Hon. Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olajide, Member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1 in the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on the successful presentation of his administration’s final budget proposal, commending his eight-year leadership record, particularly his commitment to women’s inclusion in governance.
Speaking during the budget presentation at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Comforter described the Governor’s eight-year tenure as a period of transformational leadership, infrastructural development and deliberate efforts towards building an inclusive governance structure.
The lawmaker, who is one of only two female members in the 32-member Assembly, acknowledged the administration’s achievements in road infrastructure, consistent payment of workers’ salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.
She particularly praised Governor Makinde for creating opportunities for women to occupy strategic positions across his administration, noting that although female representation in the State Assembly remains relatively low, his administration has provided women with considerable opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance.
She highlighted the appointment of female Heads of Service, a female Secretary to the State Government, female commissioners, board chairpersons, board members and other women in strategic government positions as evidence of the Governor’s commitment to gender inclusion.
According to her, Governor Makinde did not merely speak about empowering women but deliberately opened the doors of his administration, placing them in positions where they could contribute to policy formulation, decision-making and service delivery.
While appreciating these efforts, Hon. Comforter made a passionate appeal for greater female representation in governance, describing her request as an Oliver Twist appeal for more opportunities for women.
She urged the Governor to further strengthen the culture of inclusion by ensuring that more women are accommodated in strategic appointments, stressing the importance of reflecting the strength and contributions of the female population in the governance structure.
She also called on the incoming administration of the All Peoples’ Movement (APM) gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to consolidate on the achievements of the Makinde administration and fully embrace the 35 per cent affirmative action for women’s representation.
She maintained that increased female participation in governance would strengthen institutions, promote balanced representation and create more opportunities for women to contribute to the development of Oyo State.
In his response to contributions during the budget presentation, Governor Makinde specifically acknowledged Hon. Comforter’s position on women’s inclusion, agreeing with her assertion that women have demonstrated reliability and dependability when entrusted with responsibilities.
Making reference to recent resignations within his administration, the Governor observed that among the several individuals who had resigned, only one was a woman. He explained that the female appointee’s resignation was connected to a demand he considered unreasonable to grant.
Makinde’s response reinforced his confidence in women and their contributions to public administration.
He assured the lawmaker that women would continue to receive consideration for strategic appointments, both before the expiration of his administration and in the future, particularly as he pursues his broader political ambition of leading Nigeria.
The Governor’s direct response to Hon. Comforter’s appeal was a significant moment, providing further reassurance that women’s inclusion would remain an important consideration in his governance philosophy and future political engagements.
One of the remarkable highlights of the lawmaker’s goodwill message was her decision to celebrate the Governor through the rich cultural tradition of Yoruba Oríkì.
Temporarily departing from the formal language of legislative proceedings, Hon. Comforter introduced her panegyric with the words, “Gomina e je nsare ki yin lo sile baba yin,” before proceeding to render a traditional Oríkì in honour of the Governor.
Her poetic tribute celebrated Makinde’s ancestry, courage, strength, leadership and accomplishments, while offering prayers for his continued success and elevation.
She concluded the cultural tribute with prayers for God’s protection, peace and prosperity upon the Governor and the people of Oyo State.
The gesture added a distinctive cultural dimension to her goodwill message, reflecting the Yoruba tradition of honouring individuals through ancestral praises, historical references and prayers for greater accomplishments.
Beyond celebrating his achievements in Oyo State, Hon. Comforter expressed support for Governor Makinde’s broader political ambition and his vision for Nigeria.
She acknowledged the Governor’s aspiration to take his leadership experience to the national stage, expressing optimism that the qualities and governance principles demonstrated during his eight-year administration in Oyo State would find greater expression at the national level.
Her message was not merely a celebration of the Governor’s achievements but also an expression of support for his Reset Nigeria Agenda and his aspiration to provide leadership at the national level.
She offered prayers for God’s guidance and success as he prepares for the next chapter of his political journey, expressing confidence in the possibilities ahead.
Hon. Comforter’s intervention at the final budget presentation therefore went beyond a conventional congratulatory message. It was a combination of commendation, cultural appreciation, constructive advocacy and an expression of support for a broader national vision.
As Governor Makinde prepares to conclude his administration in Oyo State, the lawmaker’s message underscores the importance of preserving the gains of his tenure, deepening women’s participation in governance and extending the principles of inclusive leadership beyond the boundaries of the state.
