The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, on Thursday urged women across the South‑West to deepen collaboration in order to bridge gender gaps, strengthen family systems, and drive women’s empowerment—goals she described as critical to building a stable and prosperous nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Adeleye made the appeal in Abeokuta during the Pre‑Council Workshop for South‑West Ministries of Women Affairs, organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as part of preparations for the 25th National Council of Women Affairs scheduled for later this year in Edo State.

She stressed that the gathering was not just another routine meeting but “a convergence of purpose, a call to action, and a chance to rethink and realign strategies for empowering women, protecting the vulnerable, and strengthening families and communities.”

“At a time when gender disparities continue to slow collective progress, this forum provides fertile ground for policy brainstorming, experience‑sharing, and honest dialogue that will shape the resolutions we take to the forthcoming National Council of Women Affairs,” Adeleye said.

Highlighting Ogun State’s efforts, she noted that the Ministry has rolled out initiatives promoting gender equity, economic empowerment, child protection, and support for the elderly and persons with disabilities. But she emphasised that no state could achieve these goals alone.

“Collaboration, as we see here today, is the heartbeat of progress. I urge everyone to engage deeply, speak boldly, and listen with intent. Let our conversations be guided by facts, driven by compassion, and rooted in the vision of a Nigeria where women are heard, respected, and empowered,” she said.

She called on participants to leave the workshop with renewed resolve and actionable plans rather than mere reports and recommendations.

Also speaking, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs—represented by Ameh Esther—highlighted that the workshop offers a vital platform for critical thinking and knowledge‑sharing in pursuit of the presidential priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the welfare of women, children, families, and other vulnerable groups.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, added that the workshop provides an opportunity to assess progress on women’s rights and well‑being. She pointed to proactive measures by the state, such as appointing Gender Desk Officers across ministries, departments, agencies, and local councils, which has enhanced referral systems for survivors of gender‑based violence and intensified grassroots awareness campaigns.