In a call to action for the future of the state, the 10th Oyo State Female lawmaker, Hon. (Dr) Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olajide, has urged a shift in the narrative regarding Oyo Women in Politics towards “women supporting women.”
As the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, representing Ibadan North Constituency under the PDP, Hon. Comforter appealed to women to change the way they relate to one another to ensure more females enter various political offices
Speaking at the “AI Revolution Leadership Momentum” programme—organised by Hon. Ramota Agberemi Dabo, Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters—the lawmaker pleaded for a surge in female candidates for various political offices.
Applauding the Makinde Administration
During her address, Hon. Comforter applauded the incumbent Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his role in allowing women to participate and handle high-level political offices. She noted that the administration has avoided relegating women based on gender, instead providing a platform for active leadership.
Other top female officials at the event echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Her Excellency, Engr. Tamunonini Makinde, remains at the forefront of development strategies.
The First Lady’s speech, delivered by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, advised participants to apply the knowledge gained from the “Oyo Women Digital Inclusion” AI training workshop.
“Her Excellency urged all participants to upgrade their customer quality delivery services just as digital network business owners.”
Breaking Barriers to Representation
The discourse also tackled the internal challenges affecting the rise of Oyo women in politics. Speakers addressed issues such as jealousy and backstabbing, reminding the audience that lifting other women creates greater opportunities for future generations.
A 66-year-old veteran politician at the event beseeched women to “abstain from old dirty attitudes with negative results and see the need to engage in profitable ventures.”
Reflecting on the progress of female representation, Hon. Comforter noted that there was only one female member in the 9th Assembly. While the 10th Assembly currently features two women out of 32 members—including Hon. Bisi Oluranti Oyewo Micheal—Hon. Comforter responded that if “the worst comes to the worst,” women must continue to be appointed to key roles to ensure their voices are heard.
Holistic Leadership: Health and Technology
The workshop, facilitated by digital experts including Mrs Omowumi Helen Oduyemi and Dr Adekunbi Omotosho, also touched on the well-being of female leaders. Princess Seyi Oyewale, a U.S.-trained fertility specialist, reminded the attendees that “health is wealth.”
“For one to be useful in her chosen career, one’s total health comes first. Get infections treated on time,” she advised.
The event concluded with a marriage counsellor and gender solution advocate, Rev. Mrs Oluwafunke Adetuberu, providing counsel to women dealing with trauma, ensuring that the drive for political inclusion is matched by emotional and physical resilience.
