In a resolute move to address the prevalent issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and tackle gender inequality, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has defended a substantial budget proposal of over N1.005 billion for the ministry.
This appeal came during the State House of Assembly’s budget defence session, where Adeleye fervently sought increased support from lawmakers to combat GBV and promote gender parity.
Appearing before the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, Adeleye articulated the allocation breakdown for the Women Affairs Ministry in the state’s 2024 Budget Appropriation Bill.
Out of the total budget, a significant N353 million was designated for capital projects aimed at enhancing the ministry’s infrastructure and services.
Further clarification from Adeleye revealed that N651 million was set aside for recurrent expenditure, emphasizing the importance of sustained operational costs to effectively implement programmes and initiatives.
Additionally, the commissioner anticipated over N12 million in revenue generation during the specified period, demonstrating a strategic approach to financial sustainability.
The declared objectives of the budget encompassed the completion of crucial rehabilitation projects, notably the Fatty Lammy Rehabilitation Centre at Oke-Ilewo and the Women Development Centre at Kobape, signalling the ministry’s commitment to improving facilities that directly impact the lives of women in the state.
Commending the state House of Assembly for their proactive stance on gender-based issues, Adeleye highlighted the Assembly’s pivotal role in grassroots orientation and the enactment of legislation to safeguard the rights of women and other vulnerable groups.
The collaborative efforts between the Women Affairs Ministry and the Assembly were underscored as essential for creating a comprehensive framework to address societal challenges.
Beyond the Women Affairs Ministry, the budget defence session witnessed presentations from various agencies, including the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, the Youth and Sports counterpart, as well as the Office of the Auditor-General for both state and local government.
This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s dedication to holistic development, encompassing social welfare, youth empowerment, and financial accountability at both state and local levels.
As Ogun State charts its course into the fiscal year 2024, the substantial allocation to the Women Affairs Ministry underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a safer and more equitable environment for women while actively combating gender-based violence.
The on-going budget defence sessions serve as a crucial platform for transparent discourse and collaborative decision-making to shape the state’s socio-economic landscape in the coming year.
