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Tag: Betty Akeredolu

  • I discovered what will prolong my life, and I did it – Akeredolu’s widow reveals what saved her from cancer that killed husband

    I discovered what will prolong my life, and I did it – Akeredolu’s widow reveals what saved her from cancer that killed husband

    The widow of the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Betty, has opened up on how a positive mindset played a crucial role during her battle with breast cancer and saved her from the disease that killed her husband in 2023.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Akeredolu passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, during a protracted illness in a German hospital at the age of 67 and was laid to rest at the burial site in the community.

    Sharing her experience while commemorating 2025 World Cancer Day, the former First Lady said her experience with the disease is a mixed grill of triumph and lately of grief.

    She further added that her positive mindset played a major role in her surviving cancer.

    She noted that she had to eliminate starchy foods such as pounded yam, eba, Amala, and Akpu from her diet to prolong her life, also stressing how going to seek medical care at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan instead of relying on spiritual healers was crucial.

    She said, “My experience with cancer is a mixed grill, of triumph and lately of grief, having defeated breast cancer 27 years ago and just over a year, on December 26, 2023, I lost my husband, Aketi, to prostate cancer. For this conversation, I will tell my story to inform, inspire and empower the public to take action against cancer as an individual or as a community.

    “To begin with, the major thing that saved me from untimely death at the age of 44 was my mindset or belief. I didn’t believe that my cancer was caused by anybody let alone by spiritual attack. So I didn’t go to church or spiritualist, I went to University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. My educational status also enabled me to figure out that cancer is medical issue, nothing more. I was right! Doctors at UCH handled my case and if I may add, I presented early at stage 1 of the disease. No lymph node was affected, I got to know the implication as I began to read voraciously some medical publications on breast cancer such as Cochrane publications etc.

    “As I read more and attended international conferences, I understood that my longevity after cancer diagnosis depended on my lifestyle. Looking at my children then and how young they were, I was determined to do everything in my power to live inorder to raise them. If stopping drinking coke and other minerals, swallowing eba, pounded yam, amala and akpu would prolong my life knowing that starchy foods and sugar fuel the growth of cancer, so be it. That was exactly what I did. I stopped drinking minerals, no “swallow” and no bread since 2000!

    “My food includes the following: veggies, smoothies, green tea, lemon and ginger tea, beans, moimoi, fish, chicken, snail, occasional rice and zobo drink. Exercise, especially jogging, a flagship activity of BRECAN organised during Pink October also became part of my healthy lifestyle.

    “Connecting with people especially those with shared experience is critical in bringing emotional support in cancer journey. It is one of the reasons behind founding BRECAN. We now have a community of breast cancer survivors named Team Survivors Nigeria (TSN) for psychosocial support among members and to showcase that breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Today, I’m proudly a 27 year breast cancer survivor, thriving and still counting!”

  • Akeredolu’s widow, Betty attacked for calling Nigeria, ‘Zoo country’

    Akeredolu’s widow, Betty attacked for calling Nigeria, ‘Zoo country’

    Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Akeredolu has come under heavy criticism for describing Nigeria as “a zoo country that is beyond redemption.”

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the widow of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu made the statement on the microblogging platform X account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday while juxtaposing Nigeria’s electoral process to that of the United States of America.

    The former Ondo First Lady, had highlighted the differences in vote counting between the two countries.

    “2023 Nigerian Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 25 million. Counting Duration: 5 days. 2024 U.S Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 155 million. Counting Duration: Approximately 10 hours,” she wrote, adding, “Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”

    Her post drew mixed reactions, in which, a user named Paulexy commented, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria,” prompted a response from Akeredolu herself. “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country,” she replied.

    Akeredolu’s “zoo country” remark has sparked backlash amongst social media users, as many labelled her a “tribalistic bigot”  for disrespecting the country.

    See some reactions below:

    Okikiolu John @Jonneto2 wrote, “From the wife of a former governor o. Hmmm. Speaks volumes about character.”

    @CitizenOlu wrote, “Tribal Bigot Betty strikes again… using the same language as her beloved IPOB terrorists! This i***t benefitted from the country she abused as the wife of a governor in Ondo state! This same woman’s husband refused to hand over power to his deputy while sick because of her hunger for political power.”

    Iyo Obietonbara @sankofa360 said, “That a country has challenges doesn’t make it a zoo, especially when the country afforded you with the education and opportunities that has made you who you are.

    “To refer to Nigeria with that word means you are a dimwit. An ingrate, who intends to pull down this country with your words, by causing the youths to lose hope in the country.

