Makinde Reaffirms Oyo’s Commitment to Gender Inclusion.
By Adewale Owoade
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has restated his administration’s dedication to expanding opportunities for women to assume leadership roles across the state.
Makinde made the remarks while receiving members of the TOS Foundation during a courtesy visit.
“In Oyo State, we are a little bit different. The Head of Service and the SSG tick the box as far as gender inclusivity is concerned.
“Also, there are four female commissioners in the Cabinet. We have women as the Commissioners for Women Affairs, Health, Youth and Sport, and Special Duties.
“When we came into government in 2019, we only had one female member of the State House of Assembly. But today, there are two. Yes, maybe just a step, but we believe that step is in the right direction.
“But one thing that I will say is, all of them got their appointments on merit. It wasn’t about, oh, okay, I should get an SSG that is female just for the sake of optics. We are gender-friendly. Yes, we are,” he said.
Responding to the foundation’s appeal for support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Makinde acknowledged the current imbalance in women’s representation but insisted that any such provision should be time-bound.
“I agree that today there is gender imbalance. But in 20 years, will this still be the case? I will support the bill to the extent that there is a time limit — maybe 16 years,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of the TOS Foundation delegation, Osasu Ogwuche, restated the need for stronger legislative measures to promote women’s political participation. She noted that despite progress, women remain underrepresented.
“Women remain underrepresented in politics despite the progress we have made. It is time to break the glass ceiling,” she said.
Ogwuche explained that the proposed bill aims to entrench gender-affirming provisions guaranteeing women a minimum level of representation in elective offices. She described women as vital agents of national development.
She also stressed the importance of enhancing women’s mobility and economic opportunities, calling for the state government’s backing for a partnership with Isuzu to expand the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in Oyo State.
“Access to safe and affordable transportation remains a key factor in women’s mobility and economic empowerment,” she said.
Governor Makinde assured the delegation that the proposals would be duly considered, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to policies that foster equity and inclusion.
Those present at the meeting included the wife of the Oyo State governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Biodun Aikomo; and members of the TOS Foundation. (NAN)
