While Nigeria joins the global community to celebrate International Women's Day 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the State of Ondo has accused women who commit to ascend and empower each other to break the obstacles to success.
This is just when the governor disbursed ₦ 35 million in subsidies to approximately 1,000 women in the state as part of the initiatives to commemorate Women's Day, saying that subsidies are to help boost their businesses and improve their lives.
Aiyedatiwa, who declared that the gesture was made in recognition of the prospering and struggle of women, said the gesture was a demonstration of their administration's commitment towards the development of women.
While presenting cash during International Women's Day 2025 with the theme 'For all women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment' held at the International Event Center (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, the governor said that his administration will focus on the development of women in general.
According to him, his administration would give priority to the development of the least privileged, in order to give them the necessary support to prosper in their various efforts.
He said: “Our administration will continue to defend and improve the inclusion of women in the government of the State of Ondo. We have already begun to reflect this in the few appointments made so far in this new mandate and also in the Base Government at the local government level. I must assure you that the coming days are loaded with healthy opportunities for our women in the state of Ondo.
“We have also chosen to celebrate this year's International Women's Day with several categories of empowerment for women in the 18 areas of the local state government.
“This is very suitable and relevant in the spirit of this year. It is a demonstration of the government's commitment to the development of women and a great hope of better days ahead.
“I want to sincerely thank all women throughout the State for their support, cooperation and loyalty to this administration, particularly for their mass commitment before, during and after the governor elections of November 16, 2024. There is no doubt that their efforts and support contributed greatly to our victory.
“The new dawn that we all yearn for is here; We celebrate you for your fundamental role in bringing it to reality. In no way do we give this for granted. Who is expected, a lot, say, is expected. As we commit ourselves to everyone's well -being, we will make a priority to address issues that affect women and the girl. “
The Governor's special advisor on female matters, Seun Osamaye, who praised the governor for the series of initiatives designed for the benefit of women and the girl in the state, revealed that more interventions are being made for the female gender.
Osamaye also emphasized that the cause of women will continue to be defended in the state to guarantee direct access to opportunities.
“His excellence not only advocates the progress of women, but is also committed to empowering them. Gender problems, if you should know, are closely linked to economic problems. Because? Because when it empowers a woman, empowers a nation.
“It is only when you are empowered that you get confidence to meet your potential. It is only when you are empowered that you can stop equality with men.
“It is only when you are empowered that you are motivated to take your legitimate place among women in all nations. Your excellence, we thank you. We thank you for this remarkable and great initiative.
“We have a governor with a visionary mentality that has already implemented initiatives that address many of these problems. For example, we have the Health Is Wealth wealth initiative, which guarantees that women have access to quality medical care. This initiative includes mental health support for people with depression, extending attention to women in the informal sector.
“In addition, we have the Techgirl initiative, which focuses on the training of young girls in digital skills, ensuring that they can compete on a global scale. You will agree with me that, in today's world, digital literacy is essential for survival.
“In addition, we have initiatives aimed at empowering rural women by providing access to social welfare programs. Social welfare is a priority, ensuring that women in rural areas receive the support they need.
“We also have a program dedicated to students in schools, ensuring that menstrual hygiene is no longer a barrier to education. We recognize that many young girls, some of which are here today, fight access to sanitary pads. ”
Also read of Nigerian tribe