PART 1

DATELINE: 19/05/26

The Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion; Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun and her team from the five Ogbomosho zone local governments together with the HLA and DAS of Oriire LG visited Yawota, Eshinelle and Ogbomosho town, three of the communities affected/where some of the victims are resident  to commiserate with and empathize on behalf of the State Government with the families of the victims, communities and traditional rulers of the communities where the dastardly kidnap incident which took place few days ago including the families of  the Assistant Head Teacher; Mr Joel Adesiyan killed on arrival of the terrorists who was laid to rest yesterday, Mr Micheal Oyedokun who was beheaded in captivity, about 27 different family units whose wives, husbands or children were in captivity with the kidnappers including the father of the young okada rider who was killed when he unsuspectingly delivered a passenger around the vicinity of the kidnap incident. One of the father’s who the Commissioner tried to console in the video had four of his children, all underaged, taken away by the kidnappers while the other man had a suckling baby under a year taken away with his wife. The families not seen were not available at the time of the visit

The Commissioner’s team first met with the Baale of Yawota; Pa James A.O and then the traditional ruler of  Eshinelle; High Chief Tajudeen Abideen of the communities affected. Relief materials/food items were distributed to the families of the victims

Many of the family units affected by the mishap were discovered to be vulnerable with many of the widows & wives of the victims found to have no means of sustenance for their families particularly in the wake of the demise of their breadwinners.

The Social Welfare & psycosocial support needs of the families of the victims have been identified The Ministry will be doing the needful to meet the psycosocial support needs and will also be recommending requisite interventions for His Excellency’s approval to enable rehabilitation and stabilization of the vulnerable family units created by the dastardly incident

On the Commissioner’s entourage  for the visit were the following:

1. Vice Chairperson Surulere LG :

Hon Mrs Bàrakat Adeolà Adeyinka

2. Secretary Ogbomosho North LG:

Hon Mrs Bola Olaniyi aka Omooseparo

3. HLGA Oriire LG:Prince Akeem Bello Ajibola
4. DAGS Oriire LG:Mr Williams Jare Idowu
5. GSM Women Coordinator’23 Oriire LG:

Mrs Felicia Funmilayo Akano

6. Coordinator Ogbomoso South:

Mrs Janet Aworinde

7. Coordinator Ogooluwa:

Mrs Ruth Adekunle

It’s our prayer that the concerted efforts led by His Excellency Governor Makinde in concert with requisite security agencies/operatives will yield desired fruits with the captives returning to their families unharmed

Alhaja Aminat Busari-Adekeke

Information Officer Ministry Of Women Affairs  & Social Inclusion

The Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion; Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun has denounced and condemned the dastardly attack by terrorist elements on the hapless forest rangers and citizens at the Old Oyo National Park located in Oloka village in Oriire local government, Ogbomoso geopolitical zone of Oyo State which led to the loss of 5 Forest Rangers at their duty post

The Commissioner stated this in a release commiserating with His Excellency Governor Makinde, the wives, children and families of the gallant officers felled in the line of duty

She averred that the unfortunate attack on Oyo national park signals a crystalizing security threat which had hitherto been latent

These terrorist elements apparently are part of those fleeing from kinetic attacks intended to demobilize the  command HQ and logistics centre of the terrorist nerve centre in the North West who are seeking new forest areas to hide and regroup before launching fully in the South

The location of the National  Park and neighbouring communities and the fact that its stretch is contigous with vast and largely ungoverned forest corridors connecting parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States, where banditry is prevalent gives grave cause for concern

This is because these areas are particularly prone to activities of criminals because of the porous borders and cover afforded by the dense forests

While commending the efforts of the security agencies (both State and Non-State actors) for trying their best despite associated hazards and for their many sacrifices aimed at protecting lives and property of citizens, she also encouraged citizens of those communities stating, “We see you, we appreciate you and the Government led by Governor Makinde is committed to and will continue to support the security agencies to ensure that you are safe and no one drives you away and steals your ancestral lands”

