Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila at 96, Trailblazing Matriarch Celebrated for Longevity, Service and Excellence

At 96, Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, mother of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, continues to attract admiration for her remarkable strength, grace and enduring legacy.

Recent photos and social media posts celebrating the nonagenarian have sparked conversations online, with many users expressing amazement at her youthful appearance, energy and ability to remain active at an age when many would have slowed down considerably.

One Instagram user, Adenike Serah, while reacting to the discussion, described the Gbajabiamila family as possessing a remarkable longevity gene, saying: “This Gbajabiamila’s gene is not for the weak.” She also highlighted Alhaja Gbajabiamila’s historic achievement as a pioneering woman in local government leadership.

The comments reflect the admiration surrounding the 96-year-old, with other social media users describing her as a picture of longevity, wisdom, elegance and grace. One commenter recalled seeing her at her 80th birthday celebration and expressed amazement at how well she has continued to age.

But beyond the conversations about her age and appearance, Alhaja Gbajabiamila’s life is marked by a long record of professional excellence, public service, healthcare advocacy and community leadership.

A United Kingdom-trained nurse, she made history as the first female elected executive chairman of a local government in Lagos State, establishing herself as a trailblazer in an era when women’s participation in political leadership was far less common. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also recognised her contributions to healthcare, community development and public service.

Her accomplishments received another major recognition in January 2026 when Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, conferred on her an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa) in Business Administration. The university also honoured her legacy by naming its proposed nursing college the Lateefat Gbajabiamila College of Nursing.

President Tinubu congratulated Alhaja Gbajabiamila on the honour, describing her life as one characterised by resilience, professional excellence and community service. He praised her pioneering contribution to the nursing profession and her lifelong commitment to healthcare and human development.

The President also celebrated her again when she marked her 96th birthday in March 2026, commending her resilience, industry and remarkable life dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He prayed for her continued good health and strength.

Today, Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila’s story extends beyond being the mother of a prominent political figure. At 96, she represents a generation of women who broke barriers, served their communities and built lasting legacies.

As social media users continue to marvel at her strength and longevity, her recent honorary doctorate serves as another reminder that her contributions to healthcare, public service and society continue to be recognised even in her later years.

At 96, Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila is not simply being celebrated for how long she has lived, but for how meaningfully she has lived and for the legacy she continues to leave behind.

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