Alia's Economic Agenda Will Transform Benue, Shaku Tells Youths

…As He Pledges Grassroots Mobilisation For Governor's 2027 Re-election

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Dr. Shaku Justine Orangoholga, has charged youths across the state to take ownership of the economic opportunities emerging from the development agenda of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Shaku made the call on Tuesday at the IBB Square, Makurdi, while addressing thousands of youths and support groups from the 23 local government areas who converged for a Town Hall Meeting with Governor Alia.

He said the Governor's development agenda was gradually repositioning Benue for sustainable economic growth, urging young people not to remain on the sidelines but to acquire skills, embrace entrepreneurship and take advantage of government-backed opportunities.

The ALGON chairman said the administration's interventions in infrastructure, industrialisation, education, employment, security and other critical sectors were laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Benue.

He particularly commended Governor Alia for creating an avenue for direct interaction with youths and support groups, describing the town hall meeting as evidence of a government that was willing to listen to the people and respond to their concerns.

According to him, the opportunity for young people from across the 23 local government areas to speak directly with the Governor and receive responses from him was significant and reflected a new approach to governance in the state.

Shaku said the engagement had further strengthened the bond between the Governor and the people, adding that the growing confidence in the administration was a reflection of its development efforts.

He also praised Governor Alia for supporting the 23 local government councils in rebuilding critical infrastructure and addressing areas that had been neglected for years.

“Your Excellency, the Benue people are with you. The support you have given to the 23 Local Government Chairmen to rebuild what has long been neglected by past administrations is highly commendable. We will work round the clock to return you to power come 2027,” Shaku told the Governor.

He assured the Governor that the local government chairmen would continue to mobilise support for the administration at the grassroots, stressing that the people were increasingly identifying with its development agenda.

The ALGON chairman said the reforms being implemented by the administration had rekindled hope among Benue people, particularly the youths, who he said were beginning to see new avenues for employment, enterprise and economic empowerment.

He urged young people to make themselves relevant to the changing economic landscape by acquiring marketable skills, developing businesses and participating actively in programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

Shaku further commended the massive turnout at the town hall meeting, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the growing interest of Benue youths in the Governor's development agenda.

He assured the youths that Governor Alia would remain focused on fulfilling his mandate and delivering programmes capable of improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening the state's economic foundation.

The ALGON chairman expressed appreciation to the youths and support groups for their solidarity and participation, while praying for God's guidance and safe journeys for all participants returning to their respective local government areas.

Peverga Nathan,

Chief Press Secretary to ALGON chairman, Benue State chapter.

immigration Arrests Two Suspected Kidnapping Syndicate Members With ₦34m in Adamawa

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Adamawa State Command, has arrested two men suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦34 million in cash.

The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Alhaji Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello, were intercepted on September 6, 2026.

According to the NIS, the suspects claimed the money was meant to pay ransom for the release of a relative.

The suspects and recovered items have been directed to be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Adamawa State Command, for further investigation.

In a separate operation, Immigration officers also intercepted 17 irregular migrants at Rumde Baru in Yola South LGA.

The group comprised 13 Cameroonian nationals—8 males and 5 females—and four male Chadian nationals.

The NIS said undocumented migrants are increasingly moving from hotels to private, unregistered apartments within the state capital.

What do you make of the ₦34 million cash found with the two suspects?

#ATGNews #Adamawa #NigeriaImmigrationService #Security #Yola

LAGRIDE GEARS UP FOR EMBER RUSH WITH 400 NEW VEHICLES AND 1,000+ MORE CAPTAINS

BY IFE ILESANMI 

LagRide has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Ember Rush, deploying 400 new vehicles across its Lagos network and targeting the mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains between now and December, as the mobility platform expands capacity for the busiest months of the year.

At the LagRide 2026 Driver Mobilisation and Fleet Flag-Off, held at the LagRide Centre in Alausa, Lagos, more than 100 Captains drove out in newly deployed vehicles, marking the first major deployment under the expansion programme.

The 400-vehicle rollout will continue in phases, with more Captains joining the platform as LagRide increases availability across Lagos ahead of the Ember Months and Detty December.

