Women leaders and political stakeholders from the six Local Government Areas of Ondo South Senatorial District have inaugurated the Ondo South Women Leaders Caucus, with a commitment to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, promote unity among women’s groups and deepen women’s participation in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The inaugural caucus meeting, held on Saturday, 29th September, 2026, in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area, attracted women leaders from across the senatorial district, APC stakeholders, local government representatives, members of the convener committee, commissioners and board members from Ondo South, as well as members of the press and other distinguished guests.
The meeting was coordinated by Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Women Mobilisation (South), who described the gathering as a significant milestone in the political organisation and mobilisation of women across the district.
In her welcome address, Erelu Ogungbure expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment, stressing that the strength of women lies in their ability to organise, nurture and build sustainable structures.
“It is with pride that I welcome you all to this historic gathering. Today is a milestone for women in Ondo South. Your dedication to progress is deeply appreciated,” she said.
"Our leader, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is a son of Ondo South, and his success is, in many ways, a reflection of our collective success. As we approach the forthcoming elections, our objective is clear: to modernise our campaign strategies, strengthen women’s mobilisation at the grassroots, and work collectively towards securing over one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of our party. A strong electoral performance in Ondo South will demonstrate the strength, unity and organisational capacity of our women."
She added that meaningful empowerment and effective political participation could only be achieved through unity and sustained organisation.
“Our strength lies in organisation, nurturing, and building. True empowerment needs unity. When we act together, we shape Ondo State’s political landscape, amplify women’s voices, and secure benefits for our district.”
One of the major commitments announced at the meeting was a target to mobilise one million votes from women across Ondo South for the APC during the forthcoming Presidential, National and State Assembly Elections.
Ogungbure emphasised the importance of women’s numerical strength and political participation, saying electoral participation could translate into greater representation and opportunities for women.
“Politics is about numbers and influence. Our unity and election results can help us gain more seats and economic opportunities for women,” she said.
She also stressed that grassroots engagement must extend beyond election periods, urging women leaders to continuously listen to, support and build trust with women in their communities.
The caucus brought together representatives from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo South, including the six local government chairpersons, senatorial women leaders, general women leaders from each local government and five foremost women leaders from each of the six local governments.
Also in attendance were local government vice chairpersons, commissioners and board members from the senatorial district, alongside members of the caucus' convener committee.
The gathering provided a platform for discussions on improving coordination among women leaders and harmonising existing structures across the six local governments.
Participants agreed on the need for stronger communication, greater cooperation and a more coordinated approach to grassroots mobilisation.
As part of its initial programme of activities, the newly inaugurated caucus outlined a series of initiatives aimed at sustaining its grassroots engagement.
Among them is a tour of the six Local Government Areas, during which women leaders will engage directly with women at the grassroots and communicate the caucus' agenda.
The caucus also plans to organise an Ondo South Women Forum involving women and local leaders, while creating opportunities for engagement with political aspirants and other stakeholders across the district.
An ad-hoc implementation committee is expected to be established to follow up on resolutions reached at the inaugural meeting, while regular caucus meetings will be held to review progress, address challenges and strengthen mobilisation strategies.
Ogungbure urged participants to regard the inaugural meeting not as a one-off political gathering but as the beginning of a sustained process of organisation, engagement and grassroots mobilisation.
“This event is the start. The Ondo South Women Leaders Caucus will meet regularly to review and improve our efforts,” she said.
She encouraged the women leaders to return to their respective local governments with renewed energy and purpose and take the message of unity, organisation and mobilisation to communities across Ondo South.
The caucus was convened by a team comprising the SSA to the Governor, Hon. Erelu Dupe Martin, former SSA to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Morin Olanipekun, and other members of the convener committee.
The meeting ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to the resolutions reached and pledging to work collectively across the six Local Government Areas.
The women leaders pledged to strengthen their grassroots structures and work collectively across the six Local Government Areas to drive sustained mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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