Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele has stressed that leadership is beyond the gender holding office, but rather about service, vision, integrity and opening doors for others.

Salako-Oyedele made this known while serving as one of the panelists on the topic ‘Dare to Dream: Women in Politics and Legislative Leadership’, at an event tagged the ‘The Nigerian Women’s Day, 30 years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope’, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, held in New York, USA.

She noted that as deputy governor, she is constantly focused on using her position to create opportunities for women and young people, ensuring that governance reflects the needs of the people.

She added that she has been actively championing the inclusion of women and youth in political structures, as well as supporting female candidates and appointees at various levels of government.

While underscoring the value of mentorship in leadership, Salako-Oyedele revealed that maintaining cordial relationship with female predessors as well as other notable female politicians has helped her navigate the realities of a highly visible but often misunderstood role.

According to her, ” Such guidance as I have received from those who have gone before me has reinforced my belief in the importance of building a pipeline of future leaders, both men and women.

“The road is not easy but if we continue to support each other, build strong networks, and push for meaningful inclusion, the landscape will change.”

She disclosed that in Ogun State, government continues to demonstrate that when women lead, communities thrive, saying that though politics is often described as a game of power, for her, it has been an opportunity to serve, uplift others and to support the vision Governor Abiodun.

The deputy governor charged those present to avoid praise singers, underlying that politics is demanding and it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of public office, therefore making it imperative to surround oneself with people who will tell the truth, even when it is difficult to hear.

Leadership should be about service – Ogun Deputy Governor