FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julian Goldstein, (202) 239-9282 Community Liaison Rep. Mom honored as Iyalode in Nigeria Kwara State, Nigeria —US Representative Oye Owolewa congratulates his mother, Mrs. Bolade Yakubu-Owolewa, on her recent coronation as Iyalode in Omu-Aran, a town in the Nigerian State of Kwara. The Iyalode is the highest ranking female chieftain in Yoruba (a major tribe in Nigeria) communities. Mrs. Yakubu-Owolewa was honored based on her extensive history in community work, parent advocacy and child enrichment in underrepresented communities in the United States. “I would like to congratulate my mother, now Iyalode Bolade Yakubu-Owolewa, for her recent honors,” Representative Owolewa continues to say, “I also like to thank the Honorables, Faith Leaders and Supporters in Omu-Aran, Kwara who were involved in this recognition. The continued support for the Diaspora has been tremendous and has been instrumental to not only the recent coronation, but to all the progress made up to this point. Without Omu-Aran, there would be no US Representative Oye Owolewa.” ### As US Representative, Rep. Oye has helped increase vaccine access to DC residents during the pandemic, implemented science enrichment programs in DC public schools, and addressed environmental justice by aiding in the restoration of DC's federal parks. Rep. Oye attributes much of his success to his upbringing—the example his mother set in community organizing and his father’s discipline and love for academia. His mission is to ensure DC residents, namely children, have equitable access to solid education, supplemental programs, representation, and opportunity in the community. Overall, Rep. Oye's mission is to bring DC's Voice to National Matters. Release Date: July 26, 2022