By Kemi Olatunde

In commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the Ondo State Ministry of Health, the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) have sensitised women on the need to make an impact in society.

The sensitisation exercise took place at strategic locations during a health walk organised by the agency in collaboration with some partners in Akure on Saturday.

Speaking at the NEPA neighbourhood market, the State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Opeyemi Agunbiade, stressed the need for women to take action in empowering and educating themselves.

She said, “I am happy to be a woman, as women are the salt of the world. There is a need for us to accelerate action in being the best and not seeing ourselves as vulnerable people.”

Agunbiade expressed appreciation to one of the partners, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), for its support in the state, especially in ensuring the well-being of women.

The Administrative Secretary of Iyalaje/Iyaloja in Ondo State, Victoria Abosede, while celebrating women in the state, described them as home builders who play numerous roles in society.

She urged women to raise responsible children for the betterment of society.

The Director of Nursing Services at OSPHCDA, Mrs Daudu Ayodele Idowu, described the event as a global initiative aimed at celebrating women. She stressed the need for gender equality and encouraged the girl child to aspire to be the best in her endeavours.

“Today, we are celebrating women who have excelled in their various fields. Women should be given a voice, as we are champions and motivators.”

She also called for adequate representation of women in governance across the country.

The Director of Business Development and Client Relations at ODCHC, Mrs Aderonke Ibitoye, while celebrating women for their remarkable contributions to both family and society, expressed appreciation to the state Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his efforts in ensuring the proper representation of women in governance.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is doing a lot for women to have a voice in government,” she said.

She urged other Nigerian leaders to place women in positions of authority, noting that this would be beneficial to society.

She also commended CHAI for its support of women in Ondo State, particularly in the area of health insurance.

A consultant at CHAI on the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) health financial project, Adenike Oyeneyin, said, “Women are selfless, powerful, and making waves in different climes.”

She thanked the partners for their support in the state while wishing women success in their endeavours.

The State Team Lead for CHAI, Olumide Ayedun, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership and support in providing an enabling environment for the implementation of the CHAI project in the state. He also wished women a happy celebration.

The theme for this year’s event is Accelerate Action.