By Adekola Afolabi

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Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said his administration is totally committed to programmes and policies that will enhance the development of women folks and girl-child in the state.

Receiving a global women advocacy group, Action Aid Nigeria, in his office in Akure, the Governor noted that his administration is gender sensitive and  has continually given priority to issues related to women and girl-child in the state.

Akeredolu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale explained that women inclusion in governance and engagement in diverse programmes has greatly increased under his administration.

He emphasised the need to come up with policy documents that would further address gender based issues in the society.

“This government has always put the interest of women and girl-child at heart, which has led to many opportunities for women. For the first time in the history of Ondo State, we are having a  female Secretary to the State Government, (Princess Oladunni Odu).

“This is apart from other female members of the State Executive Council and other appointees under the present administration. Mr Governor is giving women vital roles and responsibilities to perform in his government, and this is unprecedented. Good enough, they have been performing excellently well”, he stressed.

He further stated that different programmes have been initiated by this administration, noting that the wife of the State Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu has been at the forefront of advocating for women and girl-child.

While saying that the importance of women and girl-child cannot be left out in building a sustainable environment, the Governor stated that under his administration the womenfolk gets what is due to them without any delay.

He assured the team of necessary collaboration to further promote and develop women related issues in the state.

Earlier, the team leader,  Alhaja Suwaibu Mammud – Dankbo lauded the governor for being gender sensitive, saying Ondo State is one of the states which the organisation has functioned for 15 years with long term partnership programmes.

She noted that the organisation would be in the state for a three-day workshop to provide technical support that will help  understand the context of what the gender issues are and what needed to be put into consideration for overall policy development process of the state.

Also, the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Gender, Chief Olamide Falana noted that this is the first time in the history of the state that a gender policy position was being put in place.

While appreciating Governor Akeredolu for his commitment towards female gender development, the Special Adviser said Akeredolu led  administration has always ensured that the state attains the gender SDG’s 5 objectives.