The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Ogun State was a resounding testament to the government’s dedication to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the event embraced the theme “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts in breaking barriers and fostering economic inclusion.
Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to uplifting women through various initiatives. She noted that over 5,000 women had been trained in practical skills such as fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing.
“Through bold initiatives, we have not only equipped women with new competencies but also provided them with the means to achieve financial independence,” she stated. She further highlighted the impact of the Oko’wo Dapo Scheme, describing it as a game-changer in enhancing financial opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the state.
The event was graced by the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, and Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, whose speeches reinforced the importance of collective action in accelerating progress for women. The atmosphere was further enriched by goodwill messages from various speakers and the presentation of empowerment materials to beneficiaries.
Hon. Adeleye also announced the launch of two toll-free Gender-Based Violence (GBV) helplines and the establishment of three new Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta, ensuring that survivors of GBV can access immediate help. She emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to eradicate GBV and promote women’s security and well-being.
“We have gone beyond response services by setting up Safe Shelters to provide temporary accommodation for survivors, ensuring they have a secure place to heal and rebuild their lives,” she added.
Additionally, she highlighted the Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, which includes the construction of two International Standard Women Development Centres in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode. These centers will offer training in vocational and life-enhancing skills, further strengthening women’s financial independence.
Speaking on the Oko’wo Dapo Scheme, Hon. Adeleye revealed that 1,616 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) had been formed across the 20 local government areas, mobilizing 33,530 women and disbursing over ₦536.48 million as revolving grants to support women-owned businesses. She noted that these groups had collectively saved over ₦1.72 billion, demonstrating the resilience and financial discipline of Ogun State women.
“Oko’wo Dapo is not just about loans—it is about building sustainable businesses and fostering a new generation of financially empowered women,” she asserted.
Hon. Adeleye also commended Lafarge Cement Plc’s Women on Wheels initiative, which recently graduated a cohort of female drivers, describing it as a transformative step towards breaking gender barriers in the transport and logistics industry.
As the event concluded, the commissioner urged continued collaboration with civil society groups, corporate organizations, and stakeholders to sustain the momentum for women’s empowerment.
“Empowering women is not an act of charity; it is an investment in a better society. When we uplift a woman, we uplift a family, a community, and an entire nation,” she declared.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that gender equality is a shared responsibility, and with collective action, Ogun State is building a future where every woman can rise, thrive, and lead.
