Heartfelt Tribute: Lagos Made Women Leader Pens Emotional Open Letter to Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Hailing Her as 'Mother Beyond Politics'

Heartfelt Tribute: Lagos Made Women Leader Pens Emotional Open Letter to Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Hailing Her as 'Mother Beyond Politics'

Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas

Ambassador Abosede Oluwakemi Joseph, Convener and President of the Lagos Made Women Organization (also known as "Made in Lagos" or "Better Babes"), has publicly shared an open letter expressing profound love and thanks to veteran politician Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the Otun Iyalode of Lagos.

Dated March 4, 2026, the letter describes Okoya-Thomas as a guiding "mother beyond the political space" and reflects on nearly a decade of close association. Joseph, who signs off as "Your Bose," recounted their shared journey filled with "ups and downs," emphasizing how Okoya-Thomas consistently treated her as a personal "assignment" and turned potential criticisms into strong endorsements at critical moments.

Bose Joseph(2nd from left with Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas

"I am more than glad to have found myself on a most memorable journey with you over the years," Joseph wrote. "When you score me 'zero' graciously I find an A against My name on your recommendation at most relevant moments."

The letter frames the current period as Okoya-Thomas's time for a personal "reset" and reactivation, while reaffirming unwavering admiration: "My most sincere love, Admiration and respect remains unwaivering, untainted and better plugged."

Joseph expressed deep thanks for being "adopted" by Okoya-Thomas and for her acceptance of the role as LIFE MATRON of the Lagos Made Women Organization. She concluded with prayers for continued blessings: "May lines continue to fall unto you in really pleasant places Ma... Your best yet cometh."

Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, served three terms as a federal lawmaker representing Lagos Island Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives (2003–2015) under the All Progressives Congress (APC). She is the immediate past Woman Leader of the APC in Lagos State and was recently honored with the prestigious traditional title of Otun Iyalode of Lagos by HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu in January 2026—a conferment celebrated widely, including by President Bola Tinubu, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to women's empowerment, governance, and community service.

Ambassador Abosede Oluwakemi Joseph leads the Lagos Made Women Organization, a group focused on uplifting and supporting women in Lagos society. The open letter highlights the deep personal bonds that often form among women leaders in Nigeria's political and social spheres, transcending formal affiliations.

The tribute comes amid Okoya-Thomas's continued influence in Lagos APC circles and her role in advocating for women's progress, underscoring the enduring impact of mentorship and sisterhood in public life.