Ayede Poly’s ex-Governing Council Chair, Bursar, others honoured as ‘Aye Obinrin’, FIDA mark Int’l Women’s Day
pannigeriannews
7 min read
An advocacy group for women emancipation, Aye Obinrin, in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has honoured 15 exceptional women and one women’s religious organisation during the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day in Ogbomoso.
The event, held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club yesterday, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including lawyers, academics, traditional personalities and community leaders.
Among those in attendance were the wife of the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso, Olori Olaronke Oyewumi; wife of the Alapa of Okin-Apa, Olori Jewel Akintola, and other notable personalities.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of FIDA Oyo State branch, Barr. Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, the Vice Chairperson, Mercy Tolulope Abudu, welcomed participants and emphasised the need for collective efforts in advancing women’s empowerment.
She described the gathering as an important moment to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on how society can continue to support and uplift them.
According to her, the theme of the celebration, “Empowering Women Through Shared Action,” highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress for women and girls.
Adelabu noted that by supporting one another, sharing opportunities and standing firmly for equality, communities can become stronger and more inclusive.
“As we participate in today’s programme, may we be inspired to continue advocating for inclusion, collaboration and empowerment,” she said.
She further encouraged women to embody the spirit of the campaign slogan, “Give to Gain,” explaining that selflessness and mutual support among women would ultimately lead to greater rewards and collective advancement.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of Aye Obinrin and Women Advocate on Radio, Mrs. Motunrayo Babatunde, described International Women’s Day as a significant moment in the history of women globally, stressing that the occasion celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of women across different spheres of life.
According to her, women remain the backbone of society, noting that their hard work, dedication and sacrifices form the foundation upon which communities are built.
She said despite their immense contributions to national development, women still face several challenges, including discrimination, inequality and limited access to leadership opportunities.
Babatunde explained that the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Empowering Women Through Shared Action,” with the hashtag #GiveToGain, resonates with the long-standing demand of Nigerian women for the implementation of the 35 per cent Affirmative Action in governance.
She noted that although the National Gender Policy introduced the 35 per cent affirmative action since 2006, women’s representation in governance in Nigeria remains significantly low compared to the global average.
“Currently, women occupy a very small percentage of elective and appointive positions in Nigeria. Out of 109 senators, only four are women, while just 16 women are members of the 360-seat House of Representatives,” she said.
The convener also lamented that Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor since independence, urging stakeholders and policymakers to support the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to reserve legislative seats for women in order to improve their participation in governance.
She therefore called on women to unite and push for greater inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes, stressing that Nigeria’s political leadership cannot be complete without women’s representation.
She added that the celebration was also aimed at recognising women who have distinguished themselves in various professions and contributed to the growth and development of society.
She urged participants to continue advocating for a society where women are valued, respected and empowered to live free from violence, oppression and discrimination.
Some of the award recipients included the immediate past Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede and current Chairman of Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Barr. Ademibowale Mercy Adelabu; the Bursar of FederalAyede Poly’s ex-Governing Council Chair, Bursar, others honoured as Aye Obinrin, FIDA mark Int’l Women’s Day
An advocacy group for women emancipation, Aye Obinrin, in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has honoured 15 exceptional women and one women’s religious organisation during the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day in Ogbomoso.
The event, held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including lawyers, academics, traditional personalities and community leaders.
Among those in attendance were the wife of the immediate past Soun of Ogbomoso, Olori Olaronke Oyewumi; wife of the Alapa of Okin-Apa, Olori Jewel Akintola, and other notable personalities.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of FIDA Oyo State branch, Barr. Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, the Vice Chairperson, Mercy Tolulope Abudu, welcomed participants and emphasised the need for collective efforts in advancing women’s empowerment.
She described the gathering as an important moment to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on how society can continue to support and uplift them.
According to her, the theme of the celebration, “Empowering Women Through Shared Action,” highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress for women and girls.
Adelabu noted that by supporting one another, sharing opportunities and standing firmly for equality, communities can become stronger and more inclusive.
“As we participate in today’s programme, may we be inspired to continue advocating for inclusion, collaboration and empowerment,” she said.
She further encouraged women to embody the spirit of the campaign slogan, “Give to Gain,” explaining that selflessness and mutual support among women would ultimately lead to greater rewards and collective advancement.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of Aye Obinrin and Women Advocate on Radio, Mrs. Motunrayo Babatunde, described International Women’s Day as a significant moment in the history of women globally, stressing that the occasion celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of women across different spheres of life.
According to her, women remain the backbone of society, noting that their hard work, dedication and sacrifices form the foundation upon which communities are built.
She said despite their immense contributions to national development, women still face several challenges, including discrimination, inequality and limited access to leadership opportunities.
Babatunde explained that the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Empowering Women Through Shared Action,” with the hashtag #GiveToGain, resonates with the long-standing demand of Nigerian women for the implementation of the 35 per cent Affirmative Action in governance.
She noted that although the National Gender Policy introduced the 35 per cent affirmative action since 2006, women’s representation in governance in Nigeria remains significantly low compared to the global average.
“Currently, women occupy a very small percentage of elective and appointive positions in Nigeria. Out of 109 senators, only four are women, while just 16 women are members of the 360-seat House of Representatives,” she said.
The convener also lamented that Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor since independence, urging stakeholders and policymakers to support the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to reserve legislative seats for women in order to improve their participation in governance.
She therefore called on women to unite and push for greater inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes, stressing that Nigeria’s political leadership cannot be complete without women’s representation.
She added that the celebration was also aimed at recognising women who have distinguished themselves in various professions and contributed to the growth and development of society.
She urged participants to continue advocating for a society where women are valued, respected and empowered to live free from violence, oppression and discrimination.
Some of the award recipients included the immediate past Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede and current Chairman of Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Barr. Ademibowale Mercy Adelabu; the Bursar of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Mrs. Rashidat Titilola Oladepo; wife of the immediate past Alayede in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, Olori Oladunni Abike Adewuyi; Registrar LAUTECH, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun! Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ogbomoso branch, Engr. Prof. Alice Olufunke Oke and Mrs. Olamide Alao-Akala.
Other distinguished women recognised for their contributions to society and the advancement of women included the popular female truck driver, Ms Omolade Taiwo Ademola, Chief Barr. Esther Funmilayo Adesanya, Hon. Oluwakemi Alabi (Olori Agba), Mrs. Victoria Adebola Adepeju, Engr. Prof. Funmilayo Osuolale; Mrs. Nasirat Adetunji, Mrs. Oyebola Hamdalat Olaniyan, Ms. Afolakemi Olufunke Adubifa, and Tawakalitu Muslim Women Organisation of Nigeria.
Delivering a lecture titled “Empowering Women through Shared Action,” Engr. Prof. Temitope Odetoye highlighted the need for deliberate and collective efforts to advance women’s participation in society.
She suggested strategies such as supporting girls’ education, encouraging women entrepreneurs, creating mentorship platforms, and promoting women into leadership positions as key steps toward ensuring that women are fully involved in social, economic, and political development., Mrs. Rashidat Titilola Oladepo; wife of the immediate past Alayede in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, Olori Oladunni Abike Adewuyi and other distinguished women recognised for their contributions to society and the advancement of women.
Delivering a lecture titled “Empowering Women through Shared Action,” Engr. Prof. Temitope Odetoye highlighted the need for deliberate and collective efforts to advance women’s participation in society.
She suggested strategies such as supporting girls’ education, encouraging women entrepreneurs, creating mentorship platforms, and promoting women into leadership positions as key steps toward ensuring that women are fully involved in social, economic, and political development.
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