Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has called for dialogue to develop actionable plans for regional transformation, envisioning a Nigeria where women are heard, respected, and empowered.
Hon. Adeleye gave the call at the Pre-Council workshop for Southwest Zone, towards the 25th National Council on Women Affairs, organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abeokuta.
The Commissioner said that the State Government was committed to ensuring an inclusive governance through initiatives focused on gender equity, economic empowerment, child protection and support for the elderly and disabled.
She noted that it was imperative to foster strategic realignment for empowering women, protecting the vulnerable and strengthening communities.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, stated that the meeting was part of the preparatory efforts for the 25th National Council meeting on Women Affairs scheduled to be hosted in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Dr. Keshinro who was represented by Mrs. Ameh Esther, stressed that the planned meeting is focusing on the Presidential Priority Areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the Ministerial Deliverables and the Key Performance indicators to actualise mandate for women, children, families and the vulnerable groups.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable progress that would build a stronger, more inclusive direction towards the 25th National Council workshop, where women and girls could thrive in dignity and pride.
She reiterated the State Government’s bold, deliberate and holistic commitment in the domestication and implementation of policies such as the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, the child rights law and the established structures like Gender Desk Officers and referral pathways for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors.
The Guest Lecturer, Desk Officer, National Council on Women, Mr. Alaba while speaking on the topic ‘Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Mandate and the Thematic Areas’, outlined the mandate of the Ministry to include giving social protection to citizens, working towards alleviating poverty, advocacy and sensitisation on women empowerment, gender based violence, promoting job creation among others, aimed at ensuring welfare and well-being of the citizens.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mr. Lateef Busari and his counterpart from Lagos State, Mrs. Ayodele Gbeminiyi, noted that the meeting was aimed at deliberating on policies and initiatives that would be presented at the national council meeting, to ensure the rights and wellbeing of women and girls in the country.
