–As govt honours Adejumo others as female icons

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced a N50 million fund to empower women across the state, including widows and the elderly.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to stand firmly with women and girls in the state by supporting their aspirations, amplifying their voices, and investing in their future.

He made the announcement during a meeting with various women groups at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure.

Of the N50 million, N40 million will be disbursed as financial grants to empower women, while N10 million will go into launching the O’Datiwa Women Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

He said that “Beyond economic interventions, this administration has also remained intentional in promoting inclusivity in governance.

“We have continued to open up the space for women in political appointments and decision-making processes, in the firm belief that no society can attain its full potential while excluding half of its population.

“Going forward, we shall deepen these efforts and broaden opportunities for women across all sectors.”

“These initiatives are designed to expand access to finance, strengthen enterprise and promote sustainable livelihoods among our women.

” I am confident that these interventions will serve as a catalyst for economic independence and resilience, particularly in these challenging times within the global economic landscape.”

In her keynote address, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Esther Aiyedatiwa, reaffirmed her commitment to women empowerment, saying the celebration remained a global reminder of the resilience and contributions of women and girls to societal development.

She said this year’s theme, “Give Today,” emphasised financial autonomy as a response to household economic realities.

She added that the theme also promotes collective action, resource sharing and international collaboration aimed at accelerating progress for women and girls, in line with the United Nations drive for rights, justice and action for all women and girls, including efforts to remove barriers limiting their advancement.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa said women in Ondo State remain central to development, playing active roles as economic drivers, home builders and participants in agriculture, education, markets and professional sectors.

She announced a Financial Empowerment Grant for 1,200 women across the state, describing it as part of the governor’s commitment to women and the future of Ondo State.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa urged women to continue demanding rights and justice while pursuing social and economic transformation, and encouraged young girls to remain focused and ambitious.

She called on men and stakeholders to support women empowerment through concrete action, stressing that gender equality remains a collective responsibility, and urged commitment to an inclusive society free of discrimination.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said the administration has prioritized policies and programmes that uplift women socially, economically, and politically.

Osamaye said that “Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, this Administration is doing so much to create opportunities, amplifying voices, and ensuring that no woman is left behind,” Osamaye said.

Osamaye noted that numerous empowerment programmes implemented in the last year have improved livelihoods, restored dignity, and strengthened the confidence of women across Ondo State.

To consolidate efforts, the ministry adopted the 10 Focal Points of the O’Datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint as a strategic guide for women’s development.

“These Focal points are not just policies on paper, they are actionable pathways designed to ensure that every woman, regardless of age, status, or location has access to opportunities, support systems, and the enabling environment needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our dear state.

Osamaye thanked stakeholders and philanthropists whose contributions continue to complement government efforts in advancing the cause of women in the state.
The Chairman of the Council of Obas and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, congratulated women on the occasion, saying traditional institutions support women and recognise them as partners in progress.

Icon Awards were conferred on five women for their contributions to women empowerment and development in the state. They are
former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele; Rev. Dr. Damilola Oshin; Mrs Jumoke Anifowose; Mrs Kosemani Kolawole and Bishop Funke-Felix Adejumo.

Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa, his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan and Chief Margaret Ebun Oladunni, were presented with special recognition awards for their contributions to the development of womenfolk in the state.