A life given to public good.
Born into the prominent Akin-Taylor family of Ondo State, Pastor Dayo is the daughter of the late High Chief Gabriel Akinmade Taylor — a renowned business magnate, estate developer, civil engineer and philanthropist who served as the Lisa of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, one of the highest traditional chieftaincy titles in Ondo State, and was an associate of the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Her upbringing within a family distinguished by enterprise, public service, traditional leadership and philanthropy helped shape her strong values of responsibility, resilience and service to humanity. She is married to Engr. Murray Ekong, an accomplished civil engineer from Akwa Ibom State.
As a pastor, she is anchored in faith. As a founder, she has built institutions. As a citizen, she has refused to wait for permission to serve. Her decision to run for the House of Representatives under the Nigeria Democratic Congress is the natural next chapter of a life already given to public good.
She lives in Eti-Osa with her family and worships in the constituency she now seeks to represent.
Leadership, learned early.
Pastor Dayo Ekong's passion for leadership and public affairs emerged early in her life. Her political engagement began during her university years at the Yola campus, where she developed a reputation for purposeful leadership and active participation in student affairs.
She earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Language Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she distinguished herself as a student leader — recognised as the first and, according to her profile, only female Vice President of the Students' Union Government (SUG) at the institution.
That early leadership experience laid the foundation for a political career defined by grassroots engagement, organisational strategy, advocacy and an enduring interest in issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
A record of recognition.
- →Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)
- →MSAA Icon of Revolution Award (2023)
- →Corporate Ethics and Integrity Award
- →Integrity Icon of Nigeria Award
- →Multiple Community Leadership Awards
Decades in the arena.
Pastor Dayo Ekong has built an extensive political career spanning different phases of Nigeria's democratic development. During her involvement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), she worked with the political organisation and campaign team associated with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, gaining valuable experience in political mobilisation, campaign strategy, party organisation and grassroots engagement.
She later became deeply involved in the Labour Party, rising through its leadership structure and eventually becoming Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State. In that capacity, she emerged as one of the party's prominent political figures in the state and played a significant role in strengthening its political organisation and electoral presence.
Her tenure coincided with a period of significant political realignment in Lagos State — one that established her as an influential figure in the state's opposition politics and contributed to the emergence of a stronger Labour Party political structure in Lagos.
Peter Obi secured Lagos State's presidential vote in the 2023 general election.
Historic wins in Ojo, Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin and Oshodi-Isolo federal constituencies.
Victories in Amuwo-Odofin Constituencies I and II.
Timeline of service.
- 2008
Called to service
Begins community outreach across Lagos mainland alongside her ministry work.
- 2014
Founds Liberal Hearts of Gold
Launches the foundation that has since empowered over 12,000 women, youth and families.
- 2018
Eti-Osa scholarship programme
Sponsors 100 full secondary-school scholarships in Eti-Osa wards.
- 2021
Women's economic inclusion drive
Disburses interest-free micro-grants to 2,400+ market women.
- 2024
Skills & jobs pipeline
Trains 5,000 Eti-Osa youth in digital and vocational skills.
- 2026
Declares for Eti-Osa
Answers the call to take service from the foundation into formal representation.
“Politics, for me, is not a profession. It is a continuation of service.”
— HON. ADEDAYO AKIN-TAYLOR EKONG