She also appreciated the proactive efforts of Governor Makinde who recently secured approval of the Oyo State Executive Council for the procurement of aircraft to beef up surveillance & Counter-terrorism capacity of Amotekun, noting also the efforts of all his indefatigable Security Aides, State & Non State Actors who form the security architecture of the State and the collaboration across party lines between all South West Governors which led to the creation of the South West Security Trust Fund which we know will ìn the shortest possible time augment the efforts of our troops and aircraft with drone and other requisite technologies that will ensure the complete eradication of these existential threats to South West Nigeria

She further encouraged all citizens to see security as the responsibility of us all, not just the security agencies and to ensure to allays brief their Community Development Association (CDA) Chairmen of any suspicious activities in their neighbourhood who are expected to in turn inform the Vigilante, Amotekun & Police to enable them foil such attacks

The Commissioner also used the opportunity to warn short sighted citizens who because they want to make quick money inadvertently serve the interest of these terrorists by serving as their logistics supply chain through provision & supply of  Fuel, Hard drugs, Alcohol and Food items to these terrorists

Terrorists cannot thrive for long without access to these basic essentials and so, any citizen found guilty of aiding & abetting these criminals by providing them with these essentials will be considered as guilty of the rape of our women and girls, murder of our gallant officers, fathers and brothers and turning our children to orphans as the terrorists who perpetrate these terrible crimes

A word is enough for the wise

Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun ended the release by praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and praying that all citizens work collaboratively with the security agencies to rid our land of these criminals, so that we do not lose any more citizen to terrorists

Alhaja Aminat  Busari-Adeleke

Information Officer Ministry Of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion

To all Women, Children, Elderly, People Living with Physical Challenges, the entire broad spectrum of the vulnerable in our dear State and our men, who i particularly refer to as the Inclusion element of the mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion, you are the heartbeat of each home or family unit which is in turn, the microcosm of the society we live in

Right from the National lever of governance, the  economic climate has truly been challenging, however we are fortunate indeed to be blessed with a leader in the person of His Excellency Governor Oluseyi Makinde, a transformative leader whose heart beats for the welfare of his people, whose leadership style is guided by people centric policies, justice, equity, fairness and an intentional commitment to a robust economic renaissance/revival for the benefit of all, who is unmindful of his own stress and discomfort in his quest to ensure a better quality of life for his people. I truly wonder how he is able to summon reserves of strength to take on and achieve all he’s been able to

I urge us all to continue to support His Excellency, to be open to meaningful dialogue and to follow  in the path he forges for our State, without being distracted by those who do not posses capacity to add tangible value, whose quest for power is predicated on selfish motivations, so that together we can reach our desired target destination which is collective prosperity for all in the nascent year 2026

As we celebrate the festivities, I extend my respects to the Governors of the PDP who have demonstrated outstanding fortitude, leadership acumen, a demonstrable high sense of responsibility and strength of character, who have resisted tempting financial inducements and threats, who have stood up tall to be counted for strength of character, equity, justice & fairness and who have provided and continue to provide admirable leadership and a listening ear in times of turbulence.

I also use this opportunity to wish our Elders, leaders, women, children, PLWD and indeed the entirety of the vulnerable in our State a prosperous year 2026

Also, this year 2026 will witness an even more tangible pushback against all forms of abuse, Sexual & Gender Based Violence of the vulnerable demographics of the State. Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency and through the platforms of the Ministry says a categorically NO to all forms & manifestations of abuse of the vulnerable in the State. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear against violators of requisite laws of the land in the year ahead

Again, particularly for our women, we will do well to proactively and strategically position ourselves to benefit from the budget on economic opportunities which will crystalize in the new year some of which include the scaled up Nigeria For Women Project, the proposed Agribusiness Incubation collaboration between Psaltry International, OYSADA, Min of Agric, Min of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion, pipeline Oyo State Women Economic Empowerment Policy (Oyo State WEE Policy) and many other upcoming vocational training, Skills Acquisition, targeted economic Empowerment opportunities etc. in line with her Ministry’s mandates on Poverty Alleviation, Child Welfare, Job Creation, Community Development, Social Welfare and Sustainable Women Empowerment programs

Year 2026 will be a definitive year of Economic Expansion for our women and all citizens desirous of improved economic outcomes

Apemora eni la n pe temidire.Oorun to wa nita yi si taso gbe

Labe asia ijoba Governor Seyi Makinde emi a soriire o! Eyin nko?

