Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the eldest daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has steadily carved out a name for herself as a bridge between tradition and modern advocacy. Known widely as the Iyaloja-General of Lagos — a title she inherited in 2013 following the passing of her grandmother, the formidable market leader Alhaja Abibat Mogaji — Folasade has grown into a formidable voice among traders and grassroots women.
Since her father assumed the presidency, she has styled herself as the “First Daughter of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” a title that underscores her symbolic role in national life. With her visible presence on social media, she embodies a blend of heritage and contemporary leadership, projecting the values of resilience, boldness, and duty.
Leadership and Influence
As Iyaloja-General, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo presides over a vast network of market leaders, commanding respect across Lagos and beyond. Her voice carries weight on issues affecting commerce, women, and community organization. Traders recognize her as an authority figure who speaks unapologetically about their welfare and rights. Her leadership style mirrors the political dynamism of her father: bold, confident, and assertive.
She has also played a mediatory role in market disputes, such as resolving leadership crises in Alaba Rago Market and defending traders in Ojuwoye Market against unlawful closures. By doing so, she reinforces her image as both a protector and reformer of grassroots commerce.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond market leadership, Folasade is committed to humanitarian and social causes. Through the Friends of Iyaloja Initiative (FoI), she has championed youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and interventions for vulnerable children and persons with special needs.
In 2023, she was appointed Ambassador for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, further cementing her interest in education, especially for disadvantaged groups.
She has also invested in educational initiatives, sponsoring scholarships, and advocating for reduced tuition fees for underprivileged students. Her interventions have helped many children and young adults access education they might otherwise have been denied.
Notable Contributions
- Carnival Calabar Essay & Scholarship Programme: Through sponsorship of essay competitions, she has rewarded outstanding young minds with millions of naira in prizes. In partnership with the Cross River State Government, a ₦1 million scholarship in her name now supports exceptional students of the University of Calabar.
- Market Modernisation: She commissioned an ultra-modern market at Ebute-Ipakodo in Ikorodu and oversaw the development of a new Alade Market in Ikeja with improved facilities, benefiting thousands of traders.
- Recognition & Symbolic Roles: In 2024, the Cross River State Government named her Carnival Calabar Ambassador, acknowledging her philanthropic contributions. She also holds several honorary and traditional titles, including Yeye Oba of Ogudu, affirming her respected place in cultural and civic life.
Personality Traits
Folasade Tinubu-Ojo’s personality is defined by charisma, resilience, and authority. She thrives under responsibility, embraces public scrutiny, and carries herself with the confidence of someone born into both privilege and duty. Admirers see her as a fearless advocate for traders, women, and youth, while critics concede her assertiveness is a mark of leadership.
Conclusion
As Nigeria’s First Daughter and Iyaloja-General, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo embodies the fusion of tradition and modern ambition. Whether modernising markets, empowering women and youth, or advocating education for vulnerable children, she has shown that influence can be channelled into meaningful action.
Her journey continues to position her not just as a daughter of the President, but as a formidable leader in her own right — one shaping Nigeria’s unfolding story from the grassroots to the national stage.