By Ajibola Taiwo,

The State Branch of the Women in Association of Senior Civil Servants (WASCN) have formally honoured the First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, with the Award of Excellence as the "Mother of Modern Ogun State."

The honor was conferred in its maiden celebration of the International Women’s Day, at Oba's Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, with the theme: "Right, Justice , Action for All Women and Girls."

Accepting the honor, Mrs. Abiodun, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Yinka Elemide, stated that the honor was not a personal accolade, but belonged to all women of the state as a symbol of their collective power.

"This recognition belongs to every woman in this state who continues to break barriers and uplift others," the First Lady remarked, saying "the 'Mother of Modern Ogun State' is not just a title for one, but a reflection of the collective strength and economic sovereignty of every woman in our great state."

Issuing a strategic mandate to the senior female civil servants in attendance, Mrs. Abiodun emphasized that empowerment is a relay race, not a solo sprint, urging the state's top female leaders to intentionally mentor the younger generation for sustainable development.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Devt, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, who is also an awardee, charged women to seek leveled playing grounds in their fields, rather than seeking hands outs in any situation they find themselves. She emphasised the need for women to believe in themselves, and vie for public positions so as to be able to contribute their quota to the development of their society.

While inaugurating the first Chairman of WASCSN, Comrade Janet Areo, the Chairperson of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Comrade Isa Olude, thanked the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for giving an enabling environment for all groups and associations to thrive without rancour in the state, emphasising that the Ogun Branch is the first in the nation.

In her welcome address, the pioneer Chairman, WASCSN, Comrade Areo charged women to build inclusive systems in whatever capacities they found themselves, saying women in civil service were not bystanders to policies, but policy-makers themselves.

Other awardees include the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo and Immediate Past National Secretary, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Women Commission, Comrade Omolara Sansa.