10 things you didn’t know about late Chief Mrs Florence Morenike Saraki
1. Chief Mrs Florence Morenike Saraki was born on the 8th August 1935, in Owo, Ondo state Nigeria.
2. She was the only child of Madam Felicia Ojomo of the Ojomo royal household and Mr Samuel Ibidapo Okunrinboye.
3. Chief Mrs Florence Morenike Saraki, nee Ibidapo went to the UK to study. While in England, she attended Balham & Tooting Bec College in 1957 to study accountancy before earning a degree in Law and was called to the Inns of Court, London.
4. In 1961, whilst in the United Kingdom, she met a noble young medical student, Olusola Saraki, who later became Senate Majority Leader and The Turakin and Waziri of Ilorin in dignified succession. They were married the same year and had their first son Bukola Saraki in 1962.
5. Upon returning to Nigeria, Mrs. Saraki initially lived with Dr. and Mrs. Otegbeye at Oke Arin, Lagos whilst Dr Saraki was preparing to join her in Nigeria.
6. She worked at Shell BP, then joined United Africa Company (UAC), where her roles highlighted her versatility and business acumen; in UAC she worked in the legal department under later H.E Former President of Nigeria Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was then head of the legal department before going on to be the chief executive of UAC.
7. After retiring from UAC, Mrs Saraki became a partner and practised law at Olagbegi, Aregbesola & Saraki Chambers, showcasing her legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice.
8. She was an astute businesswoman, engaging in various business ventures including the trade of rice, tomato concentrates, sugar and vegetable oil and she ventured into farming in Kwara and Owo. She explored diverse business opportunities and showed her natural affinity with accounting and numbers.
9. She was known for her impeccable fashion sense and culinary skills.
10. She is a recipient of several awards and recognitions for her contributions to society.
