By Prosper Mene
A group of prominent women in Ogun State, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has lauded the First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, for her commitment to women’s empowerment and child welfare. The commendations came during a special event at the Juvenile Correctional Centre in Asero, where Mrs. Abiodun celebrated her birthday, showcasing her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Ajayi Bolanle; Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Dawodu; Special Adviser in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Lawal Olanbiwoninu; and Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, showcased Mrs. Abiodun’s impactful initiatives through her Ajose Foundation.
Commissioner Adeleye praised the First Lady, stating, “Your Excellency, your life transcends ceremonial titles, embodying quiet strength, dignity, and boundless compassion. Through the Ajose Foundation and your support for our Ministry, you have redefined advocacy as a daily act of touching lives, restoring hope, and building communities.”
Mrs. Abiodun’s efforts have focused on empowering women, educating girls, and championing child protection across Ogun State. The Commissioner highlighted the First Lady’s choice to celebrate with children at the Juvenile Correctional Centre as a reflection of her commitment to society’s most vulnerable. “Whether empowering women, educating the girl-child, or championing wellness, your impact is felt in real time, by real people,” Adeleye said, noting that her leadership has inspired tangible progress in the state.
In her response, Mrs. Abiodun expressed gratitude for the goodwill messages and reaffirmed her dedication to advocating for policies that amplify the voices of women and children. She emphasized her belief that a society’s strength lies in uplifting its most vulnerable members, a principle that guides her work through the Ajose Foundation.
Other dignitaries supported Adeleye’s sentiments, commending Mrs. Abiodun for prioritizing issues concerning women and children with special needs. They urged the children at the event to dream big, noting that the current administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun is committed to providing a safe environment for their growth.
Recent initiatives under Adeleye’s leadership, such as the Ogun State Women Empowerment Scheme (Okoowo Dapo), have trained and empowered 33,530 women in financial education, business, and life skills since 2022, further complementing Mrs. Abiodun’s advocacy.
