By Precious Oluwole
The Ondo State House of Assembly has pledged its support to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, commending the dedication and transformative programmes aimed at empowering women, persons with disabilities, and the vulnerable in the state.
The house Committee on Women Affairs, Disability, and Social Development stated these during a familiarization visit led by its Chairperson, Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, who was accompanied by other lawmakers including the Majority Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, former Majority Leader, Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Primate Oluwatoyin Allen, and Fatai Atere to the Ministry.
Speaking during the visit, Witherspoon praised the Commissioner’s commitment, saying she was not surprised at her appointment.
“You were well prepared for this role, and you have proven it with visible achievements. I am truly proud of you. This visit may have been tagged a familiarization exercise, but the details you presented made it feel more like an oversight function,” she said.
She lauded the present government for giving women more visibility in governance, stressing that women, despite their numerical strength during elections, are often sidelined afterwards.
“This time, Ondo State will be different because of the good work you are doing for women. You have brought hope, empowerment, and recognition to them,” she added.
Other lawmakers also applauded the Commissioner’s initiatives, describing the Ministry of Women Affairs as one of the most impactful ministries in the state. They urged for more innovative programmes that would empower women and improve lives at the grassroots,highlighting the importance of expanding skill acquisition initiatives, grassroots empowerment, and the rehabilitation of Babafunke Hall, which they described as a vital resource for the ministry.
In her response, Dr. Osamaye expressed appreciation to God and to the committee for the visit, which she described as significant and timely.
She noted that since her assumption of duty, first as Special Adviser and now as Commissioner, this was the first familiarization visit of its kind, and she believed it would bring greater opportunities for women and vulnerable groups in Ondo State.
The Commissioner explained that familiarization visits were not mere introductions but opportunities to strengthen collaboration with the legislature.
“This ministry, before now, was almost dormant. Many interventions were restricted to a privileged few or accessed through lobbying. But under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and with the strong support of his dear wife, we have repositioned the ministry. Today, beneficiaries no longer pay to access government programmes,they receive what is due to them freely. Testimonies abound of women and vulnerable groups who now feel seen and supported,” she said.
Dr. Osamaye further unveiled a 10-point agenda designed to meet the needs of women across different categories in the state.
“From pregnant women to elderly women in rural areas, from women in agriculture to professionals, from career women to women with disabilities, each category has its unique needs. We are committed to addressing them systematically,” she explained.
She highlighted the ‘Bridging the Gap Initiative’ as the ministry’s flagship programme, aimed at decentralizing skill acquisition and training to the grassroots. According to her, over 150 students have been enrolled since March in areas such as tailoring and fashion design, and would soon graduate with start-up support from the governor.
“Given our state’s population, this number is still small. That is why we seek the partnership of Honourable Members to expand this initiative by nominating trainees from your constituencies. The ministry will provide training and materials free of charge, while members can support with empowerment packages after graduation. Together, we can spread this impact across all 18 local government areas,” she added.
The Commissioner also announced two new empowerment schemes recently approved by Governor Aiyedatiwa, including elder’s Scheme: ₦200,000 support for 250 elders, to be disbursed in October and Scholarships for brilliant students, to be coordinated through institutions and local government chairmen, with guidance from the Commissioner for Education.
“These programmes,will strengthen families and promote inclusiveness in governance.”
Dr. Osamaye expressed confidence in the leadership of Prophetess Witherspoon and the committee, noting their long-standing advocacy for women. She also appreciated the Majority Leader and other members for their continuous collaboration, while extending gratitude to the Speaker for his fatherly guidance.
She assured the lawmakers that the ministry would remain open, transparent, and eager to work hand-in-hand with the Assembly to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“We see ourselves as servants to the people and partners with you in building a better society. Together, we will strengthen families, empower women, and give the vulnerable a true sense of belonging,” she concluded.
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