LagRide expects to facilitate more than 200,000 rides during its Ember Months push, as business activity, tourism, entertainment, airport traffic, events and the city's end-of-year social calendar drive increased movement across Lagos.

The Executive Director of LagRide Nigeria, Mildred Ekanem, said the mass deployment builds on an already significant operational footprint, with over 2,000 LagRide vehicles currently on the road across Lagos.

“We already have over 2,000 LagRide vehicles on the road across Lagos, and we are expanding from that position of strength. The 400 vehicles being deployed are part of our immediate expansion, and between now and December, we are targeting the mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains.

“The Ember Months bring increased movement across Lagos, and we are preparing ahead of that demand. Our focus is expanded availability, wider coverage and ensuring that when customers need a LagRide, there are more Captains ready to serve them".

A central focus of LagRide's Ember Rush strategy is to make the service more available, more rewarding and more attractive to customers from September through December.

The company is expanding further into communities including FESTAC, Ikorodu and Ajah, while increasing the number of Captains operating across existing locations to improve ride availability and reduce waiting times.

From September to December, LagRide will roll out a series of customer promotions, discounted rides, rewards, special offers and other benefits across the platform, with additional campaigns planned around major events and the Detty December season.

The programme will be supported by continued on-ground activations across Lagos, following a series of community and customer engagements undertaken by the LagRide team in recent weeks.

The objective is to give Lagos residents and visitors more reasons to choose LagRide throughout the Ember Months, combining greater vehicle availability, wider coverage, competitive offers, customer rewards and 24-hour support.

LagRide expects these initiatives, alongside the deployment of additional Captains and vehicles, to support its target of more than 200,000 rides during the Ember Months push.

By December, the campaign will transition fully into LagRide Detty December, with increased Captain availability and customer promotions designed around the significant rise in movement, entertainment and tourism across Lagos.

Transportation, Tourism and Lagos.

Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of LagRide, said the expansion forms part of a wider ambition to strengthen LagRide's role in the transportation and tourism experience of Lagos.

According to Chief Diana, the increasing number of vehicles being introduced into the ecosystem is intended to create greater availability for customers while opening opportunities for serious, professional Captains to earn and build sustainable livelihoods.

“LagRide is the face of transportation and tourism in Lagos. As the city welcomes residents, visitors, tourists and returning Nigerians, transportation must be ready to match the scale and energy of Lagos.

“We are building that capacity and making thousands of vehicles available for serious, professional Captains who are ready to work. At the same time, we want more people to use LagRide and experience a service that represents Lagos with professionalism and pride,” Chen said.

The company expects the increased capacity to become particularly important during the December tourism and entertainment season, when Lagos attracts significant domestic and international traffic.

Ekanem said the company's 24-hour customer service centre would continue to provide round-the-clock assistance, handling complaints, enquiries and issues including property left behind in vehicles.

LagRide also draws on the service infrastructure of CIG Group and GAC Motor, with several maintenance centres available across Lagos. Its Alausa facility operates as an express service centre dedicated to LagRide vehicles, helping to reduce maintenance downtime and return vehicles to the road quickly.

The mass deployment will also increase participation in LagRide's Drive-to-Own programme, providing more Captains with access to vehicles and a structured pathway towards eventual vehicle ownership.

Under the programme, Captains undergo an initial 90-day rental period before qualifying to transition towards vehicle ownership, subject to meeting the required performance conditions.

LagRide's Director of Public Relations, Ifeanyi Abraham, urged the newly deployed Captains to approach their roles with professionalism, honesty, hard work and a strong sense of pride in representing LagRide.

“We want our Captains to wear the LagRide identity with pride. Every time you pick up a customer, you are representing LagRide and you are representing Lagos. The standard of service our customers experience starts with you,” Abraham said.

He also called on the media to highlight the wider impact of LagRide's expansion across transportation, technology, tourism, job creation and economic empowerment.

Abraham said Lagos' position as one of Africa's leading business, entertainment and tourism destinations makes reliable and readily available transportation particularly important as the city enters its busiest months.

