The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has lauded the Ogun State Government for its trailblazing efforts in protecting the vulnerable and empowering women.
She gave the commendation during her one-day working visit to Abeokuta, Ogun State, where she inspected key women-focused projects and also launched the Olowu Hope Initiative Women’s Association Fund.
In the same vein, the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye, described the visit of the minister as “an affirmation of courage and solidarity,” noting that the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) stands as a rebuke to every act of violence against women.
She stressed that while Ogun State has lit the flame of empowerment, greater federal support was needed to expand intervention projects, grassroots awareness, and survivor-focused programmes.
The minister, at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Asero, Abeokuta, praised the State Government for establishing a safe space for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
“This centre stands as a fortress of healing where tears are wiped, voices are restored, and lives are rebuilt. Ogun State has become a pace setter in protecting the vulnerable, and I call on other states to emulate this model,” she said.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for empowering Nigerian women and creating an enabling environment for them to thrive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She added that through the partnership between the Ministry and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) led by CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, survivors in Ogun State were empowered with 50 bags of rice, two-and-a-half bales of Ankara fabrics, and ₦2 million in financial support.
She also used the occasion to stress the importance of family cohesion, urging mothers to prioritize their homes and families as the foundation of a healthy nation.
She condemned child trafficking and advised Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad to use only safe and regular channels. “We need continuous sensitization, but more importantly, we must remain committed to staying back and building Nigeria together,” she emphasized.
The Minister also visited the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola Oluyalo (Otileta VII), where she joined in the launch of the Olowu Hope Initiative Women’s Association Fund, aimed at empowering women to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
Sharing in the rich cultural heritage of the Owu people, the Minister danced to traditional songs alongside the Olowu’s wives, describing the experience as memorable and inspiring. In support of the launch, she donated ₦2 million, 50 bags of rice, and Ankara fabrics, also facilitated through the Nigerian Customs partnership.
She was accompanied by the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, and the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladipo, who both reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the welfare of women and children in the state.
In her welcome remarks, Adeleye described the Minister’s visit as “an affirmation of courage and solidarity,” noting that the SARC stands as a rebuke to every act of violence against women. She stressed that while Ogun State has lit the flame of empowerment, greater federal support is needed to expand intervention projects, grassroots awareness, and survivor-focused programmes.
The Minister, visibly touched by the hospitality she received, expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State. “The warm reception of the Owu people and the Gateway State will remain with me. I look forward to returning again and again to share in the joy, resilience, and prosperity of these hardworking women,” she said.
