Ekiti’s Trailblazer: Hon. Olapeju Morenike Babafemi to Receive Public Administration Award at 2026 Fizzy Lecture

Ekiti’s Trailblazer: Hon. Olapeju Morenike Babafemi to Receive Public Administration Award at 2026 Fizzy Lecture

At the forthcoming 2026 Fizzy Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by D Chronicle Media Ventures, themed “Southwest Security Synergy: Amotekun’s Role in Regional Stability and Development,” Hon. Olapeju Morenike Babafemi, Commissioner, Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has been selected to receive the Trailblazer in Public Administration Award, a prestigious honour reserved for leaders whose careers have significantly shaped governance and institutional excellence.

The ceremony is scheduled to hold on February 22, 2026, at the OSDPC Event Hall, Ijapo Estate, Akure, by 2:00 p.m. The event will feature Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Ondo State, as Guest Speaker; Hon. Dayo Awude, Former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, as Chairman; Hon. Otunba Timehin Adelegbe, MHR (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency) as Guest of Honour; and His Excellency, Hon. (Dr) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, as Special Guest of Honour.

This recognition forms part of a distinguished gathering of policymakers, administrators, and thought leaders committed to strengthening leadership, governance, and sustainable development in the South West.

Hon. Babafemi’s public service career spans 35 years of disciplined commitment, professionalism, and transformational leadership within the State Civil Service.

Beginning her career as an Administrative Officer, she rose steadily through the ranks and was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2009, a role in which she demonstrated exceptional administrative capacity.

She later served as Acting Head of Service between November 2018 and April 2019, further affirming her readiness for higher institutional responsibility. History was ultimately made when she became the first female substantive Head of Service in Ekiti State, serving with distinction from 2020 to 2022. Her tenure was widely recognized for strengthening administrative systems, promoting efficiency, and reinforcing the core values of the Civil Service.

Currently serving as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, she continues to provide experienced leadership in advancing social development and inclusive governance within the state.

Her contributions to public administration have earned her notable recognitions, including induction into the Hall of Fame of Efon-Alaaye and the ‘Oni Uyi, Oni Eye’ honour by the Ekiti State Government — acknowledgements that reflect a career defined by integrity, diligence, and service.

In honouring Hon. Olapeju Morenike Babafemi with the Trailblazer in Public Administration Award, D Chronicle Media Ventures celebrates a pioneering leader whose professional journey embodies resilience, competence, and purposeful leadership.
This recognition applauds a woman who not only broke historic barriers but redefined leadership within the public service, a true trailblazer whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.