Ogun Deputy Governor Advocates Strategic Action for Women’s Leadership Advancement
ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged women to take deliberate steps to claim their place in leadership, governance and society, stressing that equity demands courage, competence and clarity of purpose.
Salako-Oyedele made the call in a goodwill message at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women”.
She said women must move beyond waiting for opportunities and begin to shape outcomes through purposeful action, noting that the conversation on advancement should shift from what society ought to do for women to what women must do individually and collectively to influence systems and decision-making structures.
“At first glance, these themes may appear familiar. But when we look more closely, they challenge us to rethink the direction of change,” she said.
According to her, progress does not happen by chance but through conscious choices, adding that women must empower themselves if equity is to move from promise to reality.
She identified five practical steps for advancement: owning one’s voice, investing in competence, building support systems, engaging with structures of power and communicating strategically.
Describing communication as a key instrument of influence, she said women must speak clearly, confidently and with purpose in boardrooms, communities, politics and within families.
She also urged women to build value through skills, knowledge and continuous learning, stressing that excellence makes exclusion harder in decision-making spaces.
On support systems, the Deputy Governor encouraged women to resist the culture of rising alone and instead embrace mentorship, collaboration and mutual support.
“No one rises alone,” she said, urging women to recommend one another, open doors and lift others as they advance.
She further challenged women to engage directly with power structures in governance, business and community leadership, noting that lasting change occurs within institutions.
“If we are not present where decisions are made, we cannot shape the outcomes,” she added.
Salako-Oyedele stressed the importance of strategic communication, saying visibility should not be dismissed as vanity but recognised as a tool for impact.
Linking this to the idea of “Give to Gain”, she encouraged women to invest in others through mentorship, community building and shared support, noting that such efforts strengthen institutions, improve policies and promote more inclusive societies.
She added that the Ogun State Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for women and girls through education, skills development, economic empowerment and leadership inclusion, while noting that government action must be matched by personal responsibility.
“Equity is not only something to be granted; it is something to be claimed, strengthened and sustained,” she said.
Earlier, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, described the event as a milestone for the Institute, noting that its maiden International Women’s Day celebration was designed to recognise the contributions of women and encourage greater participation in leadership.
He reflected on historical barriers faced by women across civilisations, noting that despite limitations, women have continued to shape society through resilience and determination.
Citing figures such as Queen Amina, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, Neliaku said women have never been spectators in history but active contributors to national development.
He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting inclusion, noting that women continue to play critical roles within NIPR, including leadership of chapters, participation in governance and professional excellence.
Neliaku also stressed that communication remains a powerful instrument for inclusion, adding that empowering women aligns with the Institute’s mandate as custodians of reputation, shapers of narratives and stewards of public trust.
The event attracted distinguished participants, including the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, Hadiza Bala Usman, and other professionals and stakeholders from across sectors.
