Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Federal Government programmes designed to empower women and boost their economic status.
Governor Abiodun gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abeokuta when he received the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who paid him a courtesy visit. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, highlighted the critical roles women play as home builders and the foundation of society.
According to him, “women have made significant contributions to national development, underscoring the need for their voices to be heard.” He explained that his administration had implemented several women empowerment programmes and prioritised issues affecting them to improve their well-being and participation in governance.
Governor Abiodun further stated that the federal government had empowered women through agriculture, trade, vocational training, and other initiatives that have enhanced their livelihoods. He assured that Ogun State has the political will to support women-focused projects and expressed readiness to serve as a pilot state for any federal programme aimed at uplifting women.
He commended the Minister for her impactful service, noting that the state government would continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the benefit of Nigerian women.
Speaking during the visit, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said empowering women remains a top priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. She explained that several empowerment programmes have been rolled out nationwide to make women self-reliant and capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth.
She added, “The federal government is considering scaling up empowerment for women in all states of the federation to enable them to be self-reliant and contribute to national development.”
The minister explained that her visit was aimed at assessing the programmes available for women in Ogun State and providing an opportunity for commissioners from Anambra, Gombe, and Zamfara states, who accompanied her, to learn from the state’s approach to women empowerment.
She commended the state government for its ongoing transformation and encouraged Governor Abiodun to continue making Ogun State a model for others to follow.
Meanwhile, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, also appreciated the Minister of Women Affairs for the continuous support given to women in Ogun State. She made this known during an empowerment programme where women received food items and other essentials at the Women Development Centre, Asero, Abeokuta.
Mrs. Abiodun described women in the state as resilient and hardworking, noting that they strive daily to provide for their families. She said, “Your visit shows that you recognise the importance of Ogun women and value their contribution to society.”
In her response, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised Ogun State for being gender-sensitive and for giving women a place of pride in governance, calling it a model worthy of emulation across Nigeria.
She revealed that the federal government has allocated substantial resources for women development programmes that will benefit women as part of the one trillion dollar economy being pursued by the administration. She also called for an end to all forms of violence and trafficking against girls, stressing that empowering women would enable them to achieve their full potential and live productive lives that benefit society.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Oladipupo-Adeleye, explained that Ogun State operates four Safe Centres where abused women receive shelter and are trained in different trades and vocations.
She expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and to the governor’s wife for her efforts in advancing women-focused projects across the state.