... Over 250 Stakeholders Endorse Ondo's Women Development Agenda
... Ministry Honours Outstanding Contributors to Women's Empowerment and Public Service
The Ondo State Government has unveiled a new roadmap to strengthen women's empowerment, child protection and social welfare programmes, reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during the Ondo State Women Roundtable Discussion held at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Akure. The event, themed "The O'Datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint and Deliverables: Journey So Far; Charting a Better Pathway for Excellence and Transformative Women Programmes," brought together women leaders, political office holders, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the roundtable was organised to review the implementation of the state's women development blueprint, assess progress, identify gaps and strengthen programmes targeted at women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She said Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa's administration remains committed to policies that promote gender inclusion, social protection and human capital development.
According to Osamaye, the ministry has recorded significant achievements since she assumed office on July 14, 2025, particularly in infrastructure renewal, women empowerment, child protection and social welfare.
She noted that the ministry's headquarters, which had not undergone major renovation for nearly three decades, had been rehabilitated to improve the working environment and enhance service delivery.
The commissioner also announced the launch of the maiden O'Datiwa Women Initiative News Bulletin, designed to showcase the ministry's activities, interventions and achievements.
She pledged to strengthen collaboration with development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to improve programmes aimed at empowering women and protecting vulnerable members of society.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Kayode Kolawole, described the roundtable as an important platform for dialogue and policy development.
He commended the progress recorded under the ministry's leadership, particularly in gender equality, women empowerment, child protection and social welfare.
Kolawole stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners and community leaders to address challenges such as gender-based violence and child abuse.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and APC House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, encouraged women to embrace self-discovery, resilience and confidence in pursuing leadership positions.
Also speaking, Ondo State APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs. Iji Ayeola, called for greater unity and cooperation among women, urging them to support one another irrespective of political affiliation to achieve greater representation in governance.
Representing wives of state commissioners, Dr. Bosede Ajibefun urged women to promote compassion, respect and unity in their homes and communities, while recognising the contributions of workers at every level of society.
The roundtable featured presentations on several government programmes, including the O'Datiwa Skill-Up Women Initiative, O'Datiwa Cares and Inclusive Initiative, Widows Care Programme, Elderly Care and Engagement Programme, Tech a Girl/Pad a Girl Initiative, Women in Agriculture Support Programme, Market-to-Market Engagement, Bridge the Gap Initiative and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (Ilera-Ioro).
Stakeholders also reviewed activities commemorating International Women's Day, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to women's development and public service.
Former Permanent Secretary Bishop Mrs. Oluseyi Odunsola received an Award of Honour for her contributions to women's development, while Hon. Nurse Arinola Adamolekun was recognised as the Most Supportive Female Politician.
Other recipients included Mr. Adebayo Oyegunwa, who received the Most Supportive Civil Servant Award; Mrs. Olufisoye Adenitan, honoured as the Most Supportive Media Practitioner; and Mr. Olusola Omoboni, who received the Best Supportive Aide Award.
The event attracted over 250 women leaders, political office holders, development partners, APC women leaders, market women, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and representatives of various women support groups across Ondo State.