Accra, Ghana – In a significant stride for gender inclusion, Hon. Dr. Folasade Adeyemo has ended years of male-only representation from Nigeria at the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF). As the Chairman of Odeda Local Government in Ogun State, her presence at the ongoing CLGF training summit in Accra marks the return of a female Nigerian voice to the international governance conversation.

Dr. Adeyemo’s participation is a pivotal moment, challenging a long history of women's exclusion from such delegations. However, her role extends far beyond symbolism; she is actively shaping the agenda. Demonstrating her leadership, she was appointed the class coordinator and spokesperson for the Nigerian team at the summit, moving from a passive participant to a central figure in the deliberations.

She is using the platform to champion critical dialogues on gender balance, tolerance, and improved service delivery, insisting that women's perspectives are essential for building inclusive and effective local governance.

The summit, a three-day Executive Strategic Leadership and Management Course, has provided a platform for delegates to interrogate governance models and craft blueprints for grassroots transformation. Adeyemo emphasized that the timing is strategic, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s increased focus on rural governance.

Hon. Adeyemo is part of a broader 12-state delegation from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), led by its Deputy National President, Hon. Ikenna Adikibe. The delegation is collectively working to redefine the role of local governments as active architects of economic development.

Reflecting on her milestone, Hon. Adeyemo expressed gratitude to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment to gender balance, noting that his supportive administration has created a fertile ground for women leaders to thrive. Her tenure in Odeda Local Government, marked by transformative projects across ten wards, has already cemented her reputation as a leader of vision and action.