International Women’s Day: Why Kogi State is a Model of Gender Inclusion in Governance
By Mary Amodu Omakoji
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerate Action,” Kogi State stands out as a model of gender inclusive governance, where women are not just given a seat at the table but are actively shaping policies and driving meaningful changes.
In a little over one year, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken inspiration from his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello by matching on with commitment to gender equity.
He has gone even further, ensuring that women hold influential positions across various sectors and strata of the administration. His administration has 5 female cabinet members, boasts over 20 female Special Advisers (SAs) and more than 30 female Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), a remarkable achievement that places Kogi ahead of many states in Nigeria.
Beyond appointments, Governor Ododo has revolutionized the political landscape by ensuring that women occupy about five out of eleven key elective positions in every Local Government Area of the state. This includes one female Local Government Chairperson, 20 local government vice chairpersons and council leaders and over 80 Female Councillors, a historic milestone in Kogi’s political evolution.
The emergence of the state’s first-ever elected female Local Government Chairman from the most recent elections underscores his dedication to not just appointing women but empowering them to rise through the ranks and win elections on their own merit.
The administration’s commitment to gender inclusion is evident in the caliber of women leading critical sectors in the state. At the heart of government operations is Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, who made history as the first female Secretary to the Government of the State and now in her 9th year in office.
Her expertise in governance and administrative coordination ensures that government policies are effectively implemented. In the financial management of the state is Hajia Dr. Habibat Tijani Onumoko, the Accountant General of the state. She upholds transparency and fiscal discipline, ensuring that public funds are well managed for economic stability.
Dr. Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Science and Technology, brings innovation to governance, leveraging her experience as a former Assistant Director at NIHORT and her participation in global summits like the AfCFTA Digital Trade Summit to drive digital transformation in the state.
Kogi’s cultural and tourism potential is also receiving strategic attention under Hon. Acharu Okpanachi, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who is working to position the state as a prime destination for investment and leisure.
Similarly, Hon. Fatimah Momoh, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, is championing gender advocacy, economic empowerment for women, and social protection policies that uplift women in vulnerable and deprived communities.
In the humanitarian and poverty alleviation sector, Hon. Rabiatu Okute, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, is ensuring that social intervention programs reach those who need them most, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Aisha Omade serves as the Coordinator and Chief Executive of the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA), where she is leading an extensive data collection drive to build a robust social register of vulnerable groups across nearly every local government area in the state.
Meanwhile, Hajia Mariam Abedo, the Director General of the State Pension Commission, has transformed the pension and gratuity payment system through her commitment to transparency and accountability, successfully clearing a backlog of billions of naira for thousands of beneficiaries.
Additionally, don’t forget Barrister Ladi Jatto of ACReSAL, who is spearheading the state’s largest environmental intervention by leading N29.9 billion in erosion control projects across Ijumu, Ankpa, and Okene local government areas.
Governor Ododo’s approach is not just about filling quotas but about transforming governance through inclusion.
By supporting women to not only hold offices but contest and win elections, he is setting a precedent that challenges the traditional barriers women face in politics.
The bold decision to have an all-female leadership structure in the legislative arm at the local government level is a statement of intent, a clear indication that the future of governance in Kogi is one where women are at the forefront.
As Nigeria continues to push for gender equity in leadership, Kogi State is already leading the pack. Governor Ododo’s policies have created a governance structure where women are not just participating but leading, making impactful decisions, and shaping the future of the state.
This International Women’s Day, Kogi celebrates more than just the presence of women in governance; we celebrate the power, influence, and transformation they bring to governance. With this momentum, the state is proving that when women lead, progress is inevitable.
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