The Ogun State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Finance and Appropriations, has commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for its sustained women empowerment initiatives and effective collaboration with the legislature in addressing the needs of women and other vulnerable groups across the state.
The commendation was given during the 2026 budget defence session of the Ministry, held at the Assembly Complex, Abeokuta, and presided over by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi.
While responding to questions from lawmakers, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, outlined the Ministry’s strategic plans for the 2026 fiscal year, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, economic empowerment and social inclusion.
Hon. Adeleye disclosed that the Ministry was set to standardise the Ogun State Women Empowerment Scheme, popularly known as OKOWOODAPO, through bi-annual general training programmes and regular in-house capacity building for officers coordinating the scheme across the state.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and uniformity in the implementation of empowerment programmes targeted at women at the grassroots.
She further informed the lawmakers that the Ministry would embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns targeted at women affinity groups, with a focus on business development, vocational skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, to promote economic independence and reduce poverty among women.
Highlighting proposed legacy projects for the 2026 fiscal year, the Commissioner revealed plans for the construction of a modern Women Development Centre at Kobape, designed to serve as a hub for training, empowerment and advocacy for women across Ogun State.
She also announced the proposed renovation of the Fatty Lams Recreational Centre for Persons Living with Disabilities at Oke-Ilewo, noting that the project underscored the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity and improved welfare for persons with disabilities.
Members of the Committee, while commending the Ministry’s vision and performance, assured the Commissioner of their continued legislative support, urging the Ministry to ensure prudent utilisation of funds and timely execution of approved projects for maximum impact.
In the same vein, other Ministries also appeared before the Committee to defend their respective 2026 budget proposals. These included the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, led by its Commissioner, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape; the Ministry of Environment, headed by Mr. Ola Oresanya; and the Ministry of Sports Development, under the leadership of Mr. Wasiu Isiaka.
The Committee reiterated its resolve to thoroughly scrutinise all budget proposals to ensure alignment with the developmental priorities of the state and value for money in the implementation of government programmes.
The ongoing budget defence exercise forms part of the Ogun State House of Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the 2026 fiscal year.
