By Hon. Mudasiru Quadri Olanrewaju
LAGOS, Sunday, August 16, 2026 — In a remarkable convergence of political leadership, spiritual wisdom, women’s empowerment and global networking, the Collaboration of All APC Women Organisations in Nigeria and Diaspora (CAAWOND) paid a historic courtesy visit to the Shepherd-in-Charge, Celestial Church of Christ, City of God Cathedral and Member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), JP, FPA, MPIC, MFR, at his Ojodu Berger residence on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The delegation, led by the Global Director General of CAAWOND, Her Royal Highness, Princess Omobola Bolu Omoleme, comprised prominent members of the organisation’s National and Lagos State leadership. Among those on the delegation were the National Women Leader for Strategy and Special Projects, Hon. Oluwatoyin Kolade; Legal Adviser, Barr. Dr. Rufus Aladeyelu; Director of Media Affairs and Coordinator, Diaspora Relations, Hon. Mudasiru Quadri Olanrewaju; and Coordinator of Women in Politics and Business, Mrs. Funke Tawa Adeyemi.
The Lagos State leadership was also strongly represented by the Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Folasade Balogun-Turner; Lagos State Secretary, Mrs. Ademola-Subair Shaqeerah; Mrs. Funmilayo Christiana Sunday; and Mrs. Sijuwade Orija Ogunkola, among other members of the State Executive.
The visit was significant on several fronts. It was undertaken principally to seek the support, guidance, and partnership of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku towards the forthcoming CAAWOND Annual Conference of Women in Politics and Business in Belgium, while also formally inducting him as CAAWOND National Patron.
The delegation equally extended a special invitation to Baba Eto to serve not merely as a distinguished guest but as the Spiritual Father of the forthcoming Belgium CAAWOND Annual Conference, an international gathering expected to bring together women in politics, business, leadership, and other spheres of influence. Significantly, Cardinal Odunmbaku has also been selected as one of the distinguished personalities to be honoured with an award at the epoch-making occasion.
Following the warm reception accorded the delegation, the Director of Media Affairs and Coordinator, Diaspora Relations, Hon. Mudasiru Quadri Olanrewaju, formally introduced members of the delegation, and gave a brief background on the establishment, vision, and mission of CAAWOND.
In her message, the CAAWOND Global Director General, Her Royal Highness, Princess Omobola Bolu Omoleme, expressed profound appreciation to Cardinal Odunmbaku for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation, describing his reception as a demonstration of the spirit of fatherhood, leadership, and genuine concern for the advancement of society.
Princess Omoleme explained that CAAWOND was established as a purposeful platform committed to bringing together women within the All Progressives Congress family in Nigeria and the Diaspora, strengthening their participation in governance, politics, business, and community development, while creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, strategic networking, and leadership advancement.
She stressed that CAAWOND is not merely about political mobilisation, but about building a formidable network of women capable of contributing meaningfully to democratic development, economic empowerment, social transformation, progress of Nigeria, and the African Diaspora.
According to her, the organisation recognises the indispensable role of experienced leaders, traditional institutions, spiritual authorities, professionals, and statesmen in nurturing the next generation of women leaders. She therefore described Cardinal Odunmbaku as a personality whose wealth of experience, wisdom, spiritual standing and commitment to society make him a natural father and valuable partner to the CAAWOND family.
Princess Omoleme further highlighted the strategic importance of the forthcoming Belgium CAAWOND Annual Conference of Women in Politics and Business, describing it as an opportunity to project the strength, capacity, and global relevance of Nigerian women while creating a platform for women across political and business communities to share ideas, build partnerships, and inspire one another.
She noted that, as a project enjoying the involvement, and support of the House of Oduduwa under the Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR, the Ooni of Ife, CAAWOND considers the Belgium programme a significant international engagement worthy of the support of stakeholders who believe in women’s leadership and empowerment.
Princess Omoleme therefore appealed to Baba Eto for his support in all ramifications, including spiritual, strategic, and financial support, towards the successful actualisation of the Belgium conference. She emphasised that his presence and contribution would add immense value to the conference, particularly because CAAWOND considers him not simply as a respected religious and political figure but as a father whose presence can provide spiritual direction, encouragement, and wisdom to the women and other participants expected at the event.
At the conclusion of her message, Princess Omoleme, accompanied by members of the delegation, formally presented the letter of appointment as CAAWOND National Patron to Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku.
In his response, an elated Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto) expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of CAAWOND, under the stewardship of Princess Omobola Bolu Omoleme, for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He described the appointment as a great honour and an indication of the confidence reposed in him by the organisation. He equally expressed appreciation for the invitation to the forthcoming Belgium CAAWOND Annual Conference, noting that he joyfully and wholeheartedly accepted both the appointment and the invitation. Baba Eto pledged his commitment to supporting the realisation of the Belgium conference, expressing optimism that the programme would become a reality by the special grace of God Almighty.
His acceptance of the appointment was met with visible excitement among members of the delegation, as the moment symbolised the beginning of a new relationship between Cardinal Odunmbaku and the CAAWOND family.
In what further demonstrated his acceptance of CAAWOND as an organisation close to his heart, Baba Eto extended a special invitation to the entire CAAWOND family to his forthcoming 80th Birthday Thanksgiving celebration.
He disclosed that, among the distinguished personalities expected at the landmark celebration, he would be delighted to welcome the leadership and entire family of CAAWOND as special guests, thereby further reinforcing the bond established during the visit. The gesture was received with profound gratitude by Princess Omoleme and members of the delegation, who described the invitation as a powerful expression of Baba Eto’s fatherly acceptance and goodwill towards CAAWOND.
The historic encounter at Ojodu Berger therefore closed on a note of optimism, gratitude, and renewed commitment, with CAAWOND leaving the residence of Baba Eto not only with a National Patron, but with a fatherly embrace, a spiritual ally, and a committed partner for its global mission.
Report by:
Hon. Mudasiru Quadri Olanrewaju
Director of Media Affairs & Coordinator, Diaspora Relations
Collaboration of All APC Women Organisations in Nigeria and Diaspora (CAAWOND)
