The Oyo State Government has called on women to take a more active role in Nigeria’s democratic process, urging them to aspire for the highest political offices from the 2027 elections and beyond.
The campaign targets market women, female entrepreneurs, farmers, and homemakers across the state particularly in Ibadan North local government ahead of the August 16 By-election, reaching major markets like Bodija, Gbaremù, Sango, and Mokola, as well as women-focused NGOs.
Speaking at a sensitization campaign tagged “One Woman, One Vote” held at the Local Government Service Commission, the Convener, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, in her keynote address, charged women to take charge of their political power by turning out en masse in upcoming elections.
She said the theme of the campaign was not “merely a call to action, it is a movement” to secure women’s rightful place in the electoral process.
“When women vote, they shape policies that impact their lives. Our unity can transform our future,” she said.
Balogun praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting his appointments of women to key leadership positions.
“Our votes are our voices,” she told attendees. “Let’s use them to build a society where every woman feels valued and empowered.”
Also, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in his goodwill message, praised the growing influence of women in governance under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oyelade remarked that no past administration in Oyo State had given women such vital roles and exposure as the present government.
He noted that for the first time in the South-West, women have simultaneously held the positions of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Head of Service (HOS) from 2019 to date.
He also pointed out that three women currently serve as Commissioners in key ministries alongside the SSG and HOS, describing the development as a deliberate step towards inclusive governance.
Citing global statistics, the commissioner said women constitute 49.7% of the world’s 8.7 billion population, with over 60 countries having had female presidents or prime ministers, including Britain, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Australia, India, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
“What women should aspire to from 2027 and beyond is to lead this country, Nigeria, and give men a run for their money.
“You may be surprised at the surge of enthusiasm and acceptance such a political venture will generate,” Oyelade stated.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Dr. Mrs. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, described the campaign as a vital step in empowering women and ensuring their active participation in the democratic process.
She emphasized the critical role of market women as both economic drivers and community influencers. “By sensitizing them on the significance of voting, we aim to enhance civic engagement and promote gender-inclusive decision-making. When women vote, they shape their futures, contribute to community development, and strengthen democracy,” she said.
Representive of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Mrs. A. E. Oladejo, presented the physical demonstration of the right voting process.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event include representives of the National Orientation Agency, OYMASED, and first female Speaker and Senator, in Oyo state, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu among others.
The event was attended by representative of the Director-General of OYMADED, Mrs. Funmi Bakare, who stood in for former Oyo State First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, the State Women Leader of the PDP, Alhaja Wulemot Ibitoye, Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Mrs. Iswat Ameringun, and other women political and market leaders in Ibadanland.