Yeye Shona-Aluko Urges Women to Stay Focused, Hardworking for Success.
By Adewale Owoade
An educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Yeye (Dr.) Afolashade Shona-Aluko has urged women in society to remain focused, hardworking and confident, noting that they often have to work twice as hard as men to succeed in life.
Yeye Shona-Aluko, who shared her life experiences as someone who rose from humble beginnings through God’s grace, resilience and hard work, said she never pursued a throne but rather that the throne found her as a result of her dedication and commitment.
The Chief Executive Officer of DLA Children Playground Equipment and Toys Ltd. explained that her passion and commitment to education motivated her to venture into the supply of playground equipment and educational materials to schools across the country for more than 15 years.
Because of her integrity and unblemished reputation, she has partnered with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and several State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to supply educational equipment and materials to schools in order to enhance teaching and learning nationwide.
A philanthropist at heart, Yeye Shona-Aluko has also been using her God-given resources to support women, youths, children and persons with disabilities, helping to make life more meaningful and bearable for them.
Her immense contributions to children’s education also earned her recognition from Ikeja Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, which honoured her with an award. She has equally been supporting children with special needs by paying the salaries of teachers handling their education.
As the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, she has empowered many women and youths through vocational training programmes such as tailoring, baking, hairdressing and other skills, with the aim of making beneficiaries self-reliant.
Born in Kaduna over five decades ago, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko embraced discipline and determination as guiding principles on her journey to greatness. She attended Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, Kwara State, before proceeding to the Federal College of Education, Kabuga, Kano State.
Her pursuit of education was not without challenges, but resilience and perseverance paved the way for her academic success. She later advanced her studies at Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye—now Olabisi Onabanjo University—where she earned a degree in Educational Management.
Yeye Shona-Aluko began her professional career as a classroom teacher, where she earned a reputation for discipline and commitment to her students, many of whom are today excelling in various professions.
Over the years, her remarkable contributions to education, entrepreneurship and humanitarian service have earned her numerous awards, honours, recognitions and a chieftaincy title from the throne of the revered monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
She was installed as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua in October 2025 by the Ooni of Ife at a colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries from across the globe. The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, witnessed a vibrant celebration on the installation day, which also boosted local economic activities.
Among her numerous recognitions are the Philanthropist of the Year 2024 Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FRCN Ibadan Chapel; the 2023 Sterling Award from the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN); and the Lagos State Ministry of Education Award for her contributions to special education.
She has also received the Ikeja High School Leadership Award for her dedication to teachers and students, as well as the Oodua Special Recognition Award (OSRA) 2024.
Other honours include the Golden Star Award for Empowerment and Community Development from Security Watch Africa in Doha, Qatar, and the Award of Excellence on Human Development and Social Services from the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.
In 2025, Yeye Shona-Aluko received honorary doctorate degrees from European American University and Kingdom Life University, Florida, and she is also a Fellow of the Institute of Purchasing and Marketing Consultant.
She currently serves as the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans of Nigeria (AOFAW), an organisation with membership across all states of the federation.
In recognition of her immense contributions to society and human development, she has been invited as a Special Guest of Honour to the Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival in Canada scheduled for July 2026. Earlier in June this year, she is also expected to receive the Silent Hero in Philanthropy Award.