By Mary BASSEY, Senior Investigator Correspondent Lagos/
LAGOS– PRESIDENT Joe Biden of the United States of America, USA, has issued a certificate of honor to Nigerian-born former US Air force officer, Queen Irene Olasumbo Cole, in recognition of her devoted and selfless consecration to the service of the country in the Armed Forces.
While she lived, Irene Cole was an astute human rights crusader, a care giver and rare philanthropist who devoted her entire life to the service of humanity, catering to the needs of the less privileged in society especially, orphans and widows. She showcased this in the pursuit of the legacies of Nigerian billionaire business mogul and philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony. Late Cole ensured that beneficiaries of Bank Anthony philanthropy especially, his Estate which included Wesley School for the blind, Sure-lere Lagos, Lagos Homes for the Elderly amongst numerous others got their annual entitlement. Those who tried to truncate the ideals of the late billionaire Estate were traced, some arrested and prosecuted while others are still having their days in court before she breathed her last.
In recognition of her worth while served in the US Military, the certificate of honour was personally signed by President Biden himself and it reads: “The United States of America honor the memory of Irene O. Cole. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Late Irene Cole was born in Lagos state to the family of Thomas Cole. she is the first granddaughter of Hezekiah Oladipupo Davies (H.O.Davies) the Queens council. She grew up under the care of Mama Olufumilayo Anikulapo kuti, and she became famous when she won Miss legs and was the only Nigeria lady who won Miss legs. She later traveled to the United States of America and joined the Air force.
She also worked in various areas and done so much and later went into sports where she lifted CATCH THEM YOUNG Academy before she was made the Vice- President of World boxing organization (WBO) representing the entire Africa and was given Award, QUEEN of boxing in Ghana before she moved into real estate where she was on her great move to build Destination resorts (Queen Atlantic resorts Ghana) etc.
She also fought and played a major role in recovery of the Estate of Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony. The good job continued before the wind of nature struck.
A statement from her friends in USA represented by Florence Carter and her special aid in Nigeria, Christian Amariwu in recognition of the exalted award stated: “Words cannot tell how much we miss you. Your smartness, intelligence was unequalled and you remain a mentor and offered kindness to everyone. The great lioness, the voice of the oppressed, the advocate of the voiceless, the fearless, today mark’s one full calendar year of your demise. America and the entire world are saying goodbye to a great warrior. May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”