    “If this Republic is what you called it, it also means the state you and your husband governed is part of the jungle. Your attempt to use Ethnic hate/bigotry on those who are calling out your foolishness is lame.”

    Khone @kingkhone4real said, “You are just embarrassing yourself and your late husband. You are a beneficiary of a failed system. You and your husband contributed to the ruins. Nonsense.”

    For Diekololaoluwa @YeyeOba001 wrote, “One thing I know is that if Rotimi Akeredolu comes back to this world again with his right senses, he will distance himself from you and people like you.

  • Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu endorses wife to contest Imo State Senate seat

    Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu endorses wife to contest Imo State Senate seat

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has endorsed his wife, Betty’s ambition to contest the Imo East Senatorial District seat in the 2023 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Akeredolu gave the endorsement in a romantic message to mark their 41st wedding anniversary.

    According to Akeredolu, his support for his wife to contest the Imo Senate seat is without any reservations or equivocation, stressing that the world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus.

    The romantic message titled: PUBLIC SERVICE: THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE reads: “Betty, FLOOS, let me choose this great day in our lives, our 41st wedding Anniversary to notch up in print my support for your popular and known quest to serve your people in the Senate.

    “The evolution of modern societies bears indelible evidence of significant inputs of few people. This trajectory records definitive impacts of those who dare to think and act differently. The consequence of this defiance finds expression in radical departure from the old order, leading to transformation. It yields quality accretions which impact positively on the people in any given space.

    “The world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus. These torch bearers withstand the brunt of vilification, contempt, deprivation and even rejection. They remain undaunted until the set goal is achieved. They are rarely praised afterwards.

    “Public service is taken as the highest form of participation in the affairs of a human community, state or a country. It ennobles anyone, privileged to serve, whose tenacity, focus and integrity ensure development. Only a few are truly equipped for service. They must be encouraged at all times.

    “Anytime, anywhere and under whatever circumstances, those who hold views which threaten to shatter age-long widely held beliefs and/or practices are a special breed. Those whose activities have borne positive impact on the lives of the under-privileged, must be supported by all good people.

    “I join all other well-wishers, admirers, supporters and stakeholders to support, openly and without any reservations or equivocation, my Adorable Betty in her bid to continue to serve the people in her State of birth, Imo.

    “I do this, most enthusiastically, as a partner, admirer and active follower for over four decades. I consider myself highly privileged to have a workaholic, gender and human rights activist, humanist and philanthropist as wife, adviser, harshest critic, supporter, political associate and, above all, an unrelenting ideologue, ready to sacrifice and confront any obstacle, natural and artificial. I am of the firm belief that any group, society, community, state or country, privileged to avail itself of the quintessential service of a bold crusader, as she, is lucky indeed.

    “Seeking to continue what she started long before I came into politics, when she ran for the House of Representative, at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, is not strange to me or anyone who has been watching the activities of this special personality. I SUPPORT HER ASPIRATION NOW, AS I HAVE ALWAYS DONE, EVEN BEFORE I JOINED POLITICS. I know her to be a passionate believer in rectitude. I believe in her mission to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression.

    “I have known her as a fiercely independent personality who is never afraid to voice her dissent on any issue. I have witnessed her triumphs over adversities at close quarters. She made me appreciate more the nuanced difference between foolhardiness and courage. Many have come to accept her as a rock of refuge for the oppressed and hopeless. She has been a strong advocate for equity and justice and against unprofitable superstitions, beliefs and habits which predispose people to diseases and avoidable deaths.

    “I am proud of this gift from Imo State. I support her aspiration wholeheartedly. I am convinced that the people of Imo State will enjoy quality representation from her. Her presence in the Senate promises exciting moments.

    “I harbour no anxiety that my Adorable Betty, ADA OWERE, has all it takes to BEMORE. While offering her my unalloyed support, I wish her all the best in this current quest to extend and particularise the scope of service in the interest of the people.

    “May the will of the Almighty be manifested and fulfilled in this endeavour, and many more, designed to uplift the downtrodden. May fair winds aid this sail!

    “Your Darlin, ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU, SAN, GOVERNOR, ONDO STATE”.

  • #OndoDecides2020: Akeredolu’s wife speaks on sustaining injury at polling centre

    #OndoDecides2020: Akeredolu’s wife speaks on sustaining injury at polling centre

    Wife of Ondo Governor, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, has latched out at those behind a viral video stating she was injured at the polling centre after thugs invaded the place.

    She said the sponsors of the video were insane.

    Mrs. Akeredolu, who spoke at their Owo residence, said the video was meant to damage the voting exercise, distort information and put it in a bad light.

    She expressed optimism her husband would emerge victorious.

