Ogun State Commissioner, Adeleye Calls for Unity in Addressing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

In a powerful solidarity message delivered at the 2024 International Human Rights Celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, urged Nigerians to come together in addressing the pressing issues of inequality, labor strikes, student unrest, and police brutality.

The event, held at the NLC House in Leme, Abeokuta, on Monday, December 8th, 2024, was a poignant reminder of the principles that unite Nigerians as a people - justice, fairness, and equality. As a political office holder and one with the "undying ALUTA SPIRIT," the Commissioner spoke passionately about the challenges that test these principles daily.

Addressing the theme, "Equality: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights," the Commissioner acknowledged the dynamic nature of Nigeria, where inequality persists as a hurdle that stifles progress and potential. From gender gaps to economic disparities, these inequalities, she said, deeply affect the social and economic fabric of communities.

The sub-theme, "Labour Strikes, Students' Unrest, and Police Brutality," captured some of the most pressing issues facing the nation. The Commissioner highlighted how these challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, especially women and children. She shared how during labor strikes, it is often the women who bear the burden of sustaining families, while female students face heightened risks of harassment and disruption to their education during student unrest. In the face of police brutality, she noted, it is the marginalized who pay the highest price.

Addressing these challenges, the Commissioner emphasized, is not just a necessity but a moral obligation. In Ogun State, she shared, the government is making deliberate efforts to bridge these gaps through empowerment programs for women, youth initiatives, and promoting dialogue between communities and law enforcement.

However, the Commissioner stressed that no government can do this alone. She called on civil society, religious organizations, traditional leaders, and every Nigerian to play a collective and individual role in reducing inequality and advancing human rights. "Real change happens only when we come together," she said, urging the audience to amplify the voices of the oppressed, hold systems accountable, and challenge the status quo wherever it fails to uphold justice and equity.

As the event concluded, the Commissioner left the audience with a powerful message: "A nation is only as strong as its commitment to justice and fairness for all. Reducing inequality and advancing human rights is not just a dream—it is our shared duty." With a resolve to create a legacy of equality for generations to come, the audience left the celebration with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to building a better, fairer Nigeria.