Leadership is about service, not gender – Ogun Deputy Governor

Leadership is about service, not gender – Ogun Deputy Governor 

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has emphasized that leadership transcends gender, stressing that it is about service, vision, integrity, and creating opportunities for others.

Speaking as a panelist on the topic “Dare to Dream: Women in Politics and Legislative Leadership” at the Nigerian Women’s Day event in New York, USA, she highlighted the importance of inclusive governance. 

The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, marked 30 years of progress, resilience, impact, and renewed hope for Nigerian women.

Salako-Oyedele noted that in her role as Deputy Governor, she remains committed to empowering women and young people by advocating for their inclusion in political structures, supporting female candidates, and ensuring governance addresses the needs of all citizens.

Underscoring the significance of mentorship in leadership, she revealed that she maintains a close relationship with her female predecessors and other notable women in politics. 

Their guidance, she said, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of her role, which is often highly visible yet misunderstood.

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 also noted that in Ogun State, Government continues to demonstrate that when women lead, communities thrive.

The Deputy Governor said 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 of my principal, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. 

She charged those present to avoid praise singers, concluding by pointing out that it was very important to stay grounded, underlying the fact 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.