Renowned humanitarian and public service trailblazer, Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi, is set to launch her globally recognized Women In Shelter and Environment (WISE) Foundation in her home state of Ogun, marking a significant milestone in her mission to protect and empower vulnerable women in Nigeria.
A native of Egba land, Hon. Talabi is best known for founding Nigeria’s first domestic violence shelter, located in Oyo State, through the WISE Foundation. The facility provides refuge for up to 55 women at a time, offering safety, rehabilitation, and reintegration support for survivors of abuse. With the planned launch in Ogun State, the WISE Foundation will expand its reach and deepen its impact in Southwest Nigeria.
Widely respected for her dedication to service and empowerment, Talabi’s resume includes several high-profile roles in the United States. She made history in 2016 as the first Nigerian woman appointed African Commissioner in the City of Newark, New Jersey, and currently serves as the city’s Taxi Commissioner. She previously held the position of Special Adviser to the Mayor’s Office of International Relations & Diaspora Affairs, where she was instrumental in fostering global ties with Newark’s international communities.
Her humanitarian legacy includes founding the Miss Africa Tri-State Humanitarian Pageant, which has mentored over 250 women and championed causes such as youth empowerment, anti-child abuse advocacy, and social justice. The pageant also launched an Entrepreneur Advancement Project in 2013, providing financial lifelines to struggling small businesses in Nigeria.
Hon. Talabi’s work has earned her global recognition, including the Distinguished Leadership Award from the United Nations, Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and an International Humanitarian of the Year award from Women for Africa, London. She was also conferred with four chieftaincy titles from different Nigerian kingdoms in recognition of her service to the country.
Speaking ahead of the Ogun launch of WISE, Hon. Talabi reaffirmed her commitment to creating safe spaces for women and tackling the root causes of gender-based violence. “It is not just about shelters. It’s about building systems of support, hope, and dignity,” she said.
With the launch of WISE in Ogun, Hon. Talabi is bringing her global advocacy home — empowering women across Nigeria to rise, heal, and thrive.
