As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has charged women to be committed to uplifting and empowering one another towards breaking down obstacles to success.
This is just as the governor disbursed ₦35 million in grants to about 1,000 women in the state as part of initiatives to commemorate Women’s Day, saying the grants are to help boost their businesses and improve their lives.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated that the gesture was made in recognition of the thrive and struggle of women, said that the gesture was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment towards women’s development.
While presenting the cash during the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment’ held at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, the governor assured that his administration will focus on the all-round development of women.
According to him, his administration would give priority to the development of the less privileged, with a view to giving them the needed support to thrive in their various endeavours.
He said: “Our administration shall continue to uphold and improve on women’s inclusivity in the governance of Ondo State. We have already started reflecting this in the few appointments made so far in this new tenure and also in grassroots governance at the local government level. I must assure you that the days ahead are loaded with salutary opportunities for our women in Ondo State.
“We have also chosen to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day with various categories of empowerment for women across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
“This is very apt and relevant in the spirit of this year’s theme. It is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to women’s development and a huge hope for better days ahead.
“I want to sincerely thank all women across the state for your support, cooperation, and loyalty to this administration, particularly for your massive commitment before, during, and after the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election. There is no doubt that your efforts and support contributed in no small measure to our victory.
“The new dawn we all crave is right here; we celebrate you for your pivotal role in bringing it to reality. We do not in any way take this for granted. To whom much is given, much, they say, is expected. As we recommit ourselves to the welfare of all, we shall make it a top priority to address matters affecting women and the girl-child.”
The Special Adviser to the governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, who lauded the governor for the series of initiatives designed for the benefit of the womenfolk and the girl child in the state, disclosed that more interventions are in the offing for the female gender.
Osamaye further stressed that the cause of women will continue to be championed in the state in order to ensure direct access to opportunities.
“His Excellency not only advocates for women’s advancement, but he is also committed to empowering them. Gender issues, if you must know, are closely tied to economic issues. Why? Because when you empower a woman, you empower a nation.
“It is only when you are empowered that you gain the confidence to fulfil your potential. It is only when you are empowered that you can stand on equal footing with men.
“It is only when you are empowered that you are motivated to take your rightful place among women in all nations. Your Excellency, we thank you. We thank you for this remarkable and great initiative.
“We have a governor with a visionary mindset who has already implemented initiatives addressing many of these issues. For instance, we have the Health is Wealth initiative, which ensures that women have access to quality healthcare. This initiative includes mental health support for individuals with depression, extending care to women in the informal sector.
“Additionally, we have the TechGirl Initiative, which focuses on training young girls in digital skills, ensuring they can compete on a global scale. You will agree with me that, in today’s world, digital literacy is essential for survival.
“Furthermore, we have initiatives aimed at empowering rural women by providing them with access to social welfare programmes. Social welfare is a top priority, ensuring that women in rural areas receive the support they need.
“We also have a programme dedicated to female students in schools, ensuring that menstrual hygiene is no longer a barrier to education. We recognise that many young girls, some of whom are here today, struggle with access to sanitary pads.”
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