Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has called for increased support for the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to enhance women’s representation in political leadership across Nigeria.
She emphasized that the advancement of women in politics was no longer optional but a national necessity for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Adeleye, who spoke at the Town Hall Meeting on Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria, organized by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lamented the rejection of all women-related bills during the 9th National Assembly, describing it as a major setback to gender equity.
She stated that “no nation can flourish without women,” and encouraged women to support one another, speak with one voice, and build bridges across political, social, and generational divides.
The Commissioner further advocated for strong grassroots mobilisation, stressing the need to take the campaign beyond the elite class. “We must take this message to markets, mosques, churches, campuses, and media platforms to demand fairness and equity in our democratic structure,” she said.
She also noted that the proposed ‘Gender Bill’ would provide a well-structured access point for women into legislative offices, thus correcting decades of gender imbalance.
Hon. Adeleye reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government, especially through the State Ministry of Women Affairs to push for gender-responsive policies while continuing to partner with critical stakeholders, including CSOs, royal institutions, and faith-based organisations, to drive a collective shift in attitude and institutional support for women’s leadership.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who delivered the keynote address, described the Gender Bill as a “bold and necessary step” to correct historic underrepresentation of women in politics. She revealed that the bill proposes 74 additional legislative seats in the National Assembly and 108 in State Houses of Assembly, exclusively for women.
According to her, the initiative, when passed, would be a major tool for unlocking the full benefits of women’s political participation.
She noted that the bill must not be viewed as a handout but as a necessary hand-up to build a more inclusive political system that reflects the full diversity and talents of Nigeria, urging all stakeholders to build strong alliances across party and gender lines to ensure the bill becomes law.
The event also featured goodwill messages from notable personalities including the President of NILOWV, Hon. Irene Ikyegh, who expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and NILOWV Ogun State Chapter for their sustained advocacy for women. She said the bill, if passed, would enhance women’s confidence, political visibility, and integrity in leadership.
Also present at the meeting, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, represented by Chief Biodun Lasile, stressed the need for increased literacy among women as a foundation for active political participation. Other speakers at the event, including Chief Mrs. Iyabo Apampa, Mr. Adeshina Adesegun (CSO), Mrs. Olatayo Adeifa (Women with Disabilities), and Mrs. Elizabeth Egbeyemi (NILOWV Ogun Chapter), collectively called for unity among women, stronger partnerships, and sustained advocacy to ensure the bill is passed ahead of the 2027 elections.
