Ondo govt unveils new roadmap for women’s empowerment, child protection

……over 250 women leaders applaud Aiyedatiwa’s women-centred governance

. Women affairs ministry honours outstanding contributors to women development

The Ondo State government has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment, child protection and social welfare programmes across the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Bosede Osamaye, disclosed this on Monday, during the Roundtable Discussion with Female Appointees, Women Leaders, MDAs, Women support groups and critical stakeholders, held at the ministry’s auditorium, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

According to her, the roundtable programme with the theme “The O’Datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint and Deliverables: Journey So Far; Charting a Better Pathway for Excellence and Transformative Women Programmes”, brought together women leaders, government officials, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to assess ongoing interventions and develop strategies for improved outcomes.

Osamaye noted that the engagement was organised by the State Government to review the implementation of the blueprint, identify gaps, share experiences and strengthen programmes targeted at women, children and vulnerable groups.

She added the Ministry had recorded significant achievements since her appointment as Commissioner on July 14, 2025, particularly in infrastructure renewal of the Ministry’s headquarters , women empowerment, child protection, social welfare and human capital development.

The commissioner, who described her appointment as a choice of courage, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the opportunity given to her to serve under his cabinet, pledging continued commitment to serving the people of Ondo State with integrity, accountability and dedication.

She said, “Since assuming office, we have remained focused on repositioning the ministry and ensuring that our programmes directly impact the lives of women, children and vulnerable persons across the state”.

She further disclosed that the Ministry’s headquarters, which had remained without major renovation for about 28 years, is being rehabilitated by the Captain of our EASE, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to provide a better working environment for staff and enhance good service delivery.

She added that the Ministry has expanded opportunities for women and vulnerable groups while also unveiling its maiden annual news bulletin tagged ‘O’Datiwa Women Initiative News Bulletin’ to showcase its activities, interventions and achievements.

According to her, the ministry would continue to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to address challenges affecting women, children, elderly persons, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

She appreciated Traditional Rulers, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations, Women Leaders, Political Stakeholders, Ministry staff and other support groups for their contributions towards the success of the ministry’s programmes.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Kayode Kolawole, commended the progress recorded under the commissioner’s leadership, noting that the ministry had made significant strides in women empowerment, child protection, gender equality, social welfare and support for vulnerable persons.

Mr Kolawole described the roundtable discussion as a platform for dialogue, partnership and policy development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address social challenges.

He said, “The essence of this engagement is to bring stakeholders together, share ideas and develop workable solutions to issues affecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.”

The Permanent Secretary identified gender-based violence, child abuse and other social challenges as areas requiring collective action from government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and community Leaders

In her remarks, Former Commissioner for the Ministry, Hon Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, who is also the APC House of Representatives candidate for Akure North/South, urged women to remain focused, embrace their identity and pursue their aspirations with determination.

She described self-discovery as a foundation for leadership and success, advising women to value resilience, consistency and gratitude in their personal and professional journeys.

She said further that women must understand who they are, appreciate their achievements and continue to build the confidence required to take up leadership responsibilities.

Also speaking at the occasion, the State Women Leaders of APC, Chief Mrs Iji Ayeola, called for greater unity, confidence and mutual support among women across political divides.

Ayeola stressed the importance of women working together to achieve increased representation and participation in governance, while commending women leaders for their efforts towards advancing female inclusion.

Dr Bosede Ajibefun, who is the representative of wives of commissioners at the occasion, urged women to promote love, respect and compassion in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Mrs Ajibefun noted that every individual, including cleaners, security personnel and other workers, contributed to societal development and deserved recognition.

The roundtable discussion featured presentations on key programmes of the ministry, including the O’Datiwa Skill-Up Women Initiative; O’Datiwa Cares and Inclusive Initiative; O’Datiwa Widows Care Programme; Elderly Care and Engagement Programme; empowerment initiatives for women with disabilities; Sensitize the Boy Child Initiative; Tech a Girl/Pad a Girl Child Initiative; Women in Agriculture Support Programme; Market-to-Market Engagement; Bridge the Gap Initiative and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (Ilera-Ioro).

The stakeholders also highlighted activities marking International Women’s Day, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence as part of efforts to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to women’s development and public service.

Award recipients included former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bishop Mrs Oluseyi Odunsola, who bagged an award of honour for her contributions to women’s development; Mr Adebayo Oyegunwa, who received the most Supportive Civil Servant Award; Mrs Olufisoye Adenitan, who also bagged an award as the most supportive Media Practitioner; and Mr Olusola Omobomi, who received the most Supportive Aide Award.

Present at the occasion were; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Elder Ayodele Akande ( FCA); Pastor Oluwatobi Oke (Pastor, Chapel Of Grace); Vice Chairman Akoko North East, Mrs Folashade Gold; Vice Chairman Akoko North West, Hon. Bosede Bello; Vice Chairman (Ese Odo) Hon. Beauty Modimu; Vice Chairman (Ifedore), Hon. Ijimakinwa; former Commissioners for Women Affairs in the State, Hon. Mrs Yemi Momodu; Mrs Margaret Akinsuroju; Mrs Yinka Alabi; Princess Adebunmi Osadahun; the Chairman, Waste Management Board, Mrs Yinka Alabi; Chairman, Ondo State Micro Credit Agency, Barr. Nike Ademujimi; Board Member (HMB), Nurse Arinola Adamolemekun, State Project Coordinator, Nigeria for Women Programme Scale- up Project, Dr. (Mrs) Jumoke Bakare; FIDA Chairman in Ondo State, Barr. Bola Olafunmiloye; APC Iyaloja General, Chief (Mrs) Olufunke Adu; Mrs Bolade Eko Davies, Mrs Aisida Represented by Mrs Okoro; Ondo State Women Leader, RENEWED Hope Ambassador, Mrs Ronke Ojo; President O’Datiwa Cooperative Society, Chief (Mrs) Jumoke Aborode.

Others are; Wives of State Commissioners, led by Mrs Ajibefun, Wives of LG Chairmen represented Mrs Ajibola; APC Senatorial Women Leaders including; Mrs Funmileyi Omogbemi ( South); Mrs Mary Abiola (North); Chief (Mrs) Funmilola Oluwadare (Central); Mrs Adeniseun Abebi and Mrs Efurubu Commissioners in OSOPADEC; Leader of Local Govt Vice Chairmen’s Wives, Mrs Folake Adebayo; APC Deputy Women Leader, Dr (Mrs) Foluke Adedeji; Dr (Mrs) Lanre Oyelade, MHA Candidates, Hon. Adeola Fynch (Akure South); Hon. Funke Haruna(Owo); Hon. Fayehun Biola JP; FOMWAN president, Alhaja Omikunle; Women Support Groups leaders; APWEN Chairman, Engr Obakoyewa; former political appointees; Market Women Leaders, NGOs, the Lucky Guys group, among others.