Home
Promises
All Trackers GSM WATCH (Oyo State) JKF WATCH (Ekiti State) ENO Watch (Akwa Ibom)
About Media Reports Contact Us Suggest Donate
Partially Completed
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Appointment Of Women Into Government Positions

—

Our Assessment 

While the administration made a historic leap by appointing the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the history of Oyo State, the overall volume of women in decision-making positions remained low, falling significantly short of the 35% affirmative action benchmark often advocated by civil society and the "gender balance" implied in the administration's roadmap. 

 

Why It Matters 

Gender-inclusive governance is not just a matter of fairness; it is a prerequisite for effective policy-making. Women bring distinct perspectives on healthcare, education, and social welfare, sectors that directly impact the daily lives of families. When women are excluded from the "inner circle" of the cabinet, the government risks developing blind spots in its development agenda. 

 

In the context of the Oyo State Government, the "cabinet" refers strictly to the Oyo State Executive Council. This is the highest decision-making body in the state’s executive branch, established pursuant to the Nigerian Constitution. It is chaired by the Governor and comprised of the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, and the Honourable Commissioners who head the various line ministries (such as Finance, Health, and Justice).

 

Suggest a Correction

Progress So Far

Jan 03, 2021

Historic Appointment of First Female SSG Overshadowed by Low Cabinet Parity in Oyo First Term

As the first term reached its conclusion in May 2023, the final review of the state’s executive structure highlighted a persistent gender imbalance. 

 

Despite the administration's rhetoric of inclusion, the composition of the State Executive Council had not changed significantly since its inauguration, with women holding only the portfolios for Women Affairs and Local Government/Chieftaincy Matters for the majority of the term. 

 

 

Throughout 2021 and 2022, the administration focused on diversifying its appointments within boards and agencies. Several women were appointed to the management teams of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), where they took on roles in planning, research, and standard assurance. 

 

The term’s most significant milestone occurred in late 2019 and early 2020. Shortly after his inauguration, the Governor fulfilled a major symbolic promise by appointing Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun as the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Oyo State's history. This was followed by the appointment of two female commissioners to the inaugural cabinet. 

 

Oyo State Government | Swearing-In of the Secretary To The State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun

 

These early actions were seen as a signal of a new era for women in governance; however, as the term progressed, the momentum for further high-level female appointments slowed, leaving the administration with a "historic but limited" record on gender inclusion as it prepared for the 2023 transition.

Share this with friends

Stay in the loop

Get the latest reports and tracking updates sent to your inbox.