MAKINDE’s COMMISSIONER FELICITATES CITIZENS ON NASCENT YEAR 2026,CHARGES WOMEN TO PREPARE TO BENEFIT FROM UPCOMING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES*

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 jocularly 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 categoric 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 budgeoning 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