He said LagRide wants its Captains to develop the same strong sense of professional identity associated with organised mobility systems in leading global cities, while giving customers greater confidence in the quality and reliability of the service.

Taking about safety and Customer Experience,

LagRide said the expansion would be supported by its existing technology and safety infrastructure, including vehicle insurance, dashboard cameras and panic buttons integrated into its digital platform.

The company said further that  customer experience, Captain professionalism, vehicle maintenance and technology would remain central as the fleet and Captain network expands.

The newly inducted Captains also welcomed the opportunities presented by the programme.

Deborah Adeyemi, who has approximately three years of driving experience, said LagRide offered her an opportunity to earn income while maintaining flexibility over her working hours.

Another beneficiary, Mustapha Kayode Abdullahi, said his immediate goal was to earn sustainable income and ultimately become a vehicle owner through the Drive-to-Own programme.

With 400 new vehicles being deployed, over 2,000 LagRide vehicles already operating across Lagos, more than 100 Captains driving out at the Alausa event and over 1,000 additional Captains targeted between now and December, LagRide is significantly expanding its capacity ahead of the Ember Rush.

Further Captain and vehicle deployments will continue in phases as the platform prepares for increased mobility demand across Lagos during the final months of 2026.

Hon. Shimawua Attends Burial Of Late Mrs. Joy Iember Aondohemba Alia

The Honourable Member representing Kyan State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Terna Shimawua, was present at the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Joy Iember Aondohemba Alia. The solemn event drew dignitaries, political associates, and well-wishers from across the state.

 

Hon. Shimawua, while commiserating with the bereaved family, described the death as a great loss not only to the Alia family but to Benue State at large. He prayed to God Almighty to grant the family the fortitude to bear the painful loss and to grant the departed eternal rest.

The Lawmaker reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty and support to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, ASORTAR U BENUE. He further prayed for God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom for the Governor as he continues to pilot the affairs of the state during this trying period.

 

Hon. Shimawua also used the opportunity to appreciate the Kyan and Kunav communities for their steadfast support and mobilization towards the Governor’s second-term ambition. He called on the people to remain united and continue to support the “Working Governor”. to deliver more dividends of democracy. 

 

Hon. Shimawua Media Team .

A Defining Moment For Democracy And The Future Of Benue

With great pride and a deep sense of optimism, we congratulate His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on the successful validation of his party’s nomination by INEC.

This landmark development is more than a procedural victory—it is a powerful affirmation of truth, resilience, and the enduring will of the people. It reflects a leadership journey anchored in purpose, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Benue State.

Your Excellency, this moment renews hope and strengthens the collective belief that Benue is on a path of transformation, unity, and sustainable development. Your vision continues to inspire confidence, and your leadership remains a beacon for a brighter future.

As we move forward, we stand united in support of a cause greater than politics—the advancement, peace, and prosperity of our dear State.

Congratulations once again, Your Excellency.

The future is promising. The journey continues.

Dr. Solomon Akperekpe

MD/CEO, 

Aspam Group Ltd.

#BenueRising #AliaLeadership #leadership #DemocracyWins #aspamgroup #LeadershipMatters #StrongerTogether

Kayode Ojo Decries Low Turnout In Ekiti Guber Poll, Rallies Support For Tinubu Ahead Of 2027

BY FEMI AWOJOBI 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Engr. Kayode Ojo, has decried what he called " low turnout of Voters during the June 20, governorship election in the State and called on party members across the South West to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu total and unwavering support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ojo, who was a governorship aspirant in the state, spoke at a meeting with members of both "Elders and Consultative forums of his campaign Organisation in Ado Ekiti".

Campaign Organisation's spokesman,  Femi Awojobi in a statement issued and made available to newsmen said, Ojo, charged APC members, particularly his supporters, to return to their respective wards to mobilize vigorously for the success of the President and the party.

The APC leader expressed concern over what he described as the "poor turnout of voters" during the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State. 

He noted that despite the party’s victory, the low participation of eligible voters was a cause for concern and a signal that more grassroots work was needed.

