save the Street Children Inc., (SSCI), USA, The Global Pioneer, USA, Friends of African Union, USA, Youths for Human Rights International, USA, International Writers Confederation (IWC), Canadian Health Sciences Institute, Int’l Human Rights Org. (IHRO), SPMUDA Intel, India, Universal Peace Development/ International Peace Committed On Law, Justice and Human Rights (IPCLJH ), Romania, Centre for World Reservoir, Jos, Plateau state, Office of Director of Press to the Executive Governor, Plateau state Governor, Office of the Distinguish Senator Barr. I.D. Gyang, National Assembly Abuja, Kaduna House of Assembly, COSHUP, Abuja Nigeria.

Special appreciation from the organising committee of CAPH Network and Members of Advisory Board YELI International who organised the event and the entire recipient of this year’s prestigious Honours/Titles goes to Reverend Father Cardinal Dr. Peter R. Edwards, Patriarch of Yeshua International School of Theology & Archbishop of all England Patriachs, Yeshua International Worldwide, England for his love and passion for Humanity while alive, and The Nigerian Yeshua International Team. We also thank HRH Lord MIP, H.E. Prof. Chowdhury Mosharaf Hassain, Founder and Governor General, The World Leaders Forum (TWLF) and Executive Director, International Anti-Corruption Bureau (IACB), Galway, Ireland.

We would recall that in, ‘FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES had bagged a double Special Conferment of Honorary DOCTOR OF DIVINITY Degree (D.D) Honoris Causa Award and PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY (Honoris Causa) Award from NORTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, USA on September 24th, 2017. The Honoris Causa awards complete list include:
1. Northwestern Christian University, USA 2017
– Doctor /Professor of Divinity
2. Life Christian University, USA 2017
– Doctor /Professor of Divinity
3. Prophetic Anointing World University, USA 2017
– Doctor /Professor of Divinity
4. Triune Biblical Christian University, USA 2019
– Doctor /Professor of Divinity & Ministerial Education
5. PNEU, The Christian Judicial Institution, Nigeria 2019
– Doctor /Professor of Divinity
6. The California Church and University Institute, Inc. USA, 2019
– Doctor /Professor of Church Management
7. Reform Catholic Church & Yeshua International School of Theology, UK 2022
– Doctor /Professor of Peace and Humanity

More so, the National Association of Northern Nigeria Students (NANNS) has honoured Amb. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies on Saturday 26th March, 2022 with Sir Amadu Bello Sardauna Platinum Distinguish Leadership Award of 2022 edition.

We would recall that the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NDSUG) endorsed the presidential aspiration of Adesanya-Davies, as President of Nigeria in 2019, after the umbrella body of the nation’s students’ unions- National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has honoured Adesanya-Davies with its “Most Outstanding Leadership Award” of the year 2018, with presidential endorsement. According to a letter sent to the presidential hopeful by NANS, the Award is an Award of Excellence in Service and Outstanding Leadership, pointing out that the Award was in recognition of her invaluable contributions to youth empowerment, excellence in service and outstanding leadership over the years. The Award was sent by NANS President Aruna Kadiri, and presented to her by the representative of NANS’ President, Nwala Chetam Thierry, in her office at Rivers State University of Education, Port-Harcourt.

To sum up, BISHOP AMB. FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES, a linguist educationist public servant since 1988, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, has served as a University lecturer and administrator for thirty-six (36) years, 1985 to-date as a consultant, researcher and activist to-date. She is a multi-talented teacher of teachers, who currently serves as the Country President, International director, as well as, the Chairperson on the board, of the UN-POLAC Int’l Peace Advocate serving humanity towards achieving ECOWAS millennium goals. POLAC – Positive Livelihood Award Centre, alias UN-POLAC ‘s mandate is to enhance the effectiveness of the UN millennium development goals and UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme particularly the maintenance of peace and unity in diversity.