Not many achievers have the honour of being recognised in their lifetime, albeit by the highest authority.
Madam Flora Fadeke Omolade penultimate weekend enjoyed a rare privilege as the paramount ruler of the Ondo Kingdom, the Osemawe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, singled her and others out for honours for distinctive service to the crown and to the kingdom.
Her exemplary life which dates back to the devotion in moulding essence out of the children when she dedicated her youth to teaching in different schools as a way to impart knowledge has been motivating.
According to a missive from the king office, communicated by High Chief Adeduro to the subject, “this well-deserved honour is in recognition of your service to the crown and the kingdom.”
Olumide Omolade, son of the Amazon, said her contribution to the community was an open secret which was unrivaled.
“She taught in several schools just to make sure the knowledge and experience she garnered from abroad where she schooled were dispensed, leading to motivating kids to take up education. It is an unparallel sacrifice.
“For us in the family, we are very pleased that she is being recognised in her life for all that she did for humanity,” he said.
In 1974 she traveled to USA to further her studies and went to Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. She worked at various places before she came back to Nigeria and taught briefly as an English Instructor at Grade II Teacher’s College, Omisun, Ado-Ekiti before she joined the Ondo State Health Management Board Akure. She was posted to the State Hospital, Akure, as hospital secretary (1st female secretary in the hospital’s history).
Later, she was transferred to the headquarters in the Administration Section. She was sent to study Hospital Administration and Management at the University of Benin, Ekenwa Campus where she earned a Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management as a state-sponsored student. She came back to her employer, Ondo State Health Management Board and was posted redeployed as Zonal Secretary for Ekiti South local government where she covered Ikere-Ekiti, Ogotun, Igbara-Oke, Igbara-Odo etc. She was posted back to the headquarters of OSHMB where she retired voluntarily.
After her voluntary retirement, she was appointed as a member of the Customary Court Grade A, Oke Eda in Akure where she worked for three years before she went back to the USA. She worked in Group Homes at different locations in Washington DC, Maryland, some in supervisory positions. She was later given an appointment in the Security Administration Section at National Aeronautics and Space Administration for seven years before she decided to come back home.
She even worked with Neil Armstrong, the first man to go to the moon and took pictures with him when he knew she was from Nigeria.
Madam Flora said she was very pleased with the award adding that it gives her great joy that the king and the community were pleased with the effort she has made in raising the indigent and giving opportunities to the people of Ondo Kingdom.