“We have the numbers and the structure in Ekiti. But we must go back to the wards and work. 2027 is around the corner, and President Tinubu deserves our total support, Ojo said.

He commended the president for what he described as “numerous achievements” since assuming office and urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ojo also used the opportunity to appreciate his supporters for their sacrifices during the struggle for the party’s governorship ticket. He assured them that their loyalty would not go unrewarded.

“We have lost nothing, I can assure you of that. What is coming is more than what you thought we had lost. With or without the governorship position, I am poised to always support our people and alleviate their sufferings,” he said.

“I have always prayed to God to give me the power to support you all, no matter how many you are. I will always support you because I know everyone needs one form of support or the other — financially, morally, and physically.”

The APC chieftain concluded by urging unity and cohesion within the party, stressing that a united APC in Ekiti and the South West is critical to delivering victory for President Tinubu in 2027.

BIPC, NIS Collaborate To Ensure Safety Of Expatriates Working In Benue

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at ensuring the safety and proper monitoring of expatriates working in Benue State.

The partnership was reached during a joint meeting between the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, and the Benue State Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, PCC, held at the BIPC Board Room in Makurdi.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Asemakaha disclosed that BIPC accounts for about 75 percent of expatriates currently working in the state through its various industrial and investment projects. He said the company would henceforth notify the Nigerian Immigration Service of all expatriates engaged by the state, including details of their Temporary Work Permits (TWP), to ensure proper documentation and monitoring.

"We are here to build the state, and we will not have criminals in the state," Dr. Asemakaha stated.

The BIPC boss also expressed concern over the unpleasant experiences encountered by some expatriates in their dealings with immigration officers but commended the State Comptroller for her prompt intervention in resolving the issues.

Responding, the Benue State Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, said the Service had already put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. She urged BIPC to consistently notify the agency whenever new expatriates arrive in the state to enable effective monitoring in line with the statutory mandate of the Service.

Nkangwung further lauded Dr. Asemakaha and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for what she described as the transformation of Benue into a major construction hub through ongoing development projects.

Earlier, the Head of Business Development and Strategy at BIPC, Theresa Abeda, said the meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration and address issues of mutual benefit between the two organisations, particularly in promoting investment, security and compliance with immigration regulations in the state.

President Tinubu Announces 26 New Appointments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced 26 new appointments into 10 Federal Government agencies and commissions, with former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, emerging as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Major General Junaid Bindawa as chairman of the National Salary and Wages Commission.

Fayose heads the board of REA, with Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta appointed as members and non-executive directors. The incumbent DG of the agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and three executive directors previously appointed make up the remaining board members.

President Tinubu made eight other appointments to the Wages Commission, along with Maj General Bindawa. Former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, is the new secretary of the commission.  Dr Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun, and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna, were appointed as commissioners.

Dr Mai Adamu Yau, from Borno,  Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu), Engineer Lawrence Okoh(Edo) and Bello Morenike Iyabode (Kogi) were appointed as members of the Commission.

Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, who was previously appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has now been moved to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission as Secretary.

President Tinubu also appointed Dr Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission, Dr Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), and Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. Engineer Julius Oloro, a former council chairman, is the new CEO of the Kwara-based National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation(NCAM), replacing Dr A.R. Kamal, who died last January.

President Tinubu constituted the board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, with Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as chairman. The board members include Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, Dr Suleiman Gidado, Louis O. Ndukwe, Amaechi Ugwele and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola.

Shuni Muhammad Dahiru is the new executive secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, replacing Professor Shu'aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was reassigned to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) in April.

To replace Mathias Byuan, the former executive director, finance of the Federal Housing Authority, who resigned to contest the governorship election in Benue, President Tinubu named Gisaor Vincent Iorja. Iorja is an economist, legal scholar, and academic currently serving as the secretary of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

All the appointments take immediate effect.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

July 20, 2026

Monday Motivation

Education is more than certificates and grades — it’s the power to rise beyond limits, discover your purpose, and become everything you were created to be.

This week, don’t just chase success…build yourself into it.

