The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged young women in Nigeria to embrace opportunities in leadership positions, stressing that “no one is too young to lead.”

Salako-Oyedele made the call during a programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abeokuta to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day.

Speaking on the theme “Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action,” Salako-Oyedele emphasised the importance of education, exposure, and training in preparing women for leadership roles. She urged young women to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to ensure they are not sidelined in decision-making processes.

Acknowledging the challenges that may come with assuming leadership positions, she stressed the need for perseverance, continuous learning, and readiness.

The theme, she noted, underscores the significance of support and collaboration in advancing women’s participation in governance and other sectors.

“No woman climbs the ladder of leadership alone, and neither can any one woman’s singular effort dismantle the deep-rooted barriers that hinder women’s advancement. 

“To truly accelerate action, we must be deliberate about working together—across professions, generations, and political divides—to build a strong and united front that amplifies our collective voice.

“Leadership is not something we stumble into; it is something we must actively prepare for. We cannot afford to approach leadership casually or wait for opportunities to be handed to us—we must equip ourselves, position ourselves, and make ourselves undeniable.

“This means actively seeking knowledge, sharpening our skills, and ensuring we have the credentials to back our aspirations.

“Aspiration without preparation leads nowhere. That is why we must be deliberate about exposing younger women to leadership experiences. Take them along to meetings, delegate responsibilities, and allow them to represent you at events. Nobody is too young to lead, and the earlier we push our protégés forward, the longer we will have to witness and benefit from their success,” she said.

She added that studies have also shown that when women are in leadership, decision-making becomes more inclusive, governance improves, and economies grow stronger.

The deputy governor called on men to further support women empowerment, saying that societies that empower women experience better health, education, and economic outcomes.

Similarly, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, also urged women to equip themselves and become a better version of themselves, prioritise training and empower the young girls.

She noted that women are not in competition with the men; rather, they are only taking their own space.

“We as women are not competing with the men; we are taking our own space and we need to be recognized for it. We need to be respected and we don’t have to fight.”

She charged the women to learn to form a synergy and support one another for a more prosperous future.

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, explained that empowering women is not an act of charity but an investment in a better society, noting that the ministry has taken bold steps to challenge gender-based stereotypes and economic exclusion and is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere where women can flourish.

Her words: “As we celebrate this special International Women’s Day, let us remember that empowering women is not an act of charity, it is an investment in a better society.

“Let us continue to be mindful that when we uplift a woman, we uplift a family, a community, and an entire Nation. To the incredible women here today, never underestimate the power of your voice, your hands, and your influence. Keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and setting new records.”

Adeleye reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaborations with civil society groups, corporate organizations, and all stakeholders, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

She further stressed that the ministry’s skill acquisition programs have equipped over 5,000 women in fashion designing, catering, decoration, makeup artistry, gele-tying, and hairdressing, ensuring that they gain not just skills but financial independence.

She revealed that under the Oko’wo-Dapo Scheme, a soft loan initiative to boost the businesses of women in the state, 33,530 women have received over ₦536m as revolving grants to support businesses.

Adeleye said that through this intervention and others, the women organized into Women Affinity Groups have collectively saved over ₦1.72bn demonstrating the financial discipline, commitment, and resilience of women resident in the state.

She said that as part of the present administration’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence, the government has established three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres at Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta metropolis to provide lifesaving support and care to survivors of GBV.

The Commissioner, however, called for more support for women’s empowerment for a more stable and prosperous society.

Some of the women at the event went home with working tools to support their business. Items shared include freezers, pop-corn machines and grinding machines, among others.

Source: Voice of Nigeria