Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called for greater inclusion of women in political and elective offices. He urged political stakeholders across Nigeria to create more opportunities for women to participate in governance.
The governor described women as key drivers of national development. According to him, his administration has continued to promote gender inclusion in governance and public service.
Aiyedatiwa made the call on Wednesday during the launch of the Project 774 Explode Initiative in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The APC National Women Leader introduced the programme to empower women and encourage greater participation in leadership.
Governor calls for deliberate action
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa said women play indispensable roles in every society. Therefore, he urged leaders to remove obstacles preventing them from occupying leadership positions.
He described women as the unseen architects of society. He said they nurture families, preserve values, strengthen local economies and shape future generations.
Furthermore, the governor said women continue to make valuable contributions in public administration, education, technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship and governance.
He stressed that leadership depends on competence, character, vision and service, not gender.
Governor seeks greater inclusion
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that Nigeria has made progress in promoting women in governance. However, he said significant gaps still remain.
He called for greater representation of women in elective offices, leadership positions and strategic decision-making bodies. In addition, he urged stakeholders to eliminate cultural stereotypes, economic barriers and systemic challenges limiting women’s opportunities.
The governor said women deserve deliberate support rather than sympathy. As a result, he urged leaders to sustain advocacy efforts that align with initiatives such as Project 774 Explode.
Project will unlock women’s potential
Aiyedatiwa commended APC National Women Leader Dr Mary Idele for bringing the initiative to Ondo State.
He described the programme as more than an empowerment project. Instead, he said it reflects the belief that Nigeria’s future depends on unlocking the talents, resilience and leadership of women.
He added that societies achieve lasting progress when they harness the abilities of both men and women.
APC women leader advocates more opportunities
Speaking at the event, APC National Women Leader Dr Mary Idele said Nigeria’s democracy needs greater participation from women, especially young women.
She said the country has many educated, innovative and energetic young women. However, many of them still lack opportunities to serve in public office.
Consequently, Idele urged political leaders to create more opportunities for women to serve as councillors, local government chairpersons, commissioners, legislators, party executives, governors and even president.
She also said political participation extends beyond winning elections. According to her, women must help shape policies and influence important national decisions.
Stakeholders urged to support women
Idele appealed to mothers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and party stakeholders to support young women with mentorship, confidence and opportunities.
Meanwhile, women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political leadership despite years of advocacy.
Although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they hold relatively few elective and appointive positions. Similarly, civil society organisations and development partners have continued to campaign for equal opportunities in governance.
Over the years, advocates have also pushed for affirmative action and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. Nevertheless, progress has remained slow.
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