Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has celebrated her 72nd birthday with a powerful message reflecting on resilience, widowhood, and her unwavering commitment to purpose, even in the face of personal loss.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, July 20, the widow of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu shared heartfelt words highlighting her journey as a 28-year breast cancer survivor and her experiences in the two years since the passing of her husband.
“I turn 72 today, July 20. Two years into widowhood, 28 years a breast cancer survivor—and I’m still standing. Still thriving,” she wrote.
In her post, Akeredolu revealed that she has remained intellectually and socially active. She disclosed her recent academic engagement with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), FUTA Chapter, where she presented two scientific papers on her solar-powered recirculating aquaculture systems—an innovation she developed to boost sustainable agriculture.
“A new academic path, at 72. Because purpose never retires,” she added.
Betty Akeredolu, who is also the founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) and BAAF, reaffirmed her dedication to advocacy. Through her foundations, she continues to champion causes such as girls in STEM, solar technology in agriculture, healthcare access in rural areas, birth registration in collaboration with UNHCR, and justice for the voiceless.
“They tried to silence me. But I write, I speak, I act. I am living proof that resilience is a superpower,” she said.
“Here’s to thriving beyond widowhood.”
Her tribute comes almost two years after the death of her husband, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, in a German hospital after battling prostate cancer. He was 67 years old.
Late Governor Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), served as Governor of Ondo State from 2017 until his death, earning national respect for his bold leadership and unflinching advocacy for regional security and constitutional restructuring.
