Fidelis David in Akure

In what could serve as a model for strengthening women's participation in governance and inclusive development across Nigeria, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is set to convene more than 200 women leaders for a high-level roundtable aimed at reviewing the state's progress in women-focused programmes and designing fresh strategies for sustainable empowerment.

The gathering, tagged the Ondo State Women Round Table Discussion, is expected to bring together female political leaders, public office holders, civil society actors, professionals and representatives of vulnerable groups to assess achievements recorded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development over the past year while setting priorities for the future.

According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, the event, themed "The O'datiwa Women Initiative Blueprint and Deliverables: Journey So Far, Charting a Better Pathway for Excellence and Transformative Women Programmes," is designed to deepen collaboration among key stakeholders and promote policies that improve the lives of women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Osamaye said the roundtable would provide "a strategic platform for impactful conversations on policies and programmes that promote the welfare and empowerment of women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups."

She noted that participants would include elected and appointed female public office holders, leaders of women support groups, women-led non-governmental organisations, female political and religious organisations, heads of female persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, as well as female heads of schools, boards, agencies and government parastatals.

Describing the initiative as more than a ceremonial gathering, the commissioner said the meeting would create opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and develop practical strategies capable of increasing women's participation in governance while accelerating social development across Ondo State.

With the slogan, "One Platform, 200 Women, Impactful Conversations," Osamaye said the event would also celebrate milestones recorded under the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the support of the First Lady, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, in advancing programmes targeted at women and vulnerable citizens.

She said a major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the O'datiwa Women Initiative News Bulletin, an annual publication of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

According to the commissioner, the publication will chronicle the ministry's key programmes, achievements and interventions in advancing women's welfare and empowerment while also serving as a directory of agencies and boards under the ministry.

Beyond policy discussions, she said the event will feature networking sessions, interactive engagements, cultural performances and presentations aimed at fostering stronger collaboration among women leaders from different sectors.