Abimbola Fashola Reveals No Funds Were Paid Into Her Account as Lagos First Lady Until Tinubu’s Intervention
Former Lagos State First Lady, Abimbola Fashola, has revealed that during her tenure, no official funds were paid into her account for her projects until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened.
In an interview with News Central on Thursday, Mrs. Fashola disclosed that all the initiatives she spearheaded as First Lady were personally funded, emphasizing that they were her private projects and not state-sponsored endeavors.
Unwarranted Payments in Her Name
Mrs. Fashola revealed a shocking incident where funds were allegedly being disbursed by the Lagos Ministry of Education in her name without her knowledge or consent. She expressed her dismay upon learning about the situation and clarified that she had not received any financial support for her programs from the state government during that time.
“I remember a particular time when the Ministry of Education claimed they were giving me money from the education department. To this day, I don’t know what happened or who was collecting it. If even half of that money had been given to me, I know what I could have achieved. But nobody gave me a single naira,” she stated.
Tinubu’s Intervention
The turning point came during Mrs. Fashola’s 45th birthday when her empowerment programs were presented to then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Upon learning that she had been personally funding these initiatives, Tinubu took immediate action.
“At my 45th birthday, the now-President heard about everything I had been doing and asked if anyone had supported me financially. When I said no, he instructed all the local government chairmen in Lagos to provide financial assistance for my projects. That was the only time money went into my account,” Mrs. Fashola explained.
Empowerment Programs Beyond Office
Mrs. Fashola also noted that her projects, which were independent of state resources, have remained active even after her tenure as First Lady.
“My projects are mine. I’m not handing them over to the state. That’s why I’m still running them to this day,” she added, underscoring her commitment to her philanthropic and empowerment initiatives.
A Legacy of Service
During her time as First Lady, Mrs. Fashola was known for organizing empowerment programs across Lagos State, aimed at uplifting women and youths. She emphasized that her role was separate from her husband’s administration and that she refrained from influencing his decisions as governor.
The former First Lady’s revelations shed light on the challenges faced by spouses of public officials who attempt to implement impactful programs without state support. Her determination to continue these initiatives underscores her dedication to community service and personal accountability.
