"Women must take part in creating policies and legislation that reflect the society they want to live in"

Toyin Ojora Saraki

A brief introduction

Global advocate for women’s and children’s health and empowerment

 

As Founder-President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki is a global advocate for women’s and children’s health and empowerment, with two decades of advocacy covering reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health; ending gender-based discrimination and violence; and improving education, socio-economic empowerment, and community livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mrs Saraki is the Emeritus Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM); special adviser to the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), was named by Devex as UHC Global Champion, is the Save the Children Newborn Health Champion for Nigeria; and is a Global Champion for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood

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Advocacy in Action

SPEECH FROM June 17th, 2025

H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, has been appointed as a member of the Bayer Sustainability Council, joining a distinguished global cohort of experts dedicated to advancing sustainability through health equity, food security, and climate resilience. Bayer AG today announced the restructuring of its independent Sustainability Council, welcoming […]

SPEECH FROM June 3rd, 2025

Monday, 2nd June 2025 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM WAT United Nations House, Diplomatic Drive, Abuja Goodwill Message by Her Excellency, Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki Founder and President, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues in health and stakeholders in development,  I am pleased to convey my goodwill and full support on the […]

SPEECH FROM May 30th, 2025

Goodwill Message by H.E. Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki President and Founder, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA). On the Occasion of the Global Health Workforce Program (GHWP) Partnership To Improve The Availability Of Quality Of Emergency Obstetric And Newborn Care At National And Sub-National Hospitals By Strengthening The Capacity Of The National Postgraduate Medical College of […]

This #FrontlineFriday, I welcome the successful conclusion of our Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine & Wellbeing Foundation Africa Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills #AOSS training at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, alongside the concluded training at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, both part of an ongoing effort under the Global Health Workforce Programme #GHWP to equip Nigeria’s maternal health workforce with life-saving clinical skills.

Funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care @DHSCgovUK and managed by Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), the programme is delivered by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine @LSTMNews @LSTM_Nigeria, with the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation proud to support its impactful implementation.

Through intensive, hands-on sessions, resident doctors in Gombe and Port Harcourt strengthened core competencies in perioperative care, blood transfusion safety, assisted vaginal delivery techniques (including use of the ventouse), and the @WHO Safe Surgery Checklist. Simulation-based learning and direct mentorship ensured participants were able to apply their knowledge in realistic emergency scenarios, boosting both clinical confidence and patient safety.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Bukar Yakubu Lakube and the leadership of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, and to the leadership of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, for their collaboration and commitment to excellence in care.

#WellbeingForAll
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It was with deep gratitude for a life well lived that I joined my dear friends and brothers, Wale and Tokunboh Abudu, their children and families, friends, and the people of Egbaland in mourning the loss of Chief Olatunde Ayinla Abudu, OFR, MFR, a titan of industry, education, and public service, who peacefully passed on Monday, 9 June 2025, at the remarkable age of 96.

As founder of Nobelhouse College, benefactor to Abeokuta Grammar School, and visionary behind the Saje Maternity Hospital, established to reduce maternal and infant mortality, Chief Abudu championed education and health as pillars of progress in Ogun State. His philanthropic foresight also included investments in FUNAAB, the Egba Science Education Foundation, and youth development through the COAPSEC essay competition.

An industrial pioneer who transformed Abeokuta’s economic landscape, he established Midgal, Apex Paints, and Midland Gas, becoming one of Ogun State’s largest private employers. Chief Abudu’s commitment to interfaith harmony, community advancement, and national development earned him a place among Nigeria’s most respected statesmen.

I was honoured to celebrate a life that truly made a difference. Chief Abudu’s humility, generosity, and devotion to progress shaped countless lives. We have lost a giant, but his spirit lives on, in every student educated, every mother cared for, and every enterprise empowered.

May Almighty God grant him eternal rest, and may his family find comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from a grateful nation.

#InLovingMemory
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“Her children rise up and call her blessed"

As we mark the first anniversary of Beloved Mama Saraki’s passing, we are guided by the enduring legacy of a woman who so beautifully embodied grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion, to her family, her faith, and her community.

