Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved a ₦50 million empowerment package for women while urging members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unite ahead of the 2027 elections.

The announcements were made at separate events marking the 2026 International Women’s Day in Akure and a party stakeholders’ meeting in Owo.

Women to receive ₦50m support

At the women’s event in Akure, the governor said ₦40 million would go directly to women, while ₦10 million would fund a new cooperative society.

He said the intervention was designed to expand access to finance and support women-led businesses.

“These interventions are not mere policy statements; they are deliberate instruments of transformation aimed at lifting our women out of poverty,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor added that investing in women would drive economic growth and strengthen communities.

Why it matters

Women play a central role in Nigeria’s informal economy, particularly in agriculture, trade and small businesses.

Access to funding remains a major barrier, making targeted grants like this critical for economic participation.

The governor linked the initiative to global advocacy for gender equality, including United Nations-backed efforts promoting rights and inclusion for women.

1,200 women to benefit

The governor’s wife, Esther Aiyedatiwa, said 1,200 women would benefit from the financial support.

She described the initiative as a response to rising economic pressures on households.

“This year’s theme emphasises financial autonomy as a response to household economic realities,” she said.

She also called for collective action to accelerate progress for women and girls.

Government expands women-focused programmes

Officials say the grant builds on existing initiatives, including skills training, agricultural support and welfare programmes for widows and vulnerable groups.

Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the government had made “measurable progress” in improving women’s livelihoods.

Programmes highlighted include:

Skills acquisition schemes

Support for small businesses

Mentorship and education initiatives

Agricultural interventions

Recognition of female leaders

Several women were honoured for their contributions to development, including:

Jumoke Akindele

Damilola Oshin

Funke Felix-Adejumo

The governor and other officials also received awards for supporting women-focused initiatives.

Call for APC unity ahead of 2027

At a separate APC stakeholders’ meeting in Owo, Mr Aiyedatiwa urged party members to prioritise unity and avoid internal divisions.

“It is good to aspire for a position… but that office is for one person at a time,” he said.

He emphasised consensus as the preferred method for selecting candidates, warning that internal conflicts could weaken the party.

“That is the only way we can maintain peace and go into the election as one,” he added.

Security and governance updates

The governor said security agencies had improved responses to threats, particularly in border communities affected by kidnapping.

He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and efforts to bring governance closer to grassroots communities through stakeholder consultations.

Industry and public perspective

Political analysts say calls for consensus reflect broader concerns about party fragmentation ahead of elections.

Meanwhile, development advocates argue that sustained funding and transparency will determine the long-term success of women empowerment programmes.

What’s next

The Ondo State government is expected to begin disbursing the grants in phases.

Within the APC, consultations are likely to continue as the party prepares for primary elections ahead of 2027.

Supporters of Ilawole Taiwo Samuel have urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to adopt him as the consensus candidate for Ilaje Constituency 1.

The call comes amid growing political positioning within the party ahead of future electoral contests in the state.

Samuel, described by backers as a grassroots politician from Ugbo Ward 2 in the Idiogba community, is being presented as a candidate capable of strengthening the APC’s foothold in Ilaje.

His supporters argue that his blend of corporate experience and community engagement makes him a viable option for the party.

Background: Who is Ilawole Taiwo Samuel?

According to the statement, Samuel has held roles in both private sector and development-focused organisations.

These include positions as a Business Development Officer at Aerosky Technology, Team Lead Liaison in Abuja at Klick Konnect Networks, and Co-Founder of Crestplus International Ltd.

He is also currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy at Baze University.

Supporters say his training and certifications from international organisations such as the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) position him as a globally exposed candidate.

Policy Proposals and Campaign Focus

Samuel’s campaign is centred on what supporters describe as a “People First” agenda, focusing on healthcare, education, youth employment, and environmental protection.

In healthcare, proposals include introducing a 25–30% “Hard to Reach Allowance” for medical workers in riverine areas, alongside investments in mobile clinics, boats, and solar-powered facilities.

In education, his plans include facilitating the establishment of a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centre in Ilaje to reduce travel risks for students.

Supporters also highlight proposed incentives such as housing and stipends to attract and retain teachers in flood-prone communities.

Economic and Youth Development Plans

The campaign outlines economic initiatives targeting women and young people.

These include a zero-interest cooperative loan scheme aimed at supporting women in fish processing businesses, with a proposed revolving fund of ₦1 million.

