Ogun First Lady honoured as ‘Mother of modern Ogun State’

The Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence as the “Mother of Modern Ogun State” by the Women in Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (WASCSN).

The award was presented during the association’s International Women’s Day celebration held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The event was themed “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.”

Accepting the honour, Mrs. Abiodun said the recognition was not a personal accolade but belonged to all women in the state, describing it as a symbol of their collective strength.

“This recognition belongs to every woman in this state who continues to break barriers and uplift others. The ‘Mother of Modern Ogun State’ is not just a title for one person, but a reflection of the collective strength and economic empowerment of every woman in our great state,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Abiodun emphasised that empowerment is a relay race rather than a solo sprint, urging the state’s female leaders to intentionally mentor younger generations for sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, who was also among the awardees, urged women to seek a level playing field in their various fields rather than handouts.

She further stressed the need for women to believe in themselves and contest for public offices in order to contribute meaningfully to societal development.

While conducting the inauguration of Comrade Areo Williams as the first Chairman of WASCSN, the Chairperson of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Isa Olude, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing an enabling environment for associations and groups to thrive peacefully in the state.

Olude noted that the Ogun branch of the association was the first of its kind in the country.

Earlier in her welcome address, the pioneer Chairman of WASCSN, Comrade Williams, urged women to build inclusive systems in whatever positions they occupy, noting that women in public service are not mere bystanders but active policy makers.

Other awardees included the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, and a former Secretary of ASCSN, Comrade Omolara Sansa.