Mama Saraki was a pillar of strength, a quiet force of support whose life was a testament to humility, kindness, and selfless service. Whether through her deep commitment to community, her spiritual counsel, or her nurturing presence within our family, Mama’s actions uplifted all who encountered her. Her love extended far beyond the boundaries of her immediate household, as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, she touched countless lives with warmth, generosity, and compassion.

I treasure the dear memories we shared during my time as her first and eldest daughter-in-law, and I remain inspired by the impact and legacy of her life’s work, as a qualified barrister and as a devoted agro-entrepreneur. Mama Saraki’s unique spirit of tolerance, her resilient strength in standing by our Beloved Baba Oloye, Senator Dr Olusola Saraki of blessed memory, her consistent dedication to the wellbeing of others and her unfaltering faith are lessons that will continue to inspire us, in loving memory as Mama Saraki rests in the most peaceful heavenly abode.

Amen.

#InLovingMemory
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The tragic events in Yelewata, where at least 200 lives were violently taken in coordinated attacks, represent a grave failure to protect those who are already among the most vulnerable. That so many of the victims were internally displaced persons, individuals who had previously fled violence and insecurity in search of refuge, makes this atrocity especially devastating. It is unconscionable that those who had already endured the trauma of displacement should face such brutality in the very places they sought safety.

Internally displaced persons are not statistics; they are mothers, fathers, children, and elders whose lives have been upended by conflict and crisis. Their continued exposure to violence highlights the urgent need for a more resilient, coordinated, and rights-based approach to internal displacement in Nigeria, particularly across the Benue-Nasarawa corridor. Protecting displaced communities must be a central focus of both national and regional security strategies, with deliberate investment in prevention, dignity, and long-term recovery.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families affected, to His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Alia, and to the people of Benue State. I echo the urgent need, championed by @UNHCR and humanitarian partners, for strengthened protections and durable solutions for displaced populations across Nigeria. This must include a thorough, transparent, and just investigation into the Yelewata attacks, one that holds perpetrators accountable and ensures that the rights of internally displaced persons are not only recognised, but actively upheld. Justice cannot be delayed, and must never be denied.

#StandWithIDPs
#ProtectTheVulnerable
#WellbeingForAll
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It was an honour, a joyful obligation, and a privilege yesterday, to join Royal Fathers, Royal Families, Dignitaries and Members of the Diplomatic Community, together with the good people of Iru Kingdom in celebrating the 5th Coronation Anniversary Week of His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal CON, Abisogun II @hrmoniru, The Oniru of Iru Kingdom yesterday.

As Erelu Bobajiro of Iru Kingdom, I was particularly delighted to witness the culturally rich traditional Iwuye Installation, and congratulate 8 new chiefs, which included my dear friend Chief Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters as Erelu Asa, Chief Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha as Aare F`Iwagboye, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe as Asoju Oba, Chief Mrs Basira Titilayo Smith as Iya Oba, Chief Adeyemi Idowu as Aare Majeobaje, Chief Muyiwa Gbadegesin Ph.D as Aare So`ludero, Chief Adegboyega Hakeem Akintoye as Ajiroba, and Chief Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as Ba`siro of Iru Kingdom.

Congratulations dear Kabiyesi and Olori Oniru, may your reign be blessed with peace and productivity always, Amen.

#CultureIsContinuous
#GratefulForHisGrace
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Every return home to Ilorin is a reminder of the power of presence, of listening, engaging, and walking alongside communities in their pursuit of wellbeing.

Here, in familiar spaces and grace-filled encounters, the call to caring is not only remembered but renewed. Each moment is touched by the gentle gifts of kindness, extended, received, replenished, and multiplied in purpose.

#MaternalMonday
#AlaafiaKwara
#KwaraWellbeing
#WellbeingForAll
#GratefulForHisGrace
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On Saturday at Ilorin, I joined my husband, H.E. Dr @BukolaSaraki, in paying a condolence visit to the Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Honourable Justice Kamaldeen Abdullateef, and his family, to offer our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of his beloved father, Alhaji Daud Kamaldeen, the esteemed Magaji of the Kamaldeen Compound (Araagbaji).

May Almighty God grant beloved Alhaji Daud Kamaldeen Aljannah Firdaus, and bless all who mourn his loss with strength and comfort. Amen.
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