…Adeleye says recognition reinforces commitment to inclusive governance
Daud Olatunji
Ogun State has been named the Best Performing State for Women and Children, earning a national Award of Excellence for its interventions in women’s empowerment, child protection, social inclusion and family development.
The award was presented to the state at the ongoing 26th Regular National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The award was received on behalf of the Ogun State Government by the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and All Progressives Congress candidate for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, alongside senior officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The recognition came against the backdrop of the state’s implementation of programmes targeted at improving the welfare and economic status of women, protecting children and strengthening vulnerable families.
Speaking at the council, which was convened at the invitation of the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Adeleye attributed the award to what she described as the sustained commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration to putting women, children and vulnerable citizens at the centre of its development policies.
She listed programmes including Oko’owo Dapo, the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, Family Court and Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state as some of the interventions supporting women, children and families.
According to her, the initiatives have expanded access to skills, economic opportunities, protection and support services, while strengthening families and communities.
Adeleye said the theme of the council, “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalizing Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,” was timely, particularly as governments move from establishing social protection structures to ensuring that such structures produce measurable improvements in people’s lives.
She said, “Sustainable development cannot be measured merely by the strength of institutions; it must ultimately be reflected in the quality of life of families, women, children and vulnerable citizens.
“Every investment in caregiving, child welfare, women’s empowerment and social protection is ultimately an investment in productivity, stability and national prosperity.”
The former commissioner also used the occasion to highlight what she described as the increasing participation of women in governance in Ogun State.
She noted that the emergence of two women as APC flag bearers for federal constituencies ahead of the forthcoming general elections was significant, identifying herself and her predecessor as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Funmilayo Efuwape, among the beneficiaries of the development.
Adeleye said their emergence demonstrated that women could occupy strategic political positions when given the opportunity and support.
She added, “Our emergence, through the support of the State Governor, progressive-minded political leaders and party faithful, is a powerful indication that competence knows no gender and that women are increasingly being trusted with responsibilities that shape the future of our nation.”
She urged women to replace unhealthy rivalry with collaboration and deliberately create opportunities for other women to succeed.
“No woman diminishes her light by helping another woman shine. We must learn to celebrate the success of other women as enthusiastically as we celebrate our own.
“Let us dare the odds, embrace opportunities, prepare ourselves for leadership and never be afraid to occupy spaces where decisions are made. The next generation is watching us, and they must inherit a culture where women open doors for women,” she said.
While receiving the award, Adeleye said the honour should not be treated merely as recognition of past achievements but as a challenge to the government and stakeholders to do more.
She said the award validated a development philosophy centred on people and should encourage greater investment in women, children, families and vulnerable groups.
“The real measure of development lies in our ability to strengthen families, expand opportunities, protect the vulnerable and improve lives.
“If one woman rises, it is progress; when many women rise together, it is transformation,” Adeleye said.
She commended the Ogun State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women and children in the state.
The national recognition places Ogun among states being acknowledged for efforts to advance inclusive development and strengthen social protection interventions for vulnerable citizens.
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