Stay disciplined. Stay focused. Stay hungry for growth.

Greatness is not given — it is earned through learning, consistency, and courage.

Let’s make this week count. 

#mondaymotivation #keepgrowing #successmindset #EducationMatters #RiseAboveLimits #aspamgroup

BIPC GMD Inspects 6.2km River Benue Reservoir HDPE Pipeline To Food Basket Brewery

The Group Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha CFA inspected construction of a 6.2 kilometers river water filtration system and sedimentation reservoir from river Benue to the food basket brewery to strengthen water supply.

The construction of the reservoir is in line with  Gov. Hyacinth Iormem Alia  to provide a reliable and sustainable source of treated water for Food Basket Brewery, Zeva Beer, Malt, carbonated drinks and a line for Bip Water to meet up demand.

The sedimentation reservoir and water filtration system will address the water supply challenges currently affecting the company and reduce dependence on external water sources.

Upon completion, the water filtration system is expected to boost production capacity, improve operational resilience, and reinforce BIPC's commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth and industrial development in Benue State.

The Sedimentation reservoir water filtration system using floaters HDPE pipeline 160X9.5X12000mm will  reduces the turbidity of raw water, making subsequent chemical coagulation and mechanical filtration significantly easier for our Food basket 🧺 Brewery 

GMD 

BIPC

Fanafa Reaffirms Support For President Tinubu, Governor Alia At Benue Solidarity Rally

The General Manager, Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comr. Alexander  Fanafa, KSM, MNIM,  earlier today joined government officials, APC leaders, and supporters at a solidarity rally organized by the Benue State Ministry of Transport and Renewable Energy in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Addressing participants, Comr. Fanafa described the rally as a strong endorsement of the Tinubu and Alia administrations, reaffirming his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The Benue Links boss further urged Benue residents to remain united behind Governor Alia's leadership and support his 2027 re-election bid, expressing confidence in the administration's continued delivery of peace, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

The rally concluded with participants renewing their commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the continued progress of Benue State.

©Peverga Nathan

Engaging Minds, Shaping Leadership At The University Of Abuja

It was an honour to be part of the 1st Quarterly Guest Lecture Series hosted by the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja), held at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, Main Campus.

The event featured distinguished personalities from across Nigeria’s leadership and academic space, with His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, delivering a thought-provoking lecture as the Guest Lecturer.

Also present was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem B. Fawehinmi, who served as the Chief Host, alongside other respected dignitaries including former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and several notable leaders and professionals.

As indicated in the lineup: Next to the Governor (before Suswam) is the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja.

The lecture series provided a valuable platform for intellectual engagement, policy reflection, and leadership discourse—reinforcing the role of academia as a driver of national development.

At Aspam Group Limited, we strongly believe in the power of knowledge, collaboration, and visionary leadership in shaping a better future. Events like this continue to inspire meaningful conversations that translate into real impact across sectors.

-Dr. Solomon Akperekpe 

          MD/CEO, 

   Aspam Group Limited

#leadership #EducationMatters #aspamgroup #universityofabuja #benuestate #innovations #NationBuilding #guestlecture

Benue Links Nigeria Limited Celebrates His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, On His 36th Priestly Anniversary.

Benue Links Nigeria Limited heartily congratulates His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, on the joyous occasion of his 36th Priestly Anniversary.

Today, we celebrate 36 remarkable years of devotion to God, selfless service to humanity and exemplary leadership. From the sacred altar to the leadership of Benue State, Your Excellency has continued to exemplify the virtues of faith, humility, compassion and integrity.

Your priestly vocation has remained evident in your commitment to restoring hope, promoting justice and advancing the welfare of the people of Benue State. Under your visionary leadership, Benue Links Nigeria Limited has continued to receive invaluable support, enabling the company to enhance safe, reliable and affordable transportation services for the people of our dear state.

As you mark this significant milestone, we pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with divine wisdom, renewed strength, excellent health and abundant grace to fulfil your sacred calling and leadership responsibilities.

