ACCRA, Ghana – In a significant shift, Nigeria’s delegation to the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) now includes a female voice for the first time in years. Hon. Folasade Adeyemo, Ph.D, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government in Ogun State, is representing the country at the ongoing CLGF training summit in Accra, Ghana.
Her participation ends a period of male-only representation from Nigeria at the forum, marking a pivotal moment for women’s inclusion in grassroots governance discussions.
Hon. Adeyemo is using the platform to advocate for greater gender balance, tolerance, and improved service delivery in local government. She emphasized that integrating women’s perspectives is crucial for building inclusive and effective governance.
The summit, an Executive Strategic Leadership and Management Course for Effective Local Governance, has brought together officials to analyze governance models and share strategies for local development. Adeyemo noted that the forum’s focus aligns with increased national attention on rural governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Beyond passive attendance, Hon. Adeyemo was appointed the class coordinator and spokesperson for the Nigerian team at the executive leadership course, underscoring her active role.
She is part of a 12-state delegation from Nigeria, organized by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). The delegation is led by Hon. Ikenna Adikibe, Deputy National President of ALGON, and includes chairmen from states such as Taraba, Plateau, Delta, Ekiti, and Bayelsa.
Known for her “uncommon vision and dexterity,” Dr. Adeyemo’s tenure in Odeda Local Government has already been marked by transformative projects across its ten wards.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, whose commitment to gender balance and developmental strides has created “fertile ground for women leaders to thrive.” Her reintroduction of a female voice into the CLGF delegation is celebrated as a milestone that validates the essential role of women in Nigerian governance.
