Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq receiving The Zik Prize in Humanitarian Leadership 2025 from His Royal Majesty Professor Epiphany Chukwuemeka Azinge, SAN, The Asagba of Asaba, on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq is a distinguished diplomat, international trade expert, and passionate humanitarian whose life’s work embodies compassion, inclusion, and transformative service—the very essence of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision.
Born in Lagos, she holds a B.Sc in History, Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, and M.Sc in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. Her service distinction is enhanced by multiple honorary doctorates: D.Sc (Honoris Causa) in Governance & Social Empowerment (European American University, 2019), DGD in Gender Development (Geofidel Institute, London, 2020), PhD in Social Policy & Administration (Prowess University, Delaware, 2022), and Professorship in International Relations (International Entrepreneur University, 2023).
A career diplomat since 1993, she served with distinction at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs rising through roles in London, Pretoria, Paris, and Abuja. As Minister-Counsellor, Head of Chancery, and Head of Trade & Investment, she promoted Nigeria’s global interests with integrity and strategic acumen. In 2020, she was conferred the title Ambassador-in-Situ by the President of Nigeria.
As First Lady of Kwara State, she founded the Ajike People Support Centre, a transformative platform driving women’s empowerment, youth development, child welfare, and community resilience. Through Ajike, she champions healthcare access, skills training, anti-GBV initiatives, and social inclusion, reaching thousands across rural and urban divides. Her leadership extends nationally as Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), where she unites 22 First Ladies to tackle maternal mortality, child labor, HPV vaccination, and gender equity—most recently securing a landmark communiqué at the 2025 Calabar Retreat.
A TB Champion appointed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Matron of the National Council of Women Societies, and Kwara Health Insurance & Malaria Rollback Advocate, she has driven policy shifts that save lives and empower futures. Her influence also spans sports (Vice President, Nigerian Baseball & Softball Association) and creative advocacy, blending diplomacy with grassroots impact.
Her accolades reflect a legacy of service: Zik Prize in Humanitarian Leadership 2024/2025, ICAN Merit Awards, and global recognition for gender and social policy. A lover of family, sports, and creativity, she remains a beacon of empathy and action—mentoring young leaders, uplifting the vulnerable, and building a more equitable Nigeria.
