NEWS
Institute Of Management Specialists (UK) Awards Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo
The carefully planned city of Abuja which was built mainly in the 80’s and replacing Lagos as Nigeria’s capital in 1991 witnessed something momentous. The geography defined by the Aso Rock and Zuma Rock felt a gust of fresh breath when Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo bagged a fellowship award by the Institute of Management Specialists, United Kingdom. The institute was founded in 1971 with the aim to encourage management excellence and specialist expertise while helping members achieve their personal aspirations, fulfil their career ambitions and develop their innate potential. The institute is concerned with providing support for lifelong learning and encouraging education in management and specialist areas.
One of its core responsibilities is curating professional recognition to the knowledge and skills of managers and specialists and this happened at the head office of Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited in Asokoro, Abuja. Distinguished guests trooped in at the early hours of the morning to witness this landmark achievement.
The event began with an opening prayer by Engr. Matthew, a civil engineer with Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited. He prayed that Engr. Funmi Ayinke is filled with the grace to do more for humanity, with the high hopes that the certification will be the opening for prominence.
Thereafter Mr Yemi, a staff of Patibon, a partner company of Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited read a citation of Engr. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo, summarising her background, growth and achievements over the years. This was met with several rounds of applause as it was evident that Engr. Funmi is a special individual with the God-given grace to excel in whatever field she decides to venture in.
Commenting on her excellence, Mr Oluwafemi Ishola, the Managing Director, Patibon remarked on how impressed he was by Engr. Funmi Ayinke’s commitment to serve humanity. He also noted that she is an inspiration and paragon of virtue to him and several others. This was clearly evident in how her humanitarian foundation has harnessed the power of touching lives of the destitute and less privileged. He urged everyone affiliated to her to be more supportive of her dreams and see that the lives of more people can be changed for the best.
Following up, Mr. Bamidele Ogundana, CEO Abuja Reporters, touched on how journalism has helped him scrutinize people. He noted that on first contact with Engr. Dr. Mrs. Funmi Ayinke, he discovered how legitimate she was and her sincerity to all her humanitarian causes. He also cogitated that if 5% of people with the same capabilities as Engr. Funmi Ayinke, there would be a massive paradigm shift and Nigeria would be well on her way to become a better nation. He ended by encouraging the staff of Funmi Ayinke Nigeria Limited to make sure all hands are on deck to support the MD to attain greater heights.
Engineer Babatunde Kuye, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement thanked the Institute of Management Specialists for deeming it fit to honour Engr. Funmi Ayinke. He called her a trailblazer and considered her a special breed among a rare breed of exceptional female engineers. Engr. Kuye also highlighted her achievements in management and procurement. He said it takes a lot for someone who earns money to give a sizable portion to help humanity, citing a critical example of how he directed a family who lost their breadwinner to the Humanity Foundation and the enthusiasm in which Engr. Funmi Ayinke provided support. She helped the children get back into school and empowered the mother who now runs a business.
Mr. Sunday Giwa, a senior quantity surveyor working with the brand , was mostly full of praise for Engr. Funmi Ayinke. He stated that she is ever attentive to the plights of employees even to the least person. He ended by praying that the rewards would keep coming and she continues to soar.
Mr Theophilus Tyungu, a programs officer at the Institute of Management Specialists, proceeded to present the certificate and plaque to Engr. Funmi Ayinke after a brief introduction of the Institute.
In her acknowledgement speech, Engr. Mrs. Funmi Waheed-Adekojo was full of appreciation to God Almighty, her husband, Professor Waheed Adekojo for being a very supportive husband who had never stopped her from attaining her goals while also appreciating her children. She acknowledged the Institute of Management Specialists and reiterated that she was excited to receive the award.
She specially dedicated the award to every young female child, a pointer that they can do more and there is absolutely no limitation to what they can achieve. She hopes her life serves as a guide to every young girl, for them to realise that hard work and determination pays. The success she has culminated over the years is as a result of consistency and little efforts everyday that has mounted as steps to greater heights.
The following were the words that resounded from her acceptance speech:
“Your voices can be heard far and wide in seats of decision making and leadership, I believe you can unleash your girl power in all its dimensions that makes you outstanding, unique and excellent in your own way. Do not look down on yourself or think that your efforts are worthless, there are people watching and most importantly, God is watching and you will be recognized in your time as and when due”
She appreciated everybody in attendance for honouring her invitation to the event.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Ogundana Oluwakemi the best friend of Engr. Mrs. Funmi Ayinke, who also spoke about how Engr. Funmi Ayinke never overlooked the place of prayer in her life and attributed all of her success to the grace of God.
The closing prayer was taken by Mr. Abiodun Fatoki.
The event was a great success and it ended on a high note with a networking sessions and refreshments that swiftly followed.
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