ONDO STATE GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA SEEKS MORE POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on political stakeholders across Nigeria to create more opportunities for women to occupy elective and leadership positions, stressing that greater inclusion is vital for national development.
The governor said women play a critical role in building society and noted that his administration has embraced gender-inclusive governance.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Wednesday at the launch of the 774 Explode Project in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, is aimed at empowering women across the country.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor urged stakeholders to work collectively to expand women’s participation in politics.
“Women are very critical to the uplifting and development of any society. They are the unseen architects of society. Women nurture families, preserve values, sustain local economies, resolve conflicts and shape future generations. Increasingly, they are also transforming public administration, entrepreneurship, technology, education, agriculture and governance. These remind us that leadership is not a function of gender but of competence, character, vision and service,” he said.
While acknowledging progress in promoting women’s participation, Aiyedatiwa said more deliberate efforts were needed to close the existing gender gap in governance.
“We must be proud of the appreciable progress we have recorded in this direction, yet we honestly admit that significant gaps still exist. We therefore advocate intentional and greater inclusion of women in elective offices, leadership positions and strategic decision-making structures.
“No longer should cultural stereotypes, economic barriers and systemic limitations hinder women from realising their full potential. This is not a call for sympathy but for deliberate and coordinated action. We must remain steadfast in this advocacy, which aligns with initiatives such as Project 774 Explode,” he added.
The governor commended the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Idele, for bringing the initiative to Ondo State, describing it as more than an empowerment programme.
According to him, the project underscores the importance of unlocking the potential of women in every community and ensuring they play active roles in public life.
“Historically, societies that have attained enduring greatness succeeded because they embraced inclusiveness, harnessing the talents, intellect, resilience and leadership of both men and women,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Idele also called for increased representation of women in politics, particularly young women.
“The future of our democracy depends on the inclusion of young people, especially young women. Across Nigeria, we have brilliant, educated, innovative and energetic young women whose talents must not remain on the sidelines.
“We must intentionally create opportunities for them to serve as councillors, local government chairpersons, legislators, commissioners, party executives, and indeed future governors and presidents,” she said.
Idele noted that political participation goes beyond holding office, stressing that it enables women to shape policies and influence key decisions.
She also urged mothers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and party stakeholders to provide young women with mentorship, support and opportunities to thrive in public service.
Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political leadership despite years of advocacy for greater gender inclusion. Although they constitute nearly half of the country’s population and actively participate in political campaigns and party activities, their presence in elective and appointive offices remains limited.
Civil society organisations, women’s groups and development partners have continued to push for policies that promote equal opportunities, including the proposed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and affirmative action measures, but progress has remained slow.
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