    “People are exercising their franchise. The good thing is that people are voting in a peaceful manner. If we continue like that in all other polling unit we dont have anything to fear about violence

    “We encourage people to vote and not fight. I urged people to vote in a peaceful manner so that our voices will be held.”

    On viral video that she was injured, she said, “That is insane, that is absurd. That tells you how desperate people can be in politics or our political landscape.

    “I am here in the ambience of my country home and somebody is there doctoring video that I was injured.

    “Were you the one that injured me? Such desperation will not do any good to them.

    “The detractors want to damage the exercise, to distort information and put one on a bad light. It is all false. We will emerge victorious.”

  • Mrs. Akeredolu distributes laptops to 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija participants

    The Ondo State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, has distributed 400 Microsoft laptop computers to some girls on two weeks ICT and solar technology training in the state.

    Mrs Akeredolu made this known in Akure at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija.

    She said she had never been more hopeful of a better Nigeria than this moment, seeing 400 girls ready to “change our story and make us more visible on the world map.”

    She said although the two weeks rigorous training in ICT, solar technology and life-enhancing skills was over, the girls had many years of impacting the world and making it a better place.

    The governor’s wife said: “the baton has been placed in your hands; your race now begins.

    “I must warn you that there will be challenging times, but you should know that this boot camp has equipped you with all that you need to overcome them all.

    “Girls, to rise up to the task ahead, you must put all you have learned here to practice; mentor many more girl children and build a formidable network of change agent.”

    Mrs Akeredolu commended those who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the 2018 Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija.

    She described the contributors as great giants upon whose shoulders the girls would stand to see further and create lasting development in Nigeria and the world at large.

    “You have given a head start to the girl child and indeed the marginalised of the society and pitched their tents in the court of great visionaries,” she noted.

    She called on Nigerian to endeavor to help children in various communities without waiting for government support.

    The Representative of Microsoft Nigeria, Mr Olusola Amosan, commended the First Lady for the initiative, saying it would enable the girls to prepare themselves for a better tomorrow.

    Amosan said the two weeks training had exposed the girls to many applications in computer, which they could use to better their lots in a legitimate manner.

    The training was the second edition since Mrs Akeredolu assumed office of the first lady of Ondo state.

     

  • Akeredolu’s wife gets international award on breast cancer advocacy

    The wife of Ondo state Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu has just been given a high level recognition award on her untiring effort at raising the bar of awareness over the breast cancer challenge among the women of Ondo state, nay Nigeria , in the ongoing Global Health Catalyst (GHC) summit at Harvard Medical school, Boston , MA, USA.

    The GHC is a premier yearly event designed to catalyze high impact international collaboration to eliminate global health disparities, with main on cancer and related diseases.

    It will be recalled that Mrs. Betty Akeredolu has recorded giant stride in the past years on the global challenge of breast cancer and the need to make our women realise the fact that the breast cancer ailment is not a death knell if women talk about it collectively and patients of such ailment resolve not to die silently.

  • [Photos] Betty Akeredolu takes FOWOSO empowerment to Akoko South West

    The wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has led members of the Forum of Wives of State Officials (FOSOWO) to Akoko South West where women and youths from the local government were empowered.

    At the colourful event held at African Church Grammar School, Oka Akoko, where the rich culture of Akoko people was on display, Arabinrin Akeredolu observed that the empowerment programme was FOWOSO’s way of walking the talk and creating a pathway for women’s advancement regardless of who they are or where they lived.

    According to the first lady, every Ondo State woman should benefit from FOWOSO as the goal is to raise the consciousness of women to take the lead.

    Mrs. Akeredolu also added that projecting women to the forefront starts with acquisition of knowledge and skill so that they can be in a position to cater for their families.

    She used the opportunity to challenge cultural and social misconceptions that affect the potentials of women stressing that women must rise up to take their pride of place towards the development of the society.

    Her words: “What we are doing here today is historic – Some of these women have been trained in different skill areas. We are going to give them start up tools and with it, they will perfect themselves. And for those who already have skills and don’t have the capital to start up, we will provide them with it”.

    In her welcome address, the chairperson of Akoko South West Local Government, Mrs Florence Oloruntogbe thanked Arabinrin Akeredolu for the historic visit to the local government.

    She also used the opportunity to congratulate the Akeredolu led government for its one year in office stressing that Mrs. Akeredolu has to a large extent demonstrated her commitment to the development and empowerment of womenfolk in the state.

    On the train was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji Edet, who lauded the FOWOSO empowerment Outreach programme of Her Excellency and encouraged the women and youths to make good use of the opportunity being handed to them.

