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AdvoKC Foundation, a youth-led civic technology and accountability organisation, held a scheduled advocacy meeting with Honourable Yusuf Sheriff Abiodun, the Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Member representing the Ado/Odo Ota 1 Constituency, on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The meeting, which forms part of AdvoKC Foundation's Strengthening Women and Youth Political Power project, focused on the proposed 35% Gender Composition Bill, a legislative initiative aimed at enshrining a minimum of 35% gender representation in appointive positions across Ogun State into law.
The AdvoKC Foundation delegation comprised Habib Sheidu, Project Director and Acting Executive Director; Onyinye Edyson, Programme Manager and Head of the Ogun State Cluster; and Dare Olatunde, Head of Programmes and Partnerships. Also present at the meeting was Honourable Abayomi Oke, Founder and Provost of SKATA, Chief Executive Officer of Novent Concept, and AdvoKC Foundation's Cluster Member in Ogun State, whose presence facilitated the engagement.
During the meeting, the AdvoKC team outlined the rationale and framework for the intervention, emphasising that its passage would serve as a critical legislative complement to the Executive Order signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on April 4, 2022, which established a minimum 35% representation for women in government and politics in Ogun State.
The team acknowledged Governor Abiodun's commendable progress in advancing gender inclusion through the Executive Order while stressing that legislation is essential for long-term sustainability and accountability. Unlike an Executive Order, which is subject to the discretion of successive administrations, a law creates an enduring and enforceable framework that protects the rights of both men and women to equitable representation in governance.
Honourable Yusuf Sheriff Abiodun received the delegation warmly and responded positively to the proposed initiative. Reflecting on its significance, the Majority Leader described it as a timely and important intervention. He affirmed his strategic role as Chairman of Bills in the House and as Chairman of Majority Leaders in the South West, positioning him to drive the legislative process effectively.
Importantly, the Majority Leader expressed his commitment to work on the Gender Composition Bill and to champion its introduction and progression within the Ogun State House of Assembly.
The receptiveness demonstrated by Honourable Abiodun reflects a progressive commitment to gender-inclusive governance and signals a promising pathway toward the bill's legislative advancement.
Speaking on the outcome of the visit, Habib Sheidu, Acting Executive Director of AdvoKC Foundation, said: "This meeting represents a meaningful step forward in our efforts to institutionalise gender equity in Ogun State's governance framework. We are encouraged by the Majority Leader's receptiveness and his clear understanding of the importance of this bill. An Executive Order is a powerful statement of intent, but a law is a guarantee. We look forward to working with Honourable Abiodun to ensure that the 35% Gender Composition Bill becomes a lasting legacy for the people of Ogun State."