Developmental expert, Margaret Fagboyo marks 50, calls for integrity driven leadership

• Gov. Oyebanji, Fayemi, SGF’ wife, others to honour celebrant

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Ahead of her much talked about 50th birthday anniversary this weekend, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo said she would love Nigeria to develop into a country where institutions work, where justice is blind and leadership driven by integrity, accountability and a genuine to serve and add value to nation building.

Dr. Fagboyo who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said she is a passionate Nigerian who is positive about the potentials and endowments that abound across the country.

“As a passionate Nigerian who believes in the immense potential of our nation, my vision for Nigeria is one of hope, transformation, and inclusive growth.

“I long to see a Nigeria where leadership is driven by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve – not self. A Nigeria where our diversity becomes our strength, not our division.

“I envision a country where institutions work – where justice is blind, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen feels seen, heard and valued. A land where young people can dream boldly and achieve greatly without having to look beyond our borders. Where women, men, and all marginalized groups are fully included in governance and development.

“Going forward, I expect Nigeria to rise beyond the grip of corruption, insecurity, and poverty. I expect us to prioritize education, invest in healthcare, secure our streets, and harness our vast resources – both human and natural for the common good.

“The road may be long, but I believe in the resilience and brilliance of Nigerians. Together, with vision, courage, and collective action, we can build the Nigeria we all desire – a nation that works, not just for a few, but for all.”

Indeed, the birthday bash which is to take place at the BMO Event Arena will be a gathering of who is who in Ekiti, her home state with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, former Governor Niyi Adebayo and former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who will speak on Development Partnerships and Social Development Goals (SDGs) in attendance.

Also expected to grace the occasion is the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Regina Akume, Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, many House of Representatives members, top government officials, top CSO leaders, development experts and many other diplomats.

Born on the 23rd of June, 1975, to the respected family of Pa Cyril Akanbi Bello and Mrs. Mary Olanike Bello from Oke-Emo Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Dr. Fagboyo is a multi-disciplinary development practitioner whose work has made meaningful impacts across Nigeria and beyond.

With over two decades of professional experience, she has carved a niche in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships.

She currently serves as the Director of Development at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), one of Nigeria’s leading think-tanks dedicated to strategic leadership and sustainable development.

She equally spent a remarkable chapter of her career with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), rising through the ranks to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, leading programmes in the South West, South South, and South East regions.