Happy New Year Y’all!

Hon (Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN

COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION

OYO STATE

The Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion; Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun on the 27th of October received the Wife of the Oyo State Comptroller of Immigration; Mrs Ngozi Nwosu who led the IMOWA Team (Immigration Officers Wives Association) on a courtesy cum advocacy visit to the Honorable Commissioner as a precursor to a courtesy visit for her husband the State Comptroller.

Her husband Mr Nwosu is the new 37th Comptroller of Immigration for Oyo State who was posted to the State  consequent on the demise of the late Comptroller Mr Dada.

The Chairpersion of the Association, Mrs Ngozi Nwosu stated that the main motive of the visit is to introduce herself to the Commissioner, continue and strengthen the strong collaborative bond existing between the State Government and the Association

She stated that she was informed of the strong tripartite collaboration between the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs, State Immigration Command and IMOWA evidenced by numerous collaborative interventions to end Traficking in Persons, Teenage Pregnancy and other issues of interest to the Vulnerable demographic of the State. She also highlighted the proposed programs of the IMOWA including advocacy programs to end the twin evils stated above, empowerment programs targeted towards creating jobs for the wives of Immigration Officers and sought the active support of the State Government through the Commissioner and her ministry to achieve their set goals

The Honorable Commissioner in her response requested for a minute of silence to pray for the repose of the soul of the late departed Comptroller; Mr Dada

She stated that the late Comptroller made it a point of duty to pay a courtesy visit to the Ministry immediately on assumption of duty in recognition of the critical and strategic role the Ministry can play in the achievement of his constitutional mandate

She also referenced the joint collaborative interventions carried out by the duo of the Ministry’s Team under her watch and IMOWA led by Mrs Dada the Wife of the 36th Comptroller including numerous Outreaches to rehabilitate Teenage Pregnant Mums to Be, the most recent being an intervention jointly anchored by her and the wife of the late Comptroller during the 2025  Children’s Day and Menstrual Hygiene Day International Observance

She assured the IMOWA Chairperson that not only would the collaborative relationship with the IMOWA under her watch continue, she would ensure that IMOWA is carried along on all requisite programs and interventions of her Ministry

The Honorable Commissioner also promised to make a case to His Excellency for the State to support the Job Creation efforts of IMOWA  particularly in view of the fact that Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation forms a key part of her Ministry’s mandate with an entire department dedicated to Poverty Alleviation/Job creation

She stated that the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion under her watch is projected and ready to function maximally in line with its mandate for Poverty Alleviation & Job Creation in the 2026 Fiscal Year in order to complement the concerted efforts of the Governor Makinde led Government to reduce the multidimensional Poverty and Unemployment Index of the State

She also stated that the Ministry would also be engaging on massive Advocacy, Media campaigns and programs targeted at the citizenry of the state in order to stamp out the attendant evils related to Traficking in Persons, Child Labour, Smuggling of Migrants with the concomittant evils of Organ Harvesting, Sexual Exploitation, Drug Abuse among other societal vices from our communities in the 2026 Fiscal year in view, in addition to massive Vocational/Skills Acquisition Training and Sustainable Empowrrment programs to ensure that our people, particularly the vulnerable in our midst, are able to sustainably take care of their basic needs

Also present at the engagement were the Coordinating Director/Director Women Programs of the Ministry; Mr Diya Ogunjimi, Director Poverty Alleviation Mrs Adelowo, all other Directors of the Ministry & the Information Officer Alhaja Aminat Busari-Adekeke including the state Executives of the IMOWA Association who accompanied the Comptroller ‘s wife

The Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion; Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun was privileged to represent our dear State at the Validation of Program Design for an interventionist funding support by the European Union to End Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria between 2026 and 2030,a program which took place in Abuja recently

The Oyo State contingent to this strategic engagement comprised:

4. Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion; Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun
5. Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General of the State; Barrister Abiodun Aikomo
6. The Chief Judge of Oyo State; Justice Iyabo Yerima
7. Judge of the State Family Court; Justice Adeeyo

