Project 774 Explode Initiative launched in Ondo

…..Gov Aiyedatiwa targets one million votes for Tinubu in 2027

. APC women leader rallies support for Tinubu

Ondo State Governor (Dr). Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and women’s empowerment, describing women as indispensable partners in governance and sustainable development.

 

 

The governor made the declaration at the sensitisation and empowerment of women on gender equality and adequate representation in governance (Project 774 Explode Initiative) held at the International Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, where his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, represented him.

Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa said his administration had consistently demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance, noting that women had been appointed to key positions across the state, including Commissioner for Finance, Vice-Chancellor of a state university and local government chairmen, among other strategic offices.

He said the programme was a bold initiative aimed at unlocking the enormous potential of women in communities across the country, commending the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Idele, for bringing the project to Ondo State.

According to the Governor, no society can achieve lasting progress when a significant proportion of its population is excluded from decision-making, stressing that gender equality is not a favour but a moral obligation, a democratic necessity and an economic imperative.

Aiyedatiwa described women as the unseen architects of society, saying they nurture families, sustain local economies, preserve values, resolve conflicts and increasingly provide leadership in governance, business, technology, education and agriculture.

He maintained that leadership should be determined by competence, character and vision rather than gender, adding that his administration would continue to implement policies under its EASE development agenda that expand access to education, strengthen healthcare, promote entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and enhance social protection, with women remaining central beneficiaries.

While acknowledging the progress already made, the governor noted that significant gaps still exist in women’s representation in elective offices and leadership positions.

The Governor urged stakeholders to support initiatives such as Project 774 Explode, describing the programme as one that would build confidence, deepen political participation and prepare women at the grassroots to become active participants in governance.

He said the launch of the initiative in the State symbolised the spread of the achievements of the APC-led administration to every part of the state.

The Governor expressed confidence that through the mobilisation of women and party members across the 18 local government areas, the State would deliver no fewer than one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing policies that promote equality, inclusion and shared responsibility, expressing confidence that with sustained collaboration, every girl in the State would be inspired to dream, every woman empowered to lead and every citizen given equal opportunity to contribute to the State’s development.

Also speaking, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Mary Idele has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation and women empowerment, urging women across the country to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She described the initiative as a demonstration of purposeful leadership, inclusive governance and the APC’s determination to strengthen its structures across the nation’s 774 local government areas.

Idele commended the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for providing leadership that has promoted unity, innovation and greater grassroots participation within the party.

She also praised the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme had empowered women, youths, farmers, students and other vulnerable Nigerians across the country.

According to her, the initiative has restored hope to thousands of beneficiaries while demonstrating that leadership is rooted in service, compassion and a commitment to improving lives.

The APC women leader equally lauded President Tinubu for implementing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy, citing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, security, student loans, local government autonomy and policies designed to attract investment.

She acknowledged that the reforms had presented challenges but maintained that they were laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity.

Turning to Ondo State, Dr Idele applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the implementation of Project 774, describing his administration as one that had prioritised grassroots development, inclusive governance and women’s empowerment.

She said the governor’s commitment to ensuring that every local government benefited from development initiatives reflected his dedication to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.

She urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to provide mentorship and opportunities that would enable more women to serve as councillors, local government chairpersons, legislators, commissioners and future governors.

According to her, women must move beyond merely participating as voters and should be encouraged to assume leadership positions within the political system.

Addressing beneficiaries of Project 774, Dr Idele urged them to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme while encouraging APC women in Ondo State to remain steadfast in supporting the party and President Tinubu’s administration.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, she assured the President of the support of APC women nationwide, pledging to mobilise voters across polling units, local government areas and states in support of the party’s continuity agenda.

Idele called on party members to continue promoting the achievements of the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that sustained grassroots mobilisation and women’s participation would strengthen the APC and secure further electoral victories.

Speaking earlier, the wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, called for greater gender equality and increased representation of women in governance, stressing that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable development and societal progress.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adebukola Adelami, made the call and welcomed the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Mary Idele and her delegation to Ondo State, describing the programme as a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and empowering women to participate actively in leadership and decision-making.

According to her, societies thrive when women are allowed to contribute meaningfully to governance, noting that families prosper and communities develop when women’s voices are reflected in public policies.

She observed that despite the progress made over the years, social, cultural, economic and institutional barriers continue to limit women’s access to leadership positions, adding that such challenges underscore the need for sustained advocacy and empowerment initiatives.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa explained that the programme was designed to deepen awareness of gender equality principles and the legal and policy frameworks supporting women’s participation in politics and public life.

The wife of the Governor added that it would also equip women with practical leadership, advocacy, public speaking and campaign planning skills to prepare them for elective offices and other leadership roles.

The Governor’s wife commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, non-governmental organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, as well as volunteers, for their commitment to advancing gender equality in the state.

She also appreciated participants who travelled from different parts of Ondo State to attend the programme, describing their presence as evidence of a shared commitment to achieving meaningful and lasting change.

Addressing the women at the event, Mrs Aiyedatiwa urged them not to underestimate the value of their ideas, experiences and leadership abilities, while encouraging them to contribute actively to public service, community leadership, advocacy and mentorship, saying every effort would help shape the future of society.

She equally appealed to men to continue supporting the campaign for gender equality by challenging harmful stereotypes, creating opportunities for women and working collaboratively towards building a more equitable society.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the programme, share experiences, build lasting networks and commit themselves to practical actions that would promote gender equality within their communities.

In an interview, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, encouraged women to pursue education, acquire relevant skills, build strong professional networks and uphold integrity in their quest for leadership positions.

She also urged beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative to make productive use of the items distributed, saying they should serve as tools for improving livelihoods and enhancing their overall well-being.