The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has declared that empowering women shouldn’t be brandished as an act of charity but investment for a better society.
Adeleye spoke on Thursday, in Abeokuta, at an event organised by her Ministry to mark 2025 International Women’s Day.
This year’s theme is: “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action.”
According to her, the government is tirelessly pursuing opportunities for women’s advancement, safety, and economic empowerment.
FULL TEXT OF HER ADDRESS BELOW:
WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, HON. MOTUNRAYO ADIJAT ADELEYE, AT THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION, HELD AT THE JUNE 12 CULTURAL CENTRE, KUTO, ABEOKUTA
Protocol
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, our phenomenal women, and of course, the incredible men who champion and celebrate us—I extend a warm and spirited welcome to you all! Now, I can almost hear some of you whispering, “But International Women’s Day was on March 8—why are we just celebrating now?” Let me assure you, we are not late—we are simply making a statement! While the rest of the world squeezed all the power, resilience, and brilliance of women into a single day, here in Ogun State, we refuse to be rushed! We believe women’s impact is too grand for just 24 hours of recognition, so we took our time to elevate, expand, and enhance the grand celebration. Because when we celebrate women, we do it boldly, brilliantly, and with lasting impact —not just marking a date, but setting a standard.
2.We are gathered here today, not just to reflect on how far we have come, but to push forward, because, as our theme for this year’s celebration says: “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action.” The strength, resilience, and achievements of women across our dear Gateway State, our Nation, and the world deserve continuous recognition. Over the past year, the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has worked tirelessly to create avenues for women’s growth, security, and economic empowerment. Our resolve to foster an inclusive environment where women can thrive has yielded remarkable results, and I am honoured to share some of our major milestones with you today.
3.One of our significant strides in the past year is the launch of two GBV Toll-Free Lines, ensuring that women, girls, and anyone facing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can seek help without worrying about call credit. With the unflinching support of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, our commitment to eradicating GBV has led to the establishment of three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), geared towards providing lifesaving support to survivors, breaking the barriers of distance and ensuring that critical cases are reported within the vital 72-hour window.
4.Beyond just response services, we have taken a proactive approach to preventing GBV and promoting women’s empowerment. Attached to each of the four SARCs are Safe Shelters, offering temporary accommodation for survivors of GBV and sexual abuse, ensuring they have a secure place to heal and rebuild their lives. But we are not stopping there—under the Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, we are constructing two International Standard Women Development Centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, where women and young girls will receive training in vocational and life-enhancing skills. Through these initiatives, we are not just protecting women; we are empowering them to shape their futures.
5.The Ministry has taken bold steps to challenge gender-based stereotypes and economic exclusion. We have organized community sensitization campaigns to challenge societal norms that hinder women’s progress, sparking conversations that promote shared responsibilities in homes, workplaces, and communities. Additionally, our skill acquisition programs have equipped over Five Thousand (5,000) women in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, ensuring that they gain not just skills but financial independence.
6.Our efforts didn’t stop there—the Ministry empowered additional Fifty (50) out of Three Hundred and Fifty (350) trainees from the Women Development Centre during the 2024 Batch A and B graduation, providing them with starter kits to help them establish their businesses. Furthermore, during the 2024 International Women’s Day, Fifty (50) more women across the State received empowerment equipment, giving them the tools needed to thrive in their respective fields.
7.Another groundbreaking achievement is the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, which continues to transform the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in Ogun State. So far, we have facilitated the formation of One Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen (1,616) Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the Twenty (20) Local Government Areas (LGAs). Through these coordinated groups, Thirty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty (33,530) women have been mobilized and registered, and the State Government has disbursed over Five Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Four Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira Only (₦536,480,000.00) as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses. The impact of these interventions is evident, as the WAGs have collectively saved over ₦1.72 Billion Naira, demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment, and resilience of Ogun State women. In clear terms, the Oko’Wo Dapo initiative is not just about loans—it is about building sustainable businesses and fostering a new generation of financially empowered women.
8.While these achievements are truly commendable, we must acknowledge that the journey toward gender equality and women’s empowerment is far from complete. There is no room for complacency, and we cannot afford to slow down. As we accelerate action together, we must recognize that our progress is not the result of individual efforts alone, but the power of collective determination. In this regard, we deeply appreciate and commend our partners—NGOs, community organizations, international agencies, and the private sector—whose unwavering support has amplified our impact and strengthened our advocacy.
9.To sustain this momentum, the State Government, through our Ministry, remains fully committed to fostering collaborations with civil society groups, corporate organizations, and all stakeholders, ensuring that no woman is left behind. Additionally, we will continue to prioritize capacity-building programmes for all cadres of staff, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. By exposing our workforce to global best practices, emerging trends, and cutting-edge initiatives in women’s empowerment and protection, we will further strengthen our ability to implement innovative, sustainable solutions that uplift and safeguard women across our dear Gateway State.
10. Very specially, I must extend my heartfelt commendation to the Women on Wheels initiative by Lafarge Cement Plc, as we celebrate the Female Drivers Graduation Ceremony yesterday. The programme goes beyond just equipping women with driving skills, it was a transformative step toward breaking barriers, redefining gender roles, and fostering inclusion in the transport and logistics industry. Lafarge Africa has not only trained those trailblazing women but has also empowered them as pioneers of change, proving that when given the opportunity, women can excel in every sector, including those once dominated by men.
11.As we celebrate this special International Women’s Day, let us remember that empowering women is not an act of charity, it is an investment in a better society. Let us continue to be mindful that when we uplift a woman, we uplift a family, a community, and an entire Nation. To the incredible women here today, never underestimate the power of your voice, your hands, and your influence. Keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and setting new records!
12.To the men who walk beside us, your support is invaluable, and your commitment lights the way. Yet today, I challenge you to not only stand with us but to lead by example. Embrace the truth that gender equality transcends women’s issues; it is the backbone of a thriving society. Your proactive engagement, encouragement, and partnership are crucial for transforming our communities into pleasant spaces of shared opportunity and respect.
13.As you continue with this engagement, let us be reminded to carry with you the reminder that we are not merely celebrating Women’s Day—we are writing a new chapter of history, one bold, empowered woman at a time. Every steps you take in support of gender equity reinforces the power of collective progress, ensuring that the seeds of today blossom into the triumphs of tomorrow.
14.Thank you for your rapt attention, kind attendance and unwavering support. Let us continue to fuel this movement, accelerate action, and co-create a future where equality is not just an aspiration, but a vibrant reality for all.
Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye,
H.C Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development,
Ogun State