This is a collaborative intervention between the European Union and Idea International, an NGO with core competence in advocating the rights and interests of the female demographic

This strategic intervention will see the European Union deploying the sum of £18million (Eighteen Million Euros) between 2026 and 2030 towards supporting just 3 States of the Federation out of the 36 plus FCT in order to support and scale up their capacity to tackle the hydra headed Sexual and Gender Based Violence menace between now and the timeline specified

This Support Fund is expected to be devolved towards scaling up capacity of beneficiary States to address lacunas or challenges in the SGBV State response in terms of Social Welfare Infrastructure like Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS), Skills Acquisition Centres etc and Capacity Building/Training programs for critical stakeholders in the response ecosystem.

The representative teams of the EU/International Idea had hitherto visited different States of the Federation where pitches were made by critical stakeholders in the SGBV Response Ecosystem, Need Analysis conducted and this Abuja engagement served a dual purpose. It was both a:

2. A grand finale pitch/competition for the grand prize by the 5 finalist states and
3. A validation meeting for the Program Design

At the end of the engagement, only 3 States of the Federation scaled the hurdles to clinch the grand prize; £18million to be accessed by the 3 sub-nationals who came tops; Oyo, Benue and Katsina with Oyo State leading the pack.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, has sworn in Ten (10) State Coordinators and Thirty -Three (33) Local Government Commanders to enhance the Security architecture of the State.

While administering the oath of office and swearing in of the committee members at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat Ibadan, Commissioner for the Ministry, Mrs. Toyin Balogun said that the event became necessary to enhance grass root security towards fostering community-based security across the 33 local government areas of the State.

She advised the new officers to understand that true security extends beyond patrols and checkpoints, stressing the importance of building trust within communities and addressing the root causes of social unrest.

Hon. Balogun urged the committee to incorporate gender sensitivity in their engagements and collaborate actively with social and women-focused groups to tackle domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and other societal vices.

She explained that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to supporting the committee through capacity building and moral encouragement.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Mofoluwake Ibitoye, emphasized that security is anchored on equity and justice.

She charged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate quality leadership, uphold integrity, and remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties.

In his acceptance speech, the Commandant of the committee, Alhaji Olabanji Abiodun, expressed profound gratitude to the Oyo State Government, the Governor, and the Ministry for their continued support.

He pledged that the committee would uphold its mandate and work assiduously to improve safety and order at the local level.

The ceremony was attended by key government officials, representatives of security agencies, traditional leaders, and stakeholders from civil society groups.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government is set to make a historic entry into the Guinness Book of Records as it backs an attempt by Ibadan-based cyclist, Ebaide Joy who will embark on a record-breaking motorcycle journey across 12 African countries in July.

The mission will not only challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest solo ride by a female biker- currently at 30,000 kilometers, but will also provide life-changing vocational training for 18 orphaned girls who have a similar background of growing up in orphanage institutions in Nigeria like Joy did.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Toyin Balogun who announced this in a statement on Monday, in Ibadan said the feat, officially approved by Guinness World Records, has full support from the Ministry of Women Affairs and social development.

She said this is in a bid to empower vulnerable girls and amplify the voices of African women on the global stage.

Balogun’s words, “Ebaide Joy is a daring female motorcyclist and philanthropist who is set to embark on a record-breaking motorcycle journey across 12 African countries.”

She pledged institutional backing for Ebaide’s mission, describing her initiative as one that dovetails neatly with the ministry’s core mandate for the sustainable empowerment and alleviation of poverty from vulnerable demographics.

She added that the ministry, with the backing of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, would be delighted to support the training and post-graduation empowerment of the 18 beneficiaries.

“Once these girls complete their training, the ministry will work with your team to provide startup grants and equipment to ensure they achieve sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

She observed that Ebaide’s initiative aligns with the State’s broader goal of the ministry.

“This is more than a just record-breaking adventure or an adrenaline chasing venture. It’s a symbol of the resilience, courage, and commitment to breaking glass ceilings of the female demographic,” Hon. Balogun stated.

She said, “You’ve been able to rise above personal and physical challenges, including being orphaned at a young age, a spinal cord injury from an accident to creating a platform for other vulnerable girls to thrive. That is not only truly extraordinary, it’s remarkable, worth celebrating and what’s more, deserving of support.”

