Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has urged women to prioritise the girl child for future responsibilities.
Abiodun gave the advise on Thursday at the commemoration of 2025 International Women’s Day in Abeokuta.
The theme of this year’s celebration is: ‘’Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action’’
She noted that it had become necessary to empower girls to become confident, independent and responsible leaders to enable them to reach their full potentials.
‘’Women should serve as positive role models for their girl child, demonstrating strong character, integrity, and compassion, mothers can inspire their daughters to contribute to the development of the society.
“We must also ensure that we promote girl child education and empowerment so as to shape the next generation of leaders and change makers,’’ she said.
In her keynote address, Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, enjoined women to prepare and be ready to lead in their various positions.
Salako-Oyedele also tasked women to seek knowledge, have experience and be opened to training, while being deliberate in exposing younger girls to responsibilities to achieve their goals.
She noted that women were greatly making an impact in the development of the nation, adding that they must see themselves and role models and resource managers.
She added they should also ensure they provide meaningful contributions and reject stereotypes that would limit women.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye said that Gov Abiodun’s administration is committed to improving the wellbeing of women.
Adeleye said the ministry’s skill acquisition programs have equipped over 5,000 women in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing.
This, according to her, would ensure that they gained not just skills but financial independence.
She revealed that under the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, a soft loan initiative to boost the businesses of women in the state, 33,530 women have received over ₦536m as revolving grants to support their businesses.
Adeleye said that through this intervention and others, the women organised into Women Affinity Groups, have collectively saved over ₦1.72bn, demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment and resilience of women resident in the state.
She said that as part of the present administration’s commitment to eradicating Gender Based Violence, the government has established three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres at Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta to provide lifesaving support and care for survivors of GBV.
Adeleye however called for more support for women empowerment for a more stable and prosperous society.
She said “As we celebrate this special International Women’s Day, let us remember that empowering women is not an act of charity; it is an investment in a better society.
“Let us continue to be mindful that when we uplift a woman, we uplift a family, a community, and an entire Nation.
“To the incredible women here today, never underestimate the power of your voice, your hands, and your influence.
“Keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and setting new records.
“To the men who walk beside us, your support is invaluable and your commitment lights the way. Yet today, I challenge you to not only stand with us but to lead by example”.
In her goodwill message, President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Adebisi Femi Segun, emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure inclusiveness.
She also stressed that unlocking women’s full potential is essential for nation building and creating a society where every woman has equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
In her lecture, a representative from Society for Family Health, Mrs Omotayo Adeyemo, who spoke on Family Planning, said family planning is safe and would reduce infant mortality rate.
Adeyemo noted that family planning ensures childbirth spacing, adding that it had no negative impact on fertility rather, it would help mothers attend to economic needs and pursue their career as their male counterparts.
The News Agency of Nigeria report that highlights of the event was distribution of empowerment tools such as popcorn machines, generating set and grinding machines to some women across the state.
On behalf of other beneficiaries Mrs Olufunke Adesanya and Mrs Adebimpe Adeosun appreciated the state government for the empowerment.
