The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged women to take deliberate steps to claim their place in leadership, governance and society, pointing out that equity demands courage, competence and clarity of purpose.
Penpushing reports that she 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”.
The number two citizen of the state emphasized that women must move beyond waiting for opportunities and begin to shape outcomes through purposeful action, adding 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.
Penpushing further reports that Salako-Oyedele stated that at first glance, these themes may appear familiar, adding that when we look more closely, they challenge women to rethink the direction of change.
The Deputy Governor stressed that 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.
Penpushing also reports that 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.
The Deputy Governor describing communication as a key instrument of influence, said women must speak clearly, confidently and with purpose in boardrooms, communities, politics and within families.
Penpushing reports that Salako-Oyedele being rumored of aspiring as the next governor equally urged women to build value through skills, knowledge and continuous learning, stressing that excellence makes exclusion harder in decision-making spaces.
The Deputy Governor on support systems encouraged women to resist the culture of rising alone and instead embrace mentorship, collaboration and mutual support, emphasisng that no one rises alone, and therefore, urged women to recommend one another, open doors and lift others as they advance.
Penpushing further reports that she challenged women to engage directly with power structures in governance, business and community leadership, noting that lasting change occurs within institutions, pointing out that if they are not present where decisions are made, they cannot shape the outcomes.
The chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stressed the importance of strategic communication, saying visibility should not be dismissed as vanity but recognised as a tool for impact.
Penpushing also reports that 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.
The Deputy Governor 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.
Penpushing reports that she stated that equity is not only something to be granted, rather, it is something to be claimed, strengthened and sustained.
The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, earlier 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.
Penpushing further reports that he reflected on historical barriers faced by women across civilisations, noting that despite limitations, women have continued to shape society through resilience and determination.
The President of the Institute citing figures such as Queen Amina, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo, said women have never been spectators in history but active contributors to national development.
Penpushing also reports that he reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting inclusion, noting that women continue to play critical roles within Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), including leadership of chapters, participation in governance and professional excellence.
The Chairman Council of the Institute 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.
Penpushing reports that the event attracted distinguished participants, including the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, Hadiza Bala Usman, and other professionals and stakeholders from across sectors.
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