..as Ajulo tasks FIDA on grooming young Women for Leadership

In a nation like Nigeria, where gender representation at decision-making tables remains far from equal, there is a need for women professional bodies such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to go beyond serving merely as an advocacy voice and become formative institutions that prepare young female colleagues for leadership roles.

This was the submission of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN, OON), while speaking at the FIDA Ondo Week dinner and award night held in Akure on Tuesday, 9th December 2025. Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Turning Policy to Action: Advancing Women’s Rights through Law and Governance,” Ajulo stressed that “if we are to achieve genuine gender balance in governance, lawmaking, leadership, and institutional reform, then established women lawyers must invest in the next generation.”

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to legal reform, institutional strengthening, and the expansion of opportunities that guarantee the protection and prosperity of women. “In recent times, significant advocacy and sensitisation efforts have been undertaken in partnership with relevant government agencies to heighten awareness on rape, gender-based violence, and the growing concern of child molestation. This administration has also pursued, with strong resolve, the adoption and effective implementation of laws designed to safeguard women and children across our state,” he averred.

The Attorney-General affirmed that the deepest transformations are driven by organised bodies such as FIDA, noting that when informed, united, and purposeful women stand together, the arc of justice does not merely bend—it shifts decisively toward equity and accountability.

The State Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs. Bolanle Olafunmiloye, called for collective action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence in the state. She said society must stand firmly against all forms of abuse that undermine the dignity and safety of women and girls, including rape, incest, domestic violence, and the defilement of children. Olafunmiloye stressed that perpetrators of such crimes must be diligently punished to ensure justice for survivors, noting that accountability remains critical in restoring hope to victims and deterring others from engaging in violent acts.

The FIDA chairperson also highlighted the pivotal role of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in addressing gender-based violence. She urged them to ensure proper arrest, investigation, and prosecution of offenders in line with the laws of Ondo State and Nigeria, while emphasising the importance of fully implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to strengthen the fight against abuse. She appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, individuals, and religious leaders—to jointly confront the “terrible” trend affecting communities. Olafunmiloye added that increasing women’s participation in leadership positions would further enhance advocacy and ensure more responsive action on issues affecting women and children.

The event featured the investiture of the State Governor as Patron of FIDA and the conferment of recognition awards for contributions to justice delivery and women empowerment.

Distinguished individuals honoured included former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal Adebowale, the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, CIS Felicia Amaka Anara, and the pioneer FIDA Chairperson and former Director of Public Prosecution in the state, Mrs. Adesola Adeyemi-Tuki, among others.