By Fatai Abiodun
It was Mahatma Gandhi, an anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
For Dr. Funmilola Daudu-Williams, her affinity to stand out is not only defined by the niche she has graciously carved for herself in the medical and humanity services but also has demonstrated a good heart towards the weak and downtrodden in society.
As a lifesaver, mother, caregiver, mentor and administrator, she is sufficiently endowed with the grace of unpretentious care and love for others, especially women and children. This may not be extricated from the chequered history of her upbringing as that girl who never liked seeing others suffering.
While the story of her decision to study Medicine will be a discussion for another day, suffice to say that her education as a child was arduous and her determination to succeed was not negotiable. At a time when her age mate does not know what career fits them, anyone close to Dr. Funmilola will not second guess that she was destined to save life and care for others.
It will not be out of place to state that since the day she took the oath of the Medical Profession, she has never for once failed in her determination and aspiration to be a salt of life.
Since her first day as a Medical Practitioner, Dr. Funmilola, a Coordinator of Milteda Wellness Initiative has not left anybody in the doubt that excellence is her watchword. In her 50 years on the surface of this earth, this Erijiyan-Ekiti-born Medical Doctor has consistently stood far away from the pack with due diligence, eyes for details, hard work and international best practice.
I have never been lucky to sit down with her one-on-one, but her actions, attributes and what she stands for speak volumes of her type. One of the graces God has bestowed on me is the aura to identify what is good. Dr. Funmilola is God’s sent to mankind.
In attestation of her contribution to the growth of humanity, Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilola Williams-Daudu was among 25 women honoured and enlisted in the Ondo State Female Hall of Fame by the state government for her outstanding contributions to the development of the state for providing annual free medical services for the indigents and free training for midwives and providing scholarship awards to indigent students and hiring and paying teachers for public schools in the state.
Dr. Funmilola is not the only medical doctor in the State but she dislikes seeing others suffering and believes that life’s good when it’s lived for oneself; it’s great when lived for others, and the true means of happiness is to lose your mind by thinking for others! This, she has been doing repeatedly for many years.
Surprisingly, she has never been a public servant but her contribution to humanity is second to none. I wonder when those in power will shop for a better hand like Dr. Funmilola that can ameliorate the suffering of the masses without supervision.
Dr. Funimilola strongly believes that Goodness is the only investment that never fails, and her disposition to what is good cannot be quantified, which led me to the conclusion that where one comes from matters.
Not because we hail from the same state (Maternal), but I can convincingly state that her character is Ekiti-like because learning to live for others isn’t something that comes naturally to anybody. You have to train yourself to do it. Dr. Funmilola was trained for this benevolence on others.
One thing you can guarantee from Ekiti women is their dedication to obedience and affinity to succeed in all ramifications. Ekiti Ketes are very unpretentious, caring and loving. If you are privileged to marry from Ekiti, all things being equal, you’re sure of loyalty, trust, love and dedication beyond measure.
Dr. Funmilola is happily married to my mentor and benefactor, Barrister Olurotimi Williams-Daudu and blessed with wonderful children. Oga, Congratulations for this gift of woman God bestowed on you. Lucky you Sir!
To her children, she is a mother to the core; to her community, she is an exemplary fellow; to others, she remains their benefactor, and to the downtrodden, she is God’s sent.
As we celebrate this mother of virtue, we pray to Almighty God to grant her a long life of joy, happiness, and prosperity.
Doctor, as fondly called, may you never lose balance as you journey through life.
Indeed, it’s 50 years of God’s faithfulness.
We shall collectively gather to celebrate your 100th birthday insha Allah with peace, good health and happiness.
Fatai Abiodun writes from Abuja.
