"Mrs. Akintunde-Ighodalo was representative of the new administrative elite that emerged at the end of colonialism, poised to Nigerianise government service and build a new, dynamic nation. As Nigeria's first female permanent secretary and leader, she contributed to the changing opportunity structure for women in the country and the evolution of the discourse of women's empowerment. this study of her life history is based on her voluminous personbal papers, a treasure trove of material for women's history in Nigeria.