By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Abeokuta, Ogun State – Ogun State has positioned itself at the forefront of gender reforms in Nigeria’s Southwest region, as highlighted during the opening of the Southwest Pre-Council Workshop on Thursday. The event serves as a preliminary gathering ahead of the National Council of Women Affairs meeting and emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between states to promote women's empowerment and combat gender-based violence (GBV).
Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, addressed attendees, describing the workshop as a “convergence of purpose” aimed at reframing policies and sharing best practices to address the myriad challenges faced by women and vulnerable groups in society.
“This is not just a meeting; it’s a convergence of purpose,” Adeleye asserted. “We are here to reflect, reimagine, and realign strategies that can transform lives—especially those of women and vulnerable groups in our communities.”
Demonstrating Ogun State’s unwavering commitment to gender justice, Adeleye announced the expansion of the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) response infrastructure. The state, which previously operated only one SGBV response centre, now proudly boasts four facilities, ensuring that each senatorial district is equipped to support survivors.
“Today, we can say survivors have a place of refuge, and beyond refuge, they have hope through training and rehabilitation,” Adeleye stated, highlighting the critical role these centres play in providing comprehensive support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Each SGBV centre, according to the Commissioner, includes a temporary shelter and a women development centre dedicated to vocational and life skills training. Two of these facilities are slated for immediate commissioning, further enhancing the state’s infrastructure for addressing GBV.
Adeleye acknowledged that while funding constraints remain a significant challenge for state governments, strategic planning and the backing of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun have facilitated measurable progress in gender reform initiatives. She shared a poignant example of the ministry's rapid response to a case involving a 19-year-old mother of triplets who was abandoned at a public hospital, underscoring the state’s commitment to vulnerable women.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a whole nation,” she emphasized. “It’s a continuous process—we can never do enough.”
The workshop attracted a diverse array of stakeholders from across the Southwest region, including gender advocates, policymakers, and development partners, all convening to discuss critical issues such as women’s political participation, economic empowerment, gender equity, and social welfare policies. The discussions are designed to harmonize positions on these key topics, ultimately shaping the region's collective submission at the forthcoming National Council of Women Affairs summit.
Adeleye urged delegates to speak boldly and collaborate intentionally, emphasizing that “the progress of one state strengthens the entire region.”
The workshop is set to continue throughout the week, featuring breakout sessions and technical roundtables aimed at developing actionable recommendations to advance women's rights and address gender-based violence in the Southwest.
With Ogun State leading the way in gender reform efforts, there is renewed optimism that these initiatives will foster a more equitable society for women and girls, paving the way for sustainable development in the region.
For more updates on the ongoing discussions and initiatives, stay tuned for our continuing coverage.
