Gov Oyebanji, 2 ex-Ekiti govs, others to celebrate Margaret Fagboyo’s 50th birthday in grand style

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, will on Saturday lead a host of dignitaries including two of his predecessors, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo, to specially celebrate the 50th birthday of renowned development expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Fagboyo, in Abuja.

The high-profile celebration, scheduled to take place in the Federal Capital Territory, will draw a wide array of influential figures from across Nigeria’s political, diplomatic, and civil society landscape.

Among those expected are the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Regina Akume; Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Seun Aiyedatiwa; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu; and Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.

Also slated to attend are several members of the House of Representatives, senior government officials, leaders of civil society organisations, international development experts, and diplomats.

Born on June 23, 1975, Dr. Fagboyo hails from the respected Bello family of Oke-Emo Quarters in Ilawe-Ekiti. She has made a mark in international development, gender advocacy, and institutional partnerships, with a career spanning over 20 years.

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

PlatinumPost reports that Dr. Fagboyo was also a Special Adviser to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Development Partnerships and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2019 to 2023.

Prior to that, she worked with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), where she rose to become Regional Coordinator and Acting Head of Office, overseeing programmes across the South West, South South, and South East.
Her work in promoting gender inclusion and institutional accountability has earned her recognition in development circles nationwide.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the event, Dr. Fagboyo, who is also the Executive Director of the Inclusive Pathway Development Initiative (IPADEV), shared her aspirations for Nigeria.

She said: “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.”

Reflecting on her life as she turns 50, Fagboyo expressed deep gratitude for her journey.
“At 50, I choose gratitude over regret. Life has been good to me at 50 though I experience some challenges too, but every high and low has shaped the woman I am today – stronger, wiser and more grounded.

“If there is any regret, it would only be moments I doubted myself, delayed my dreams, or dimmed my light to make others comfortable. But even those moments taught me valuable lessons. So, no deep regrets – Just reflections, lessons, and a deeper resolve to live the rest of my life with more intention, joy, and courage. I’m embracing this new chapter with open arms and a heart full of purpose,” she stated

A mother of three and a passionate advocate for social impact, Dr. Fagboyo’s 50th birthday is expected to be both a celebration of personal achievement and a gathering of Nigeria’s foremost thinkers and leaders in development.