    Also present were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Hon. Lola Fagbemi, Hon. Victor Olabintan, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Gboyega Aderarati, Wives of Commissioners, SSA Women Affairs, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, SA Gender, Research and Documentation, Mrs Tope Daniyan, Chairmen and the Chairpersons of Local Government in Ondo State among others.

    [Photos] Betty Akeredolu takes FOWOSO empowerment to Akoko South West

    Earlier, Mrs. Akeredolu paid a courtesy visit to Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye OON ascended the throne as Olubaka of Oka-Akoko where she called for supports towards programmes that promote women empowerment in Ondo state.

    The climax of the event was the distribution empowerment kits which include laptops, sewing machines, hair dryers, grinding machines and cash to women from the local government.

    Certificates and start up kits were also given to all those who trained in various skills such as bead making, wig making, shoe making, soap making and cosmetology.

  • Betty Akeredolu gives gifts to first babies of the year, harps on healthy living

    The Wife of Ondo State Governor Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has presented gifts items and cash to the three babies of the year at the State General Hospital in Akure.

    While congratulating the parents of the babies, she assured the citizens of the State of the readiness of the present administration to provide quality health services and she further urged everyone to maintain good sanitation.

    “I want to stress that the government of the State is working earnestly to provide good services that will guarantee good health for all the people of the State. This is a demonstration that the government is concerned about the people’s health and the people must do their own part. Like regular hand washing, good environment among others.

    “However, people also have their roles to play in maintaining good health. Most times, government provides good health services but many still hold on to the old, unhealthy habits.

    Mrs Ifedayo Raphael, who gave birth to the first baby of the year, a baby girl at 3: am, appreciated the First Lady for her kind gestures and prayed for God strength for her.

    “I want to thank our mother for this visit and the gifts she brought to the babies. I pray that the Lord will reward her kindness. Myself and my husband are very grateful for this gifts and I pray that the Lord will bless her abundantly.”

    Similarly, Mrs Adebayo Aderonke who gave birth to the second baby of the year, a boy, around 8:42am could not hide her joy when receiving the gifts from the Governor’s wife as she described her as a caring mother who want the best for all the citizens.

    Mrs Akeredolu gives gifts to first babies of the year, harps on healthy living

    The story was not different when Mrs Adamu Grace who gave birth to the third baby of the year, a female at 11.06 pm was presented with cash and gifts items by the First Lady.

    The Chief Medical Director of the State General Hospital Dr Adewole Moses thanked the First Lady for presenting gifts to the babies as he added that Akeredolu led administration is doing everything possible to improve the health status of the citizens through provision of quality health services.

  • [Photos] Ondo First Lady, Betty Akeredolu Crowned ‘Ada Emeabiam II’

    The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was crowned with the traditional title ‘Ada Emeabiam II’ of Emeabiam in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State by His Royal Majesty, Eze Eunan Eke, Ohazurume 1 of Umuokpo autonomous community, Emeabiam. This honour is coming on the heels of her numerous contributions to the development of Emeabiam community.

    Top among the dignitaries that graced the occasion was the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Imo State, ably represented by the SSG, Sir George Eche, the deputy of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, and the Secretary to the State Government, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde among others.

    In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akeredolu who thanked the people for considering her worthy of the title promised to do her best to better the lives of the people in the community just as she affirmed her readiness to work and surpass the legacies left behind by Mrs. Angela Abana, the first to be titled ‘Ada Emeabiam’

    Mrs. Akeredolu also used the opportunity to express her readiness to continue to give back and empower her people. “I intend to use this position as an avenue to campaign for the betterment of our people. I intend to set up a foundation made up of well meaning sons and daughters of Emeabiam with the sole aim of identifying the problems and constructively dealing with them”, she stressed.

    While also appreciating HRH, Eze Eunan Eke, Ohazurume 1 of Umuokpo for the honour done her, Mrs. Akeredolu expressed the notion that it is going to be a new dawn thus calling for supports from all and sundry.

    In his remark, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Akeredolu congratulated his wife stressing that it was a honour well deserved.

    According to him, it was not a surprise that she was honoured with the traditional chieftaincy title as her love for her community cannot be quantified and the love of her people is very dear to her heart.

    Arakurin Akeredolu further assured the people of the community that the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will fix the road leading to the village.
    Earlier in his remark, Eze of Emeabiam described Arabinrin Akeredolu as a woman who has been working for the development of the community for a very long time noting that it was indeed a honour well deserved.

    He also used the opportunity to call on his people to continue to support the newly crown ‘Ada Emeabiam II’ so that she can be able to achieve her goals for the community.