Ondo govt, diaspora NGOs partner to drive women, youth empowerment

In line with the vision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to build a more inclusive and empowered Ondo State, the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, led by the Hon. Commissioner, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, today welcomed two distinguished diasporans of Idoani origin, Mrs. Celestina Onyiye-Thomas and Mrs. Elizabeth Owode.

Mrs. Onyiye-Thomas, a psychotherapist and founder of Floating Counselling, and Mrs. Owode, a chartered accountant, relationship coach, and women empowerment advocate who leads My Family 101, have for over a decade successfully run U.K.-backed initiatives that provide relief for women, the homeless, schoolchildren, and vulnerable youths. Together, they are convinced that it is time to bring this tremendous impact back home to Nigeria, and have chosen Ondo as the pioneer state.

Their organizations, which were birthed in 2014, focus on holistic family empowerment—addressing women’s health, education, food security, and skills acquisition—while also supporting children and youths to reduce crime and idleness. Special attention is given to women approaching menopause, an often-stigmatized subject in African societies.

Speaking during the familiarization meeting, Otunba Akinlosotu warmly welcomed the visitors and commended their efforts and vision to give back to their homeland. He emphasized the importance of empowering women as key drivers of family stability and societal growth, while also stressing the need to engage young people through structures such as a proposed “Boys and Girls Club” that would focus on education, sports, and life skills.

The Commissioner further suggested sustainable interventions such as food banks – an initiative that has gained ground in some foreign countries but is yet to become popular in Nigeria, which would combine immediate relief with long-term empowerment, and encouraged the NGOs to if their capacity allows, set up structures in Nigeria that ensure continuity.

The Hon. Commissioner went on to further assure them of the Ministry’s full support, including linkages with the Ministry of Women Affairs for women-centred empowerment initiatives, and directed that collaborative steps be taken to achieve more publicity.

The immediate program in view is a two-day workshop on menopause, the first of its kind in Nigeria, which will be piloted in Ondo State on Tuesday 16th, and Wednesday 17th September, 2025. The workshop will address critical topics such as women’s health, family dynamics, and emotional well-being, offering a new and practical way to empower women in the state.

The Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations reaffirms its commitment, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to creating lasting partnerships with NGOs and diaspora-led bodies. Together, these collaborations will continue to advance the mission and vision of the ministry—building bridges across borders, empowering communities, and ensuring that Ondo State remains a beacon of opportunity and innovation.