THE PRIVATE WORLD OF LEILA APINKE FOWLER

Leila Apinke Fowler, MFR

-Why She Is Regarded As The Ultimate Grand Dame of the Nigerian Society
-The Many Society Matriarchs Who Look Up To Her 

 
The Nigerian social establishment is replete with many society female personalities, who have consistently defined the pace of events for many decades. This class of women are regarded as the matriarchs of the society. Notable among those who belong to this Hugh profile clique are Opral Mason Benson, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, Toyin Olakunrin, Ayora Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi,  Mercy Adeyinka, Nta Lijadu, Ibidunni Akinrele, Sisi Abah Folawiyo, Onikepo Akande, Dr. Doyin Abiola, among many others. Predictably, on account of their lofty accomplishment and professional exploits, these women have inspired thousands of younger female personalities, who regard them as role models. 

However, within the Nigerian social establishment, one woman who is reputed to have inspired the matriarchs who other women see as role models, is Chief (Mrs) Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, MFR. Arguably, Mama Fowler, 81, can be described as the Queen of Heart of the Nigerian social establishment. She loves people; she is humane and has touched many lives in several ways. In turn, people love her for her caring nature, beauty, grace and industry. Within the society, it is not unusual to hear most notable style mavens regale one with stories of how the learnt the art of dressing well, tying headgears and wearing high heels with so much élan and elegance from Mama Fowler. 

A descendant of the Lagos Coker family, Mama Fowler is the wife of Professor Vidal Fowler, 91, an erudite scholar, surgeon and a grand master of the Nigerian social establishment. She is the mother of Tunde Fowler, the Capo di tutti capi (the Chief Executive) of the most vibrant and richest tax body in Nigeria, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, which generates internally generated revenue (IGR) of almost ten states in Nigeria combined. 

With husband and children- Irene, Tunde and Vivian

Born into in the family of Mr. And Mrs. Henry Moore in 1933, Mama Fowler had her primary school education in Lagos at the CMS Girls' School, and later attended the Queen of Rosary College, Onitsha, where she got her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951. She began her work life as a stand-in teacher, and this was due to her very good performance in secondary school. Then, the teaching and nursing professions were considered the most appropriate professions for girls so, she took up a teaching appointment with St. Theresa's College.

Mama Fowler, who trained as a lawyer and a nurse, is an accomplished woman, whose vision and determination have made her an icon in the educational sector. She founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial School and named it after her daughter, Vivian, whom she lost while in the prime of her life. The college has now become a reference point in female education in Lagos State and beyond.  It was on January 8, 1991, that the dream to establish a first class college, out of love for the girl-child, was realised.  And

like a mustard seed, that dream has blossomed to bring her honour. The school was initially situated in Surulere but later moved to the Oregun/Alausa neighbourhood of Ikeja near the State Government Secretariat.Due to her astute, strict and disciplined manner of managing this girls’ institute, the school has risen exponentially to high acclaim to be a highly regarded academy for girls in Lagos. 

In October, 1994, she also established Topgrade Secondary School. Her vision for the college is based on the interaction and integration of the male and female child in a disciplined environment, established to promote healthy competition, leadership

With friends, including Opral Benson

opportunities and academic excellence.

Mama Fowler, who holds the revered title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, is the elder sister of Chief Mrs Abosede Olivia Okoya-Thomas, wife of the Asoju Oba of Lagos and life President of the Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs in addition to a multitude of accolades. 

Mama Fowler seizes and creates opportunities for learning and teaching.  She is so wise, so practical, so strong and yet so gentle in her love for everyone. Most Nigerian society women have watched as she has fulfilled her dreams and also made a point of helping others achieve their dreams as well. 

From the tragedy and sorrow of losing a child, she immortalized her memory by touching so many young girl’s lives through her impactful educational pursuits. 

She is so full of life and is positively ageless.  Her dedication to her family is evident in everything she does. Mama Fowler is a definition of grace, strength and endurance. Her sense of values runs deep.

With granddaughter, Funke Kuku

 At 81, Mama Fowler is still contributing to society by helping to build a sound educational system. At an age where most would think that she should have retired, she is building a science and technology institution, through which she plans to fulfill her dream and create many Nigerian scientists.