Chief Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, the former First Lady of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from 1999, was a beauty to behold. She
believed in the equality of all persons. She was the epitome of greatness,
humility and courage. She experienced breakthrough when championing her
husband’s cause whilst he was imprisoned under the Sani Abacha regime. She
fought with vigour and determination. Her Child
Care Trust was a vision she made reality. Through her charitable efforts,
she manifested dreams into the present and into the future. She made education,
healthcare and the basic necessities of life available and accessible for the
less-privileged, for disabled children, for widows and for orphans. She
understood that every life has value and she made it her duty to see those
marginalized in society have a voice through her. She was a champion in her own
right. Not only was she First Lady, she was a child, a wife, a mother, a
sister, a true companion. She did not discriminate against anybody. She brought
everybody and anybody close to her. What a remarkable pillar of support she was
to everybody.
Mrs. Stella Obasanjo’s life remains dearly missed.
All those who knew her know the passion and high esteem she held for Nigerians,
for Africans and for the whole global community. She was elegant, kind, generous
and pleasant. A true, victorious leader!
Surely “she came, she saw, she conquered!” Long live
her memory!
According to Antoinette-Rita, the author of “STELLA – Her Journey and Her Legacy”,
the first biography book on the life, journey, memory and legacy of Chief Mrs.
Stella Obasanjo, this book relays the life of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo in light of
the perspectives of those closest to her. The book contains a developed
analysis and dialogue of those who loved Mrs. Stella Obasanjo and also contains
comments from contributors on the life and legacy of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. The
book is rich, elegant and educative. It provides an invaluable insight into a
woman of many wonders, achievements, accomplishments and accolades. “STELLA” really does encourage all Nigerians
to give back to their communities in the same way Mrs. Stella Obasanjo did for
the less-privileged, the disabled, the fatherless and the motherless.
“STELLA”
is
a hard-back book with insertions of photographs of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. The
quality is of a very high and rewarding standard. Much appreciation and credit
goes to the author in her unique capture of the life of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo.
Antoinette-Rita has crafted this fine piece of
literature and illustrated the life of an inspirational woman who showed
admirable courage, dedication and honour during her lifetime. Mrs. Stella
Obasanjo was very gifted and she acquired unparalleled and incomparable mastery
of strength in every aspect of her life.
This book is an exemplary instrument that reveals the
genuine legacy of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. Her memory and her journey lives on
through every page of this grand book.
Let this book be viewed as a display of
Antoinette-Rita’s talent and her ability to educate the masses to give back to
the communities of which they are a part of. If you see your neighbor in need,
remember Mrs. Stella Obasanjo and let it grant you a heart to give and assist
freely. This is a token of appreciation to recognize the love we have instilled
in all of us.
Antoinette-Rita is an accomplished author, poet,
songwriter and public speaker. She was Called to the Bar of England and Wales
and is a Civil and Commercial Law Mediator. Antoinette-Rita completed her LL.B
in Law at The London School of Economics
and Political Science in 2012, her Bar Professional Training Course at BPP Law School (London) in 2013, and,
she completed her LL.M Master of Laws at The
University of Chicago Law School in 2014.
Her accolades and recognition trickle down from Her
Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, to Mr. Prime Minister David Cameron, and,
President Olusegun Obasanjo. Antoinette-Rita has piloted creative writing and
reading workshops for students and has published in legal journals. Her mother,
Rev. Clothilda Kehinde Adeogo, is the President of Enhancement Centre for
People with Disabilities, a non-governmental organization that supports the
lives of disabled people. Antoinette-Rita’s work and journey encourages many
generations who have been in her position. She wishes to inspire others to
overcome their challenges, stay focused and determined, and enjoy their every
potential in life.
A number of Antoinette-Rita’s awards include: Young
Poet Award courtesy of The International Society of Poets, Third place in an
Institute of Economic Affairs treatise competition, Academic Excellence Award
courtesy of The National African-Caribbean Student Society Awards, The Spirit
of London Award for Achievement through the Arts courtesy of The Damilola
Taylor Tryst, Writers’ Achievers Award courtesy of The Nigerian UK Based
Achievers Award, The PEN Award courtesy of Powerlist Ireland, Future Leaders
Award, Honorary from Miss Africa USA Organization, Achievement in Education
Award courtesy of Panache Global Entertainment, and, The Jack Petchey Award for
services in The Sea Cadets.
Antoinette-Rita is a gifted individual and has used
the beauty of literature to capture the hearts of many.
Those who were interviewed for “STELLA – Her Journey and Her Legacy” include: His Excellency,
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Olumuyiwa “Olu”
Obasanjo, Dr. John Abebe, (Late) Mr. Henry Abebe, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr.
Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu CON, FTA, FIIM, Olowu Kangumere Amororo II Olowu
and Paramount Ruler of Ancient Kingdom, Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, SAN,
FNIALS, FCIArb, LL.D, D.Litt, President and Chairman of Council Chartered
Institute Arbitrators Nigeria, and, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Former United
States Ambassador to the United Nations.
The 10th year Memorial Service with book
presentation incorporated held on Saturday, October 24, 2015. The Service Venue
is The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex (OOPL), Chapel of Christ
the Glorious King, Oke-Mosan, Next to NNPC, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria at 10am. Immediately after was the Reception
Venue at The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex (OOPL), OOPL Events
Marquee, Oke-Mosan, Next to NNPC, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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