Ogun state government leads dialogue on women empowerment at pre-council zonal workshop

Bolaji Obabiyi(Intern)

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, on Thursday hosted the Southwest zonal Pre-Council Workshop ahead of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs.

Penpushing reports that the strategic gathering, which took place at the Rotary House along Abiola Way, Abeokuta, brought together top officials and stakeholders from all six South-West to deliberate on pressing issues affecting women, children, families, and vulnerable populations.

The consultative forum forms part of the build-up to the national council meeting scheduled to hold in Benin, Edo State later in the year, while it is one of six zonal pre-council meetings being held across the country as a preparatory step toward harmonizing positions and aligning state-level priorities with national policies and programs.

Penpushing further reports that Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye in her opening remarks described the workshop as a critical platform to assess progress, identify common challenges, and propose practical solutions aimed at strengthening social development efforts across the zone.

The Commissioner added that the event marked the 8th annual Pre-Council Zonal Consultative Workshop and provided an avenue for states in the South-West to reflect on their achievements, review policy directions, and submit memoranda that would feed into the broader national discussion at the council level.

‘This meeting is not just a formality. It is a vital step toward ensuring that the collective voice of the South-West is heard and considered in the final outcomes of the national council’, Adeleye stated.

“We are here today because of our shared passion for fulfilling the mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs — to protect, empower, and support women, children, and the vulnerable in our society’, she added

Penpushing also reports that Adeleye emphasized that discussions at the workshop were focused on the Presidential Priority Areas under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministerial Deliverables for Women Affairs, and the Key Performance Indicators that guide the effective delivery of programs.

The Commissioner pointed out that the goal was to ensure effective policy alignment and measurable impact across all levels of government, and highlighting the importance of collaboration between states, she pointed out that the workshop also serves as an opportunity for peer learning.

Penpushing reports that Adeleye who was a former member of Ogun State House of Assembly noted that some states have implemented innovative practices that could be replicated in others to strengthen service delivery.

“Coming together like this helps us to share knowledge and learn from each other. There are initiatives already working well in some states that others can adapt and adopt. At the end of the day, we go to the national council as a unified body, presenting a shared vision for women and social development.”

Penpushing further reports that she used the opportunity to outline some of the significant strides made by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development within the last year.

The Commissioner disclosed that one of the notable achievements, was the establishment of additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in the state to address the growing concern of gender-based violence and domestic abuse.

“As at this time last year, Ogun State had only one functional SARC. Today, I am proud to report that we now have four, spread across the state. What is more encouraging is that these centres are not just treatment and reporting facilities; they also have fully equipped shelters where survivors can find temporary safety and support.”

Penpushing also reports that Adeleye revealed that two of these centres now house Women Development Centres designed to offer skills acquisition, counselling, and empowerment programs for survivors and other women in need.

The Commissioner boasted that the facilities are ready for commissioning and will soon begin full operations, stressing that Ogun State’s submission at the national council was well appreciated

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