Congratulations, Your Excellency, on this remarkable 36th Priestly Anniversary. May God continue to guide and uphold you in His service and in your service to the good people of Benue State.

Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa KSM MNIM 

General Manager 

Benue Links Nigeria Limited

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐀𝐢𝐝: Greater Women Inclusion in Leadership Crucial to Nigeria's Development

By Peter Dansu 

Women must be given greater opportunities to occupy leadership and decision-making positions if Nigeria is to attain meaningful and sustainable development, ActionAid Nigeria has said.

The organisation made the call during a women's empowerment workshop organised in partnership with Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and HUFFPED at the Iworo Secretariat in Olorunda LCDA, Badagry.

Speaking at the workshop, ActionAid Nigeria specialist and women's rights advocate, Mrs. Niri Goyit, attributed Nigeria's slow pace of development to the continued exclusion of women from leadership and governance.

Addressing participants from Badagry Local Government, Olorunda LCDA, Badagry West LCDA and Ojo Local Government, Goyit said many of the country's persistent challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and economic hardship, could be tackled more effectively through inclusive leadership that gives women equal opportunities to participate.

She stressed that leadership begins at home, extends to communities and organisations, and should ultimately be reflected at the national level.

According to her, women have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership whenever given the opportunity. She cited the late former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Dora Akunyili, whose reforms transformed the agency, and also praised Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other accomplished Nigerian women for their outstanding contributions to leadership.

Goyit lamented that decisions affecting women are often made largely by men, describing the situation as both unfair and counterproductive.

She argued that men cannot fully understand or adequately address issues unique to women without their lived experiences, insisting that women deserve equal representation in policymaking and governance.

She urged women to become more actively involved in politics, governance and community leadership by challenging existing barriers and embracing leadership opportunities.

"Women are nation builders and should never be relegated to the background in matters of leadership," she said.

In his welcome address, the workshop facilitator, Mr. Adebowale Keinde, appreciated participants for attending and reaffirmed ActionAid Nigeria's commitment to improving the lives of women, particularly those in rural communities.

The workshop brought together participants from two Local Governments and two Local Council Development Areas. They were drawn from the communities of Pashi, Akoko, Wesere and Aivoji in Badagry West LCDA; Iragbo in Badagry Local Government; Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA; and Taffi and Irewe in Ojo Local Government. Representatives of the chairpersons of the participating councils were also in attendance.

The Deputy Leader of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Itunuoluwa Ambe Alice, represented the Chairperson of the council, Mrs. Folashade Ajose. Miss Ayo Apede represented the Chairperson of Badagry Local Government, Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Hunpe, while the Supervisor for Women Affairs represented the Chairperson of Badagry West LCDA, Mrs. Mariam Ibrahim Kayode.

During an interactive session, Keinde asked the council representatives to outline women-focused programmes implemented by their respective councils and explain how beneficiaries were selected.

Although the representatives highlighted several empowerment initiatives, many participants said they had never benefited from the programmes.

Keinde attributed the gap to poor dissemination of information, particularly in rural communities, and urged the council representatives to convey the concerns to their chairpersons.

He emphasised that women in rural communities should not be denied access to government interventions because of inadequate information, calling for improved communication strategies to ensure wider participation in future programmes.

Also speaking during the session, Hon. Itunuoluwa Ambe Alice commended ActionAid Nigeria, HUFFPED and Olorunda LCDA for organising what she described as a timely and impactful programme.

She said the Chairperson of Olorunda LCDA, Mrs. Folashade Ajose, remains committed to women's empowerment and has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and economic well-being of women across the council.

Ambe assured participants that she would brief the chairperson on the outcome of the workshop and expressed confidence that the council would continue to welcome similar initiatives.

She also appealed to ActionAid Nigeria to sustain its partnership with Olorunda LCDA by organising more educational and empowerment programmes to strengthen women's participation in leadership and community development.

To promote sustained women's leadership and participation in decision-making, ActionAid presented a leadership resource toolkit to each participating council through its Department of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The toolkit is intended to support engagement with the council chairpersons for possible adoption and implementation of strategies that will advance women's inclusion in leadership and governance.