Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo was an accomplished Nigerian civil servant and activist, recognised as the first Nigerian woman to be appointed Permanent Secretary. Born in Okeigbo, Ondo State, she pursued her early education in Nigeria, earning teaching qualifications in 1943.

Her ambition took her to London, where she became actively involved in student politics, serving as the second female vice-president of the West African Students' Union (WASU) in 1953. She was elected the founding president of the Nigerian Women's League of Great Britain the same year. These roles provided her with platforms to influence discussions on Nigeria's path to independence.

On returning to the country, Akintunde-Ighodalo played a key role in the Nigerianisation of the civil service, working across various ministries and often navigating challenges posed by British administrators. Her dedication led to her historic 1968 appointment as Permanent Secretary, a role she used to shape policies and promote women's participation in governance.