What does it take to turn knowledge into transformation and empathy into leadership? For Modupeola Sahid‑Adebambo, it has meant dedicating decades to building systems that protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not by titles but by the lives one touches. Her journey is a powerful example of how education, expertise, and compassion can come together to create lasting social impact.
Her foundation was laid at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology. There, she learned to see individuals not as statistics but as stories, each with its own challenges, potential, and dignity. This perspective shaped her approach to social issues, instilling the understanding that policies and programs must prioritize the human experience at their core.
Building on this foundation, Sahid‑Adebambo pursued a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) at Lagos State University, gaining the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex social challenges. Today, she is further advancing her expertise as a doctoral student in Social Work, equipping herself to develop policies and interventions that make a tangible difference in communities. Complementing her local education, she enhanced her leadership skills at the AIG Public Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford, gaining global insights that she applies strategically to local challenges, combining analytical rigor with empathy to lead effectively.
Since joining the Lagos State Civil Service in 2000, Sahid‑Adebambo has demonstrated that knowledge alone is not enough; it must translate into meaningful action. As Director of Adoption and Fostering Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, she ensures children find safe, nurturing homes while providing families with the support necessary to thrive. Her role extends beyond administration, encompassing advocacy, program development, and community engagement, all aimed at creating stability and hope for those navigating vulnerable circumstances.
Her influence extends beyond government service into humanitarian and nonprofit sectors, where she has led initiatives focused on birth registration, counseling, nutrition support, trauma management, and capacity building for caregivers and social workers. In every endeavor, she merges technical expertise with a deeply human approach, ensuring programs are not only effective on paper but truly meaningful for the communities they serve. This combination of knowledge, empathy, and action has earned her recognition as a trusted leader and advocate in both public and civil society spheres.
In April 2025, Sahid‑Adebambo reached another milestone when she was elected Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASOW). In this capacity, she has championed professional development, fair compensation, and ethical standards, emphasizing that empowered and supported social workers are essential to resilient communities. Her leadership is also about mentorship and cultivating a culture where social workers are respected, valued, and inspired to pursue excellence in service.
What distinguishes Modupeola Sahid‑Adebambo is not only her impressive credentials but her ability to turn knowledge into impact, ideas into action, and compassion into measurable change. She exemplifies a rare combination of intellect, empathy, and purposeful leadership, proving that when knowledge meets compassion, transformation is possible — one life at a time.
