04/06/2025
SPEECH BY QUEEN ANUOLUWA TUMININU OKOYA ( Queen Tumininu Okoya ) , CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, Ebunlobinrin Foundation AT THE GRAND PREVIEW AND REVIEW OF THE FILM “IYALODE BISOYE TEJUOSO” – SATURDAY, 31ST MAY 2025 AT JUNE 12 CULTURAL CENTER KUTO ABEOKUTA
All protocols duly observed.
Your Excellencies, Royal Fathers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
With utmost humility and a grateful heart, I welcome you all on behalf of the Ebunlobinrin Foundation to this historic event — the Grand Preview and Review of the film “Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso.”
Permit me to specially acknowledge:
His Excellency Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun MFR, the Executive Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of this Occasion;
His Excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA CON, the Chief Launcher;
Our revered Professor and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka;
His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife;;
His Royal Majesty Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso CON, The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba;
His Royal Majesty Oba Professor Saka Matemilola, The Olowu of Owu Kingdom;
;
Our Distinguished Senators Present;
Honourable Members of the House of Representatives;
Honourable Members of the State Houses of Assembly;
Honourable Commissioners;
Chairpersons of Local Government Areas;
Our highly esteemed Kabiyesi present;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I thank you all sincerely for honouring our invitation.
Distinguished Guests,
What we are unveiling today is far more than a film — it is a movement, a message, and a mission. The journey began in 2017, following a powerful episode of our radio program Ebunlobinrin on OGBC. We were confronted by an overwhelming number of women who had been chased out of their matrimonial homes. They came to our former office at Pepsi Junction, Quarry Road, Abeokuta, seeking intervention.
As we investigated further, it became clear that the issue was deeper than domestic conflict. It was cultural, ideological, and systemic. We discovered that many of these women had been misled by an unhealthy entitlement mentality — refusing to work, relying solely on their husbands for provision. Others, who were financially successful, showed arrogance, undermining their spouses with pride.
At that time, in 2014, the Ebunlobinrin Foundation already had over 100,000 women as members. This vast network made it clear that the issues we were witnessing were not isolated incidents but part of a broader societal challenge. Recognizing this, we knew we had to act decisively.
This revelation birthed the vision: We needed to re-orientate, educate, and empower. Not by preaching alone, but by telling a story — a true, inspiring, and life-changing story. Thus, the concept of this film was born.
"Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso" is a tribute to a trailblazing woman — the first Nigerian female industrialist, the third Iyalode of Egbaland, and Queen Mother of Karunwi III. Though she departed nearly three decades ago, her legacy continues to empower and shape generations of women. We believe that using her story as a film will serve as a mirror and a map for Nigerian women — reflecting our challenges and guiding our transformation.
This film project has taken eight years (2017–2025) to complete. We had initially aimed for a 2018 release, but faced many unforeseen challenges. By the grace of Almighty God, we stand here today, proud of what has been achieved.
We are organizing this Grand Preview and Review because we believe in accountability. We want our fathers — our leaders — to know what we are doing. We didn’t do this with foreign aid or large budgets. We did it with our hearts, hands, and resources. Over 200 million naira has been invested in this project — by young, determined women — without any support from government or corporate institutions.
Today, I am proud to announce that the Ebunlobinrin Foundation now boasts over 300,000 women nationwide, with offices in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ado Ekiti, Akure, Lokoja, and Abuja. This growth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women's empowerment and grassroots development.
We have come here today to share with you the great work we have done—through years of sacrifice, commitment, and belief in the power of women. We come to seek your fatherly blessings, guidance, and support, knowing that with your partnership, this project can reach far beyond what we alone could achieve.
After today’s review, we plan to premiere the film officially in September, and launch our three-year studio program — a weekly show addressing the pressing issues that affect women: financial independence, family responsibilities, self-development, and societal roles.
We aim to empower thousands of women nationwide through this project — including our upcoming YouTube reality shows Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso via Eyestar TV (Live) and Ebunlobinrin Foundation (Replay).
This is a bold women empowerment project, and I am confident that you, our fathers, our leaders, our Royal Fathers, will be proud of us, we have come here to show you what we have done — and to invite you to be part of something transformative.
Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for standing with us.
God bless you and your families.
I remain,
Queen Anuoluwa Tumininu Okoya
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ebunlobinrin Foundation
(Representing the President of the Foundation)
Thank you.
