By Adeyinka Adeniran
Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, has charged women in the state to keep breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating a world where women are empowered in every sense of the word.
She spoke on Monday at an event held to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, held at Daylan Events Centre, Sango-Eleyele Road, Ibadan.
Delivering her address on the theme: “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress,” Mrs Makinde noted that women must be committed to a future where women’s rights, equality, and leadership are fully prioritised in every sphere of life.
She stressed that the journey for equality is never a destination but a life-long process.
She added that women must be empowered to overcome barriers and challenges that hinder their opportunities and potentials in their daily activities by creating conducive environment to empower them through education, resources and support systems so as to break down stereotypes and biases such as female genital mutilation/cuttings, widowhood practices among others.
She implored women in the state to continue to support Governor Makinde’s visionary government in order for him to achieve his vision as captured in the Roadmap for Sustainable Development of Oyo State.
She said: “It is my pleasure to stand before you today as we converge to commemorate International Women’s Day— a day dedicated to recognising the immense contributions, unwavering resilience, and unyielding spirit of women across the world.
“This year’s theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, not only beckons on us to acknowledge the strides women have made but also urges us to commit to a future where women’s rights, equality, and leadership are fully prioritised in every sphere of life.
“Today, we celebrate women of every age, background, and walk of life, from the trailblazers who have shattered glass ceilings to the quiet heroines who nurture communities; our world is shaped by the strength, determination, and courage of women.
“But while we honor their achievements, we must also recognise that the journey for equality is never a destination but a life-long process.
“Distinguished guests and adorable women, we live in a world where women are still fighting for equal pay, for leadership roles, for freedom from violence, and for access to education and healthcare, notwithstanding the progress made, barriers remain, and many women continue to face systemic challenges that hinder their opportunities and potentials, this is why our mission—today and every day—must be one of empowerment.
“Empowerment is not just about opportunity; it’s about access. To truly empower women, we must create environments where they can thrive—where they have access to the resources, education, and support systems they need to succeed.
“Empowerment means dismantling the societal structures that have held women back and rebuilding a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the ability to shape her own future.
“Empowerment is about breaking down stereotypes and biases such as female genital mutilation/ cuttings, widowhood practices, among others. The future of our world depends on unleashing the full potential of women, allowing them to dream without limits, act without fear, and lead without hesitation.
“My fellow compatriots, let us reinforce solidarity and unity as we celebrate today. Let’s remember that empowerment is not a solo journey—it’s a collective one. Each victory for one woman is a victory for all women.
“We must continue to lift each other up, to create networks of support that foster growth, confidence, and success. When women support each other, they form an unbreakable bond that can weather any storm and face any challenge.
“Today, as we stand united in the spirit of progress; let us reflect on how far we have come and how much further we can go. Let us celebrate those women who have inspired us, whether personally or globally and let us commit to being the change-makers, the advocates, and the leaders who will pave the way for future generations of women.
“To the women here today and to women around the world: I vehemently declare that you are powerful, you are indispensable, you are worthy of every opportunity, every recognition, and every chance to shine. The world needs your voices, your vision and your leadership. So, let’s keep breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating a world where women are empowered in every sense of the word.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, reassured women of more government support and empowerment through the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
She enjoined them to continue to deliver on their role as home-makers and nurturing their children to become great in life.
While stressing the importance of women, the Commissioner said, “The woman’s role is multi-faceted, they are God’s special creation made for procreation. The woman as a mother at home is a role model, a peace -maker who is involved in decision making processes and many more. Hence, we stand tall to say, ‘no woman, no life.’ Women as catalyst for change should say no to women subjugation.”
In their separate goodwill messages, former speaker the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; wife of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin, Chief judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Olusola Adetujoye and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bose Adedibu, appreciated the unwavering support women in the state are enjoying under Governor Makinde’s administration.
They acknowledged various challenges women are facing, calling on governments at all levels to invest in women and girls in order to unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for the womenfolk.
