Florence Ita-Giwa, the Ageless Dame Who Still Commands the Room

For nearly five decades, Florence Ita-Giwa has remained a familiar and formidable presence in Nigeria’s social and political life. The years appear to have done little to diminish her glamour, influence or relevance.

To Nigeria’s social scene, Ita-Giwa is a distinctive society figure: stylish, sophisticated and immediately recognisable. Her fashion sense and commanding presence have made her a fixture at the country’s most exclusive gatherings. Yet behind the couture lies a political influence that has endured across different administrations.

A former special adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ita-Giwa has continued to navigate political circles with confidence. Her career has moved through changing political seasons, but her name has remained resilient. She has preserved relationships across the political and social divide, even as many former officeholders have faded from public attention.

That continuity helps explain why her name appeared among those selected for the campaign committee supporting President Bola Tinubu. For those who have followed her career, the recognition came as little surprise. Ita-Giwa’s influence rests not only on the positions she has held, but also on the people and relationships she has continued to maintain. In her case, the spotlight appears to have no retirement age.