Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at deepening women empowerment, child protection and social welfare programmes across the state.
The governor made the announcement at the Ondo State Women Roundtable Discussion held at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development auditorium, Igbatoro Road, Akure.
The roundtable, themed “The O’Datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint and Deliverables: Journey So Far; Charting a Better Pathway for Excellence and Transformative Women Programmes,” brought together female political appointees, women leaders, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), development partners, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and women support groups.
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The stakeholders reviewed the implementation of the O’Datiwa Women Initiative, assessed its achievements, identified existing gaps and explored strategies to strengthen women empowerment, child protection and social welfare programmes across the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the engagement was convened to assess the implementation of the ministry’s blueprint, identify gaps and strengthen programmes targeted at women, children and other vulnerable groups.
She noted that since assuming office on July 14, 2025, the ministry had recorded remarkable progress in infrastructure renewal, women empowerment, child protection, social welfare and human capital development.
Describing her appointment as “a choice of courage,” Osamaye expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, saying the administration had remained committed to improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable persons across the state.
According to her, the governor approved the renovation of the ministry’s headquarters for the first time in 28 years, creating a more conducive working environment and enhancing service delivery.
She also disclosed that the ministry had expanded empowerment opportunities for women and vulnerable groups and unveiled its maiden annual publication, O’Datiwa Women Initiative News Bulletin, to showcase its programmes and achievements.
Osamaye assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to strengthen partnerships aimed at addressing challenges confronting women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kayode Kolawole, described the roundtable as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and policy formulation, commending the achievements recorded under the commissioner’s leadership in the areas of women empowerment, child protection, gender equality and social welfare.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and community leaders to tackle gender-based violence, child abuse and other social challenges.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and APC House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, urged women to embrace resilience, consistency and self-discovery as essential qualities for leadership, while the State APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs. Iji Ayeola, called for greater unity among women to enhance their participation in governance.
Also speaking, Dr. Mrs. Bosede Ajibefun, representing wives of commissioners, encouraged women to promote love, respect and compassion in their homes and communities.
Highlights of the event included presentations on key government programmes such as the O’Datiwa Skill-Up Women Initiative, Widows Care Programme, Elderly Care and Engagement Programme, Women in Agriculture Support Programme, Tech a Girl/Pad a Girl Child Initiative, Market-to-Market Engagement, Bridge the Gap Initiative and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme (Ilera-Iloro).
Awards were also presented to outstanding individuals for their contributions to women development and public service, while women leaders and political stakeholders lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for sustaining policies aimed at improving the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups in the state.