The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye Ph.D, has praised the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for what she described as inclusive governance, women-friendly policies, infrastructural development, and people-oriented programmes across the state.
Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye is a seasoned public servant, academic, and gender advocate currently serving as the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. She holds a Ph.D. in English Language and has built a strong reputation in education, public administration, and women empowerment advocacy. Over the years, she has served in different capacities, including as Special Adviser on Women Affairs, where she championed programmes focused on gender equality, child welfare, and grassroots empowerment. She is widely recognized for her commitment to inclusive governance and social development initiatives targeted at improving the lives of women, children, and vulnerable groups across Ondo State.
Speaking during an interview with Event Diary Lifestyle after the stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, the Commissioner highlighted several achievements of the administration in the areas of women empowerment, education, healthcare, and child welfare under the EASE agenda of the governor.
Let me first congratulate you on the success of the just-concluded 2026 National Children’s Day stakeholders’ workshop. How do you feel about the turnout?
Well, it’s not so usual since we came on board. Since the emergence of our governor as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State, he has been enjoying massive support from stakeholders across the state. Anytime we have a programme in the Ministry of Women Affairs and we call on them, they always come out to support us.
We are grateful because we are partners in progress. Government alone cannot do everything without collaboration. So I feel very happy and elated seeing the massive turnout once again.
Today’s workshop brought together strategic stakeholders including child educators, child development officers, humanitarians, philanthropists, caregivers, Zonal Education Officers, Permanent Secretaries from line ministries such as Health, Education, Information, and even TESCOM representatives.
The essence was to brainstorm and work around activities to commemorate the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Ondo State.
This year’s theme, “Future Normal: Promoting the Rights of Every Nigerian Child,” is a strong call for inclusivity. Our governor is an inclusive governor who prioritizes the welfare and safety of children, especially children with disabilities and special needs.
For over five hours, we deliberated extensively with experts on how to remove barriers that may hinder children from fully enjoying their rights and opportunities.
The objectives include sensitizing stakeholders on the Child Rights Law, ensuring they key into the 2026 Children’s Day theme, promoting equal opportunities for all children regardless of gender, religion, disability or background, and strengthening inclusive initiatives in schools.
We also engaged education stakeholders, including ANCOPS leadership, to sensitize principals and teachers on the need to show empathy and proper care for children with special needs.
You first served as Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and now Commissioner for Women Affairs. What major achievements can you highlight under the ministry and this administration?
As women advocates, we have done a lot. Recently, we advocated for increased women representation in governance. In the previous House of Assembly, we had just three female members, but now five women have won elections. We also have female representation at the House of Representatives.
Today, women occupy strategic positions in government. The Commissioner for Finance is a woman. TESCOM is chaired by a woman. This administration believes in competence and capacity, not gender bias.
Governor Aiyedatiwa does not see women merely as women; he sees them based on their potential and what they can contribute. Women now get opportunities without lobbying or begging, unlike what used to happen in the past.
We also developed the Odatwa Women Initiative 10-point agenda, which targets different categories of women including elderly women, pregnant women, market women, career women, rural women, and the girl child because each category has unique needs.
Currently, we run medical outreach programmes across the 18 local government areas where elderly women receive free healthcare services, drugs, and welfare support through the “Owarugbo” initiative.
We also run the Paddy Girl Tech Initiative, where sanitary pads are distributed while girls are educated on ICT and technology.
Another intervention is the Bridge Gap Initiative, designed to decentralize government programmes to grassroots communities through partnerships with local government chairmen, House of Assembly members, and community stakeholders.
We equally provide monthly stipends for about 150 elderly women and run the Fitness Health is Wealth Programme to educate women on physical fitness, mental health, and wellness.
Our ministry also introduced a cooperative society system where women can access goods and repay gradually with low interest.
Through the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, Ondo women have benefitted from grants, empowerment programmes, food support, healthcare interventions, and distribution of materials through the office of the Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa.
What has been your impact on child development and education reforms in Ondo State under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration?
One thing about this administration is that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is very passionate about children and vulnerable groups, especially children with special needs.
One of the remarkable achievements of this administration is the resuscitation of the Children’s Parliament, which had been inactive for over a decade.
The governor believes children must have a voice in governance. This year, he will personally interact with children during a special assembly to listen to them directly.
We have also improved education through the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers to address shortages in schools across the state.
Schools for the blind and hearing impaired now receive better funding and prompt payments, unlike before. There has also been infrastructural development across the state, including solar streetlights and modernization projects within Akure metropolis.
“Odatiwa Odirorun” has become a popular slogan among many women in Ondo State. What does the initiative stand for and how did the name emerge?
The name “Odatiwa” was coined from the governor’s name. It was actually created by the governor and his team, not by us in the ministry.
What we simply did was adopt it as a platform for women and children empowerment programmes under this administration.
With your achievements within the last one year, what challenges have you faced in the ministry?
I am human, so definitely there will be challenges. But the good thing is that we do not have insurmountable challenges because we have a governor who listens and acts immediately.
Every challenge we have encountered has been manageable because the governor is proactive and supportive.
How would you compare your achievements with past administrations?
I would prefer to leave that judgment to the people of Ondo State because they can see the changes themselves.
But one thing I can confidently say is that this administration has brought visible transformation to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
There have been infrastructural developments, empowerment programmes, staff improvements, better working conditions, and upgrades in facilities within the ministry.
Within the last one year especially, there have been remarkable improvements both in personnel coordination and operational equipment that have enhanced service delivery. People can see the difference themselves.
Your recent 2026 National Children’s Day stakeholders’ engagement recorded massive participation. What does this say about the government’s relationship with stakeholders?
First, I want to appreciate the governor of Ondo State for always supporting us whenever we come up with programmes like this.
I also appreciate my team in the Ministry of Women Affairs for their commitment and dedication.
The turnout shows that people believe in this administration and are willing to collaborate with government.
The workshop brought together education stakeholders, healthcare professionals, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, school administrators, and child development experts to discuss ways of protecting and empowering children in Ondo State.
This year’s theme focuses strongly on inclusivity, especially for children with disabilities and special needs.
What specific efforts has the government made toward child welfare and inclusivity?
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is very passionate about children and vulnerable groups.
The administration resuscitated the Children’s Parliament after it had remained inactive for over a decade.
Government is also supporting schools for children with special needs through improved welfare packages, educational support, and prompt payments.
Teachers have equally been recruited to improve the quality of education across the state.
Your ministry has introduced several women-focused initiatives. How impactful have these programmes been?
The impact has been very encouraging.
We currently run medical outreach programmes across the 18 local government areas where elderly women receive free healthcare services, drugs, and medical support.
We also provide monthly stipends for vulnerable women and introduced cooperative programmes that help women access items conveniently and repay gradually with little interest.
For the girl child, we distribute sanitary pads and promote ICT education because we understand the importance of technology in today’s world.
What makes this administration different from previous ones in your opinion?
I believe the people of Ondo State can answer that better, but from my own perspective, this government has made governance more inclusive and accessible.
In the past, many people believed government was only for a privileged few, but Governor Aiyedatiwa has changed that narrative.
Today, women no longer need to beg before accessing opportunities. Government programmes are reaching people directly at the grassroots level, and many barriers have been broken.
Even within this ministry, there has been massive infrastructural transformation. The ministry was neglected for decades, but today we now have renovated offices and improved facilities.
What message would you like to leave for the people of Ondo State?
Our administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups across the state.
The governor remains committed to inclusive governance, and we will continue implementing programmes that improve lives and create opportunities for everyone.
Government is for everybody, and that is exactly what this administration represents.