More than 5,000 women in Ogun State have openly declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, pointing to his administration’s women-focused policies and inclusive style of governance.
They also encouraged women across the country to translate their population strength into real political influence.
At the same gathering, the women unanimously backed the senatorial ambition of Governor Dapo Abiodun, describing him as a seasoned leader capable of attracting greater development to Ogun East Senatorial District.
The endorsements were made during the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held at the Royal Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The event drew female political office holders from all 20 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele reaffirmed the strong support of Ogun women for President Tinubu’s re-election, describing his Renewed Hope Agenda as both impactful and inclusive, particularly for women.
Salako-Oyedele said “policies of President Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun led administrations at the Federal and State levels have significantly benefited women, with the records of measurable gains in social inclusion, economic participation, and access to opportunities. We are very proud of them, and we pledge our unflinching support for them as they move on to the next level”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, said the large turnout reflected growing unity, resilience, and influence of women in public life.
She pointed out that the 2026 IWD celebration coincided with activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary, describing it as a moment to recognise women’s enduring contributions to the state’s development.
According to Adeleye, “women have remained central to Ogun’s development through family stability, commerce, community building, and increasing participation in governance and the private sector”
She credited these achievements to deliberate leadership and inclusive policies at both federal and state levels, praising President Tinubu for reforms geared toward economic recovery and inclusive growth, as well as Governor Abiodun for sustaining women-focused initiatives under the ISEYA agenda.
Adeleye also acknowledged the efforts of the First Lady of the Federation, Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, alongside the Ajose Foundation led by the Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, noting that both have strengthened empowerment programmes for women in the state.
She urged women to convert their numerical strength into meaningful political participation, stressing the importance of active involvement in elections.
“The responsibility for a greater future rest not only on our shoulders but on our Permanent Voters’ Cards. Women must remain united and support leaders who recognise their value and contribution to governance,” she said.
The commissioner further announced empowerment initiatives, including cash grants of N200,000 for 50 women and N50,000 for 500 others.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Give to Gain,” guest speaker Senator Abiodun Olujimi described the theme as timely, calling for urgent action to remove systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in politics. She noted that women’s representation, currently at about two percent, is a serious national concern.
The former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State stressed that “International Women’s Day is not just a celebration, but a moment for deep reflection on the structural reforms required to secure the future of the Nigerian girl-child”
Olujimi argued that existing social and legal systems continue to fall short for women, likening their collective strength to a circle that is “unbreakable and undefeated.”
She encouraged women to identify and support credible leaders, while also backing one another both politically and socially to achieve greater representation and influence.
