The honour forms part of a newly introduced NAWOJ Lagos initiative aimed at celebrating women whose leadership, compassion, and contributions continue to positively influence lives and communities across different sectors.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, explained that the Iconic Woman of the Month platform was created to spotlight women who exemplify excellence, service, and measurable impact in society.
According to her, one woman will be recognised every month, while all twelve honourees will be celebrated at a grand end-of-year ceremony.
Johnson noted that Reverend Mother Ajayi was selected for her extensive philanthropic footprint, both within Lagos State and across Nigeria, as well as her humanitarian interventions beyond the country’s borders.
Widely regarded as a leading voice in faith-based humanitarian service, Reverend Mother Ajayi carries out her philanthropic activities through the Esther Ajayi Foundation, an organisation dedicated to education, healthcare support, social welfare, and community development.
Through the foundation, she has provided scholarships to hundreds of students in public and private tertiary institutions, supported persons living with disabilities, and delivered relief materials and assistance to vulnerable communities, including repatriated Nigerians and the chronically ill.
Her interventions have also extended to key institutions such as the Police Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 2 and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, further underscoring her commitment to social development and institutional support.
Beyond Nigeria, Reverend Mother Ajayi has led humanitarian missions to several conflict-affected and underserved regions, reinforcing the global scope of her compassion-driven work.
She currently leads a large congregation at her cathedral in Victoria Island, Lagos, where she is widely regarded as a spiritual mentor and mother to many.
Born and raised in Mushin, Lagos, Reverend Mother Ajayi has often credited her upbringing for shaping her resilience, empathy, and passion for helping others. Reflecting on her early struggles while living in the United Kingdom, she once said her experiences strengthened her resolve to never turn away genuine cries for help.
NAWOJ Lagos, while congratulating Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi on the recognition, expressed confidence that her life of service will continue to inspire women, uplift communities, and promote humanity.
The association also wished her good health, renewed strength, and greater impact in her ongoing mission of faith, service, and compassion.