H.E. Dr Eniola Olaitan Ajayi was born on the 18th of January, 1965 to the family of Late Pa Oluwatoyin Owolabi Ajayi of Iyin Ekiti and Chief Mrs Elizabeth Anike Ajayi of Ipoti Ekiti. Her early life began at St George’s Anglican Primary School, Ijero Ekiti before proceeding to Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Ado Ekiti.
Dr Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, an alumna of Christ’s School, Ado – Ekiti. A Doctor of Optometry graduate from University of Benin, and a Master of Philosophy in Ocular Pathology from University of London with postgraduate research and training from Moorfield’s Eye Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She was the best graduating student in her Special Doctor of Optometry class.
Upon Graduation in 1986, she worked with the Eye Department of 445 Nigerian Airforce Hospital in Lagos under the Ministry of Defence before starting a private practice in 1997. The practice, Enny Eye Care (Eye Clinic and Optical Services) now has two outlets in Lagos-Nigeria, Ikeja and Ikoyi. The Clinic has grown steadily since inception and it now has a client base of over Twenty thousand {20,000} patients. The two clinics compare favorably with any modern Eye clinic in the world.
She is a well traveled and seasoned Professional who has won many professional awards. She was the Chairperson of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos Branch until year 2012. She was instrumental to the association’s Registration and launch of a Non-governmental Organization called, Save a Sight and Vision Foundation. The aim of the Foundation is to make good quality Eye Care affordable and accessible to all in Lagos State in line with the global initiative of “VISION 2020 – THE RIGHT TO SIGHT”.
She won the awards: Optometrist of the year and Chairman of the year 2009 in the Nigerian Optometric Association. She also won the Eye Care personality award of the year 2010. She became a fellow of the Nigerian Optometric Association in 2011. This was followed by a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Benin in 2012.
She won the Ambassador of the year in 2019 under the annual Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide Award. In 2020, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Hungary where she served was adjudged the best by Nigerians in Diaspora. She also won the Best Ambassador award from the African Forum and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council award for her publication on Food culture and Cuisine in Nigeria in year 2021.
She was the Chairperson PTA – Parents Teachers Association of Chrisland School, Ladipo Oluwole at a time. She is also a member Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesha and a past President of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti Alumni Association 1975/80 Set; thus contributes a lot to the process of shaping the lives of children in High School in Nigeria. She is currently a member Board of Trustees, Nigeria Optometric Association.
She was the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ekiti State from December 2010 to January 2013 and was later re-appointed as the Commissioner for Environment between February 2013 and October 2014. She implemented the sterling reforms in Education of her Governor, H.E. Dr Kayode FAYEMI at the time and the impact has become evident with the outstanding results of Ekiti students in the NECO & WASSCE examinations. She was instrumental to the seamless merger of the erstwhile 3 Universities in Ekiti to the new Ekiti State University. She also initiated a robust bill that was eventually got passed on Forestry management and Governance while serving as commissioner in the Ministry of Environment. She won the Elegance Magazine Best Commissioner of the year award for year 2012.
She is a motivator and a Minister of God in her local assembly – Daystar Christian centre; catering to the well-being of Couples believing God for children and those who are already pregnant.
On her political accomplishment, she became the 1st woman to win her party’s ticket through a free and fair primaries that involved 4 other men to contest for the House of Representatives seat in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 comprising Ado Local Government and Irepodun/ Ifelodun local government in year 2015. In spite of the outcome of that election, she gave a good account of herself.
She served as the Ambassador of The Federal republic of Nigeria to Hungary with concurrent accreditation to Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina from October 2017 to April 2021. She is currently the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to The Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Her goal is to advance a Citizens Charter – where the life of every Nigerian would count; either able or vulnerable, young or old, male or female, Muslim or Christian, Northerner or Southerner. The right of every Nigerian must be preserved.
Her vision for International Diplomacy is IMAGE building for Nigeria, INCLUSION for Nigerian Citizens, attracting INVESTMENTS into Nigeria and INNOVATIONS in service delivery for Nigerians and Citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. She believes a greater NIGERIA is possible.
Dr Eniola AJAYI is married to Dr Adegboyega Oke and she is a mother to many children.
