Toyin, the wife of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is one woman who does not joke with her long-time friend, Ekua Akinsanya. Asides the fact that both of them attend events together, they do not hesitate to support and celebrate each other at any given opportunity.
When Akinsanya got married to her husband, Femi, on December 21, 2018, it was Saraki that announced the marriage in a social media post.
She wrote, “To God be the glory and a lovely surprise! Congratulations to my darling friend Ekua and her beau, Femi Akinsanya, on the occasion of their marriage ceremony.”
Ekua was previously married to a lawyer, Wale Abudu, before she married her current husband. Though she has a reserved personality, she doesn’t mind going the extra mile for Saraki. She does not only support her friend but also her family.
On October 27, 2017, when Saraki’s daughter, Tosin, got married, Akinsanya was there to show support. Also, when Akinsanya’s mother, Dupe Sagoe, became an octogenarian on January 5, 2022, Saraki was present to wish her well.
Saraki wrote on Facebook, “Yesterday, I joined my dear friend and sister, Ekua Akinsanya, and the Sagoe family in celebrating the 80th birthday thanksgiving of their much-loved matriarch and wonderfully golden mother, Dupe Sagoe.”
On October 29, 2019, Saraki’s Wellbeing Foundation Africa hosted an exquisite breakfast roundtable in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund in Lagos. At the event, Akinsanya was not just present but partook in the activities of the day.
In a Twitter post the next day, Saraki shared a picture of her friend speaking at the event with a gratitude note. She wrote, “Thank you for shining the spotlight on the importance of autonomy for women and girls.”
The duo has such a strong friendship that they often regard each other as family. In fact, they call each other sisters. Celebrating Ekua on her birthday on September 8, 2022, Saraki said, “Happy Birthday to my dear friend and sister, Ekua! Super administrator, super organised and always with a super shining smile. I wish you a super birthday today, and every blessing always.”
Though both women have chosen different career parts, it has not disrupted their friendship in any way. While Saraki is a global health advocate and healthcare philanthropist, Ekua is the founder and administrator of Greenwood House School, and the Vocational and Professional Development Academy. Also, she is one of the founding members of The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria.