“This partnership is timely, strategic, and has a nexus with the Makinde administration’s people-centric agenda on sustainable empowerment”, the Honorable Commissioner stated.

Ebaide Joy’s solo journeys are filmed with a camera mounted on her motorcycle, showcasing not only the gruelling physical demands of the journey, but also the stories of the people she meets along the way.

Ebaide described her travels as the “highlight of her life,” noting that the adrenaline, purpose, and mission fuel her resolve even in moments of exhaustion.

Her upcoming trip begins in July, 2025 and is expected to take three months. Upon her return to Nigeria, she plans to host a graduation ceremony for the empowered girls, marking a new chapter in their lives and continuing her mission of impact through adventure.

Ebaide Joy said that her journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty.

“I grew up an orphan, and I understand the struggles and vulnerabilities they face. This journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty,” Evaida told the Commissioner Hon (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun and other officials during her visit.

This program will be empowering 18 orphaned girls with three months of intensive vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing, and catering. After graduation, each will receive capital to start her own business.”

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde priorities the welfare of the orphans and vulnerable children through policies and programs that promote social inclusion, child welfare and sustainable support systems for most vulnerable members of the society.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion Hon. (Mrs) Toyin Balogun stated that the partnership between the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and MaryJoe Humanitarian Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved when Government and private organizations work together for a common cause while recognizing the immense contributions of faith based and community organizations, philanthropist and social advocates in improving the lives of the vulnerable children.

Hon. (Mrs) Toyin Balogun stated this while expressing her heartfelt gratitude to MaryJoe Humanitarian Foundation at the distribution of palliatives to 20 orphanages/children homes in the State by the foundation held at Social Development Staff Training Centre, Samonda, Ibadan.

The Commissioner said, as children are the future of our Nation, it is the duty of the Government to provide them with the care, protection and opportunities they need to thrive while orphanages and children’s homes play a crucial role in this regard, however it takes a collective effort of Government, private sector, Humanitarian organizations, and well- meaning individuals to ensure these children receive the love, education and support they deserve.

She therefore called on stakeholders, corporate organizations, NGOs, religious institutions and individuals to emulate the good gesture of MaryJoe Humanitarian Foundation and invest in the future of these children to provide mentorship, skills development and long-term support that will enable them to become self reliant, confident and productive members of the society.

In an address read on behalf of the CEO of MaryJoe Humanitarian Foundation, Mrs Alice Joseph, the mission of the foundation is working to empowering neglected children, distressed women and improvised families in Nigeria through education support and community development initiatives.

She stated further that the aims and objectives also align with the mission which is to support neglected children, empowerment for abused women, widows welfare and orphans educational sponsorship while reaffirming the shared commitment of the foundation and others stakeholders to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those groups of people we serve.

Mrs Alice Joseph therefore call on all well meaning individuals and stakeholders to come together to build a future filled with hope, dignity and opportunity for all.

In their separate Goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Trade, industry, investment and cooperatives Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi and Honorable representing Saki West constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Shittu Ibrahim, the program has come at the right time going by the present economic condition in the country.

While appreciating MaryJoe Foundation for their kind gesture in the provision of food palliatives to orphanages, they admonished all to think of how they can also support these important set of people among us because they deserve the best in life too.

The orphanages that benefited from the palliative includes, Juvenile Correctional Institute, OYIZA FOUNDATION, GALILEE FOUNDATION, JESUS CHILDREN, MERCY OF GOD HOME, ABC, AGBEDARE HOME, FOMWAN, LIWOM, SOLA OLAGUNJU HOME, YESHUA ORPHANAGE, GOD’S TREASURE, JESUS THE MERCIFUL GLOBAL FOUNDATION, BOSCO, HOPE ALIVE HOME, OLUWAKEMI ORPHANAGE, WINNIES CASTEL, JOYOUS HEART, DORCAS HOME and IRANLOWOOLUWA ORPHANAGE.

These orphanages were given bags of rice, Semolina, packs of indomine noddles, spaghetti and macaroni to mention a few.

