Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has prepared the foundation for better recognition of women in governance.
The Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade, said this during the “One Woman One Vote” campaign organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion today.
“For the first time in the South West, we have two sets of women occupying the positions of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Head of Service, serving side by side in the same administration since 2019.”
According to him, the presence of three female Commissioners holding key positions in the ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration along with the SSG and the HOS is not a coincidence but a recognition of the relevance and efficiency of women in governance.
Prince Oyelade charged women not to be complacent in coming forward from 2027 to seek even higher political positions.
The Commissioner said that the recognition of women as a political force has ensured their being elected as presidents or prime ministers in over 60 countries across the world and Nigeria should not be an exception.
Also speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun, who is also the convener, urged women across the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to take an active role in the forthcoming elections, describing their participation as critical to shaping the future of the state and the nation.
At the “One Woman, Oney Vote” sensitization programme in Ibadan, Balogun said the campaign was more than a call to action but “a movement aimed at empowering women to take their rightful place in the electoral process.”
She stressed that when women vote, they influence the policies that directly impact their lives and communities.
Balogun explained that the outreach would target women from all sectors, with a strong focus on market women from the 11 major markets in Ibadan-female entrepreneurs, homemakers, farmers, breadwinners, and women-focused NGOs.
She listed key markets to be engaged as Bodija, Gbaremu, Sango, and Mokola, adding that the campaign would cover the 12 wards in the local government to ensure inclusivity. “We want to create a ripple effect of awareness and action that encompasses all women,” she said, noting that the initiative would also provide practical voter education, including how to locate polling units and avoid voided ballots.
The commissioner emphasised that the programme would encourage dialogue on women’s roles in inclusive governance and nation-building.
According to her, creating platforms for women to share experiences, challenges, and aspirations will strengthen their civic participation and build a supportive network among them.
She disclosed that the ministry would partner with community leaders and women-focused organisations across the 33 local governments in the state to amplify the message, ensuring that “no woman is left behind in this movement.”
Balogun also commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for what she described as his commitment to gender inclusivity, citing his record of appointing women to key positions in government.
She urged women to carry the sensitisation message back to their communities and mobilize others, saying, “Our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can transform our communities and ensure that women’s voices are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping our future.”
