Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the state is poised to deliver one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 General Election, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) launched the Project 774 Explore Initiative to promote women's empowerment, gender inclusion, and grassroots political participation.
The programme, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, brought together party leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, women groups, and stakeholders from across the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration's commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that women remain key partners in the development of Ondo State. He noted that his government has appointed women into strategic positions and continues to implement policies under the OUR EASE Development Agenda that promote education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social protection.
The governor described Project 774 Explore as a timely initiative that will strengthen grassroots participation and encourage more women to take up leadership roles. He urged stakeholders to support the programme, expressing confidence that the mobilisation of women across the state's 18 local government areas would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, described the initiative as a platform to deepen women's participation in politics and governance across Nigeria's 774 local government areas. She called on women to sustain their support for President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration's reforms are laying the foundation for long-term national development.
Dr. Alile-Idele also introduced the Tinubu Torchbearers Initiative, explaining that the movement was created to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to communities across the country. She was supported by the National Secretary of the Tinubu Torchbearers Initiative, Joyce Ibrahim, who urged women to remain united and committed to grassroots mobilisation.
The APC National Women Leader commended APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for strengthening the party's grassroots structures, while applauding First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative on women, youths, farmers, students, and other vulnerable Nigerians.
Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Abosede Adebukola Adelami, called for greater inclusion of women in governance. She said women must be equipped with leadership, advocacy, and political skills to enable them contribute meaningfully to decision-making and nation-building.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of empowerment grants, with several women entrepreneurs receiving ₦500,000 each to expand their businesses, while the Ondo State APC Women Leaders received a ₦5 million grant to strengthen their activities and grassroots mobilisation.
In her remarks, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising women's welfare through empowerment programmes. She advised beneficiaries to invest the grants wisely to grow their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the state's economic development.