For youth employment, Samuel’s supporters propose the creation of a verified database of Ilaje youths to encourage local hiring by companies operating in the area.

They claim this could lead to the employment of up to 2,000 young people within two years.

Environmental Concerns in Focus

Environmental protection is also a key part of the campaign message.

Supporters say Samuel plans to push for a shoreline protection and sea incursion relief fund, as well as stronger accountability measures for oil companies operating in the region.

This includes calls for quarterly reporting to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Why It Matters

Ilaje Constituency 1, a riverine area in Ondo State, faces challenges linked to infrastructure, healthcare access, education, and environmental degradation

Political analysts say candidates who can present clear, actionable solutions to these issues are likely to gain voter support.

However, experts also note that party consensus decisions often depend on internal negotiations, power balance, and broader electoral strategy within the APC.

Political Context

The endorsement push aligns with broader efforts within the APC to consolidate support ahead of future elections in Ondo State.

Observers say consensus candidacies can help reduce internal party conflicts, but may also generate debate among party members seeking open primaries.

What’s Next?

It remains unclear whether the APC leadership in Ondo State will adopt Samuel as a consensus candidate.

Party stakeholders are expected to engage in consultations before final decisions are made.

The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Lagos State ahead of 2027 is gathering momentum, with internal party divisions now tilting the balance in favour of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Political observers say a deepening crisis within the influential Mandate Group has weakened opposition structures, giving Hamzat a strategic edge over other contenders.

Why It Matters

The outcome of the APC primaries scheduled for May 18, 2026 could determine the next governor of Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Lagos remains a critical political stronghold, and decisions within the party often shape broader national political dynamics.

Key Contenders in Focus

Three major figures are currently shaping early calculations:

Obafemi Hamzat – Lagos Deputy Governor

Akinwunmi Ambode – Former Governor

Tokunbo Abiru – Serving Senator

While all three remain influential, analysts say Hamzat’s alignment with dominant party structures may prove decisive.

Power Blocs Driving Lagos Politics

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, two major blocs have shaped APC politics in Lagos:

Justice Forum

Mandate Group

These blocs act as political gatekeepers, often determining which aspirants secure backing from party leadership, including President Bola Tinubu.

Historically, securing support from at least one bloc has been crucial for any serious governorship aspirant.

Mandate Group Crisis Deepens

The Mandate Group, once a dominant force, is now grappling with internal divisions following:

The exit of Rauf Aregbesola

The death of Adebayo Osinowo

Leadership struggles between factions linked to Abdullahi Enilolobo and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa have further fragmented the bloc.

This division has reduced its influence in candidate selection and weakened its bargaining power.

Justice Forum’s Growing Influence

In contrast, the Justice Forum has strengthened its position, attracting key figures such as:

James Faleke

The bloc reportedly dominated recent local government elections and political appointments, reinforcing its control within the party.

Hamzat’s Strategic Advantage

With strong backing from the Justice Forum and a divided Mandate Group, Hamzat is seen by insiders as the frontrunner.

“At the moment, the Justice Forum is the only bloc that can confidently claim it has the machinery to deliver,” a party source said.

Another insider added:

“The Mandate Group is divided, and that has consequences.”

Observers say this has created a situation where Hamzat appears “almost unopposed” structurally, despite the presence of other aspirants.

Challenges Facing Rivals

Ambode’s Hurdles

Former governor Akinwunmi Ambode faces political and religious considerations.

“Being a Christian, his candidature may suffer a setback as some stakeholders prefer a Muslim candidate,” a party source noted.

There are also concerns about his independence in office during his previous tenure.

Abiru’s Long-Term Implications

For Tokunbo Abiru, analysts say his potential two-term tenure could disrupt long-term succession planning within the party.

Tinubu’s Role

Despite current alignments, the final decision may still rest with President Bola Tinubu.

Historically, he has:

Backed dominant blocs

Intervened when strong alternatives emerge

“Tinubu has gone against blocs before, but only when there was a strong alternative,” another insider said.

No Official Endorsement Yet

APC leaders have dismissed claims of a consensus candidate.

The party’s national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said members would be allowed to vote freely if consensus fails.

Similarly, Lagos APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi denied any endorsement from the presidency.

What’s Next

As the countdown to May 18 begins:

Alliances are expected to shift

Negotiations will intensify

Last-minute decisions could reshape the race

For now, however, Hamzat appears closest to securing the APC ticket.

Credit: Adapted from The Guardian and Goldmyn TV