Ogun State has received national recognition as the Best Performing State for Women and Children, earning the prestigious Award of Excellence in recognition of its sustained achievements in women’s empowerment, child protection, social inclusion and family development, among other participating States of the Federation.

The National Award was received on behalf of the State Government by the former Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development and APC Candidate for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, alongside Directors from the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the ongoing 26th Regular National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Speaking at the Council on the invitation of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the former Commissioner attributed the recognition to the sustained commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration to policies and programmes that place women, children, families and vulnerable citizens at the centre of the development agenda of the State. She highlighted the coordinated interventions including Oko’owo Dapo and the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), Family court, SARC Centres across the State, noting their contributions to expanding women’s access to skills, economic opportunities and support systems capable of strengthening households and communities.

Reflecting on the significance of the Council’s theme: “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalizing Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,”Adeleye expressed that, “the theme is both timely and strategic, particularly because it builds naturally on the focus of the previous Council on strengthening systems and deepening social impact. If 2025 was about building stronger structures, 2026 is about ensuring those structures strengthen lives. Sustainable development cannot be measured merely by the strength of institutions; it must ultimately be reflected in the quality of life of families, women, children and vulnerable citizens.

Every investment in caregiving, child welfare, women’s empowerment and social protection is ultimately an investment in productivity, stability and national prosperity.”

On Ogun State’s record of promoting gender equity and women’s participation in governance, Adeleye said: “Ogun State is once again demonstrating leadership in advancing women’s participation in governance. The emergence of two women as APC flag bearers for Federal Constituency seats ahead of the forthcoming general elections is particularly significant. I am humbled to be one of them, alongside my predecessor, Funmilayo Efuwape, who also served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. 

Our emergence, through the support of the State Governor, progressive minded political leaders and party faithful, is a powerful indication that competence knows no gender and that women are increasingly being trusted with responsibilities that shape the future of our nation. Our Gateway State remains a shining example of what becomes possible when leadership intentionally creates room for women to lead.”

The former Commissioner also called on women to turn their collective strength into greater opportunities for leadership, urging them to replace rivalry with partnership and create pathways for the next generation. “No woman diminishes her light by helping another woman shine. We must learn to celebrate the success of other women as enthusiastically as we celebrate our own. Let us dare the odds, embrace opportunities, prepare ourselves for leadership and never be afraid to occupy spaces where decisions are made. The next generation is watching us, and they must inherit a culture where women open doors for women,” she said.

Receiving the award on behalf of the State, Adeleye described the recognition as more than a celebration of past achievements, saying it should serve as renewed encouragement to deepen the State’s commitment to women, children, families and vulnerable groups. “This honour is a validation of a vision that places people at the centre of development and an encouragement to do even more. The real measure of development lies in our ability to strengthen families, expand opportunities, protect the vulnerable and improve lives. If one woman rises, it is progress; when many women rise together, it is transformation,” she said. 

She further commended the State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to the State’s women- and child-centred development agenda.