By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and all forms of exploitation, warning that offenders will face stricter enforcement, coordinated prosecution and uncompromising accountability.

The government also reiterated its commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in public service as a key driver of effective social development, institutional integrity and sustainable governance.

The policy direction was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, at a 3-in-1 New Year programme held at the Valleyview Auditorium, Abeokuta.

Adeleye described the event as a strategic convergence of policy reflection, capacity building and celebration, aimed at aligning stakeholders, strengthening institutional focus and setting the tone for the year, with women empowerment, child protection and inclusive social development as core priorities.

Reviewing the Ministry’s achievements in the past year, the Commissioner attributed its growing impact to purposeful leadership, strong political will and a clear reform agenda.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing an enabling policy environment that prioritises social inclusion, protects vulnerable groups and strengthens institutional performance across the state, noting that his leadership has translated vision into measurable outcomes for women, children and other vulnerable persons.

Adeleye said the Ministry’s agenda for 2026 would be anchored on results-driven governance, citizen-centred service delivery and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

According to her, “Policies and programmes in the new year will focus on prevention, early intervention, survivor support and justice delivery, ensuring that social protection frameworks are responsive, resilient, measurable and sustainable.”

She acknowledged the contributions of development and implementing partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), among others, noting that their support extends beyond funding to technical expertise, policy innovation, institutional strengthening and international capacity-building opportunities.

Adeleye added that exposure to global best practices has significantly improved professionalism, efficiency and accountability within the Ministry.

“With the full support of security agencies, justice-sector institutions and credible whistleblowers, the year 2026 will be extremely tough for perpetrators of gender-based violence, child abuse and all forms of exploitation. We will enforce the law without fear or favour, protect survivors decisively and ensure that every offender is exposed and prosecuted,” she declared.

She explained that the programme featured a two-day intensive strategic training for senior and junior officers of the Ministry, aimed at addressing emerging social challenges, strengthening technical capacity and developing a focused operational roadmap for 2026.

The Commissioner added that the programme also celebrated children with special needs under the Ministry’s care, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusion, equity and the protection of every child, regardless of circumstance.

Adeleye noted that awards were presented to outstanding staff in recognition of excellence, innovation, discipline and dedication, stressing that integrity, diligence, punctuality and professionalism would continue to be deliberately rewarded.

She said institutionalising merit remained critical to motivating excellence, promoting healthy competition and sustaining Ogun State’s momentum towards impactful, people-centred social development.

Among the award recipients were Oyesanya Matthew, Most Punctual (Junior Category); Rufai, Most Punctual (Senior Category); Rosiji Omobolaji, Best Dressed (Senior Category); Folorunso Lukmon, Most Hardworking (Senior Category); and Mamadidola Kabiru, Most Hardworking (Junior Category).