Omotoso Olukemi

Press Officer

Min of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee and a technical working group for the effective and sustainable management of gender-related issues in the State.

The event, which also commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, was held on Wednesday, at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

While inaugurating the committee, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said the fight against female genital mutilation and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence is not an isolated struggle, adding that they go hand in hand with the needs for economic empowerment and rehabilitation of women and girls.

She noted that the fight is also part of a broader agenda to ensure equal access to economic opportunities for both genders, human rights protection and social inclusion as well as building a society where gender-related issues are effectively and sustainably managed with collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders.

Balogun further explained that the committees are to foster effective and sustainable collaboration across all areas and are also to develop within three months of inauguration a strategic, comprehensive and result-driven roadmap for the implementation of the Oyo State Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation between 2025 and 2030.

She added that the committee is mandated to foster cross-sectoral policies to drive sustainable solutions, create a collaborative platform to address all forms of gender inequalities and related challenges, engage in community mobilisation and advocacy, access to laws and recommend improvement for protection of women and girls, as well as collection of data, monitoring and evaluation to track the effectiveness of various interventions.

Mrs Balogun urged all the stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating economic stability, safer spaces for women and ending harmful cultural practices.

Delivering her goodwill message, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, said eliminating the menace requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, community action, effective policies, support for survivors and global initiatives, urging the stakeholders to complement the efforts of the State Government in eliminating the practices to the barest minimum.

Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Dr.) Mrs. Comforter Olajide; Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Biodun Aikomo; and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, assured of the committee’s commitment to the actualization of the stated objectives.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Dr. Mofoluke Ibitoye, noted that the technical working group would serve as the engine room for strategic planning, data-driven interventions and capacity-building initiatives, while the Steering Committee would provide oversight, policy direction and advocacy to ensure sustainability and impact.

She urged the members to work collectively to break the silence and cycle of violence, and take action to provide support for survivors, challenge harmful gender stereotypes and norms that cause violence and as well build an egalitarian society where every individual, both great and small can live free from fear and harm.

The event had in attendance the Commissioner for Education, Professor Salihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi; Permanent Secretaries and relevant stakeholders on female genital mutilation and sexual-based violence.

The Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde has assured the injured and families left behind by the fallen heroes to expect more robust welfare initiatives as his administration will continue to cater for the families of these war veterans in honour of their sacrifices in the interest of peace and security for our nation.

The Governor stated this while speaking to news men at the grand finale of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Government house arcade Agodi Ibadan.

His Excellency expressed his profound appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other Service Commanders for their support to this administration in maintaining a peaceable and secure environment where economic activities can thrive.

Gov. Makinde stressed that the war veterans are being remembered throughout our Nation for them having paid the supreme price to ensure that we remain one Country that is safe and secured.

The Chairman Nigerian Legion Oyo State chapter, DCG Julius Ogunkojo appreciated the Oyo State Government for catering for the injured veterans and the families of the fallen heros who had participated in the first and second world war including our own Civil War as a nation.

Ogunkojo stated that the legions in Oyo State has never had it better with the prompt response of the State Government to their plight and readiness to ease the pains of the members of the legion

He therefore enjoined retired officers to join the body in order to continually make impact in the society positively.

Part of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a car gift to the pioneer director operations of Federal Road Safety Corps in the State, Major Rasaq Salawu rtd. for his dedication and selfless service to Oyo State.

Inspection of guards by the Governor, 21 gun salute, release of balloons /pigeons as a symbol of peace, laying of wreath by the Governor, Service Chiefs  and Reps of the Veterans Widows was observed while special prayers at Special Islamic and Christian prayer services were said for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes.

In attendance with the Governor at the grand finale event were the Deputy Governor, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, the Chief Judge; Justice Iyabo Yerima, the General Officer Commanding, Brig Gen OG Onubogu, other service chiefs, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo, the Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni, the hostess of the series of events; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social inclusions, Hon (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, other Commissioners in the State Executive Council and other dignitaries to mention but a few.

The program was concluded with a Cocktail Party at the Government House with the Wife of the Executive Governor, Her Excellency (Engr.) Tamunominini Makinde hosting the get together.

Omotoso Olukemi

Press officer

Min of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion