Christmas: Makinde’s wife urges Oyo women to embrace giving, strengthen families

Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has urged women across the state to uphold the spirit of giving, strengthen family bonds, and continue championing peaceful communities as 2025 draws to a close.

She commended Oyo women for their resilience throughout the year, noting that their strength and contributions have continued to sustain communities across the state.

Speaking in Ibadan at the 2025 End-of-the-Year and Christmas Women’s Party, Mrs. Makinde—represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ajibola Lawal—said the annual celebration was more than a social gathering, describing it as a moment to reflect on women’s roles in families and in the state.

According to her, Oyo women have shown remarkable resilience in business, public service, agriculture, community building, and in their homes. 

She described them as “the heartbeat of Oyo State,” adding that their sacrifices keep the wheels of progress turning.

She reiterated that her vision for women in the state is for them to continue shining as beacons of hope, empowerment, and unity, noting that her office remains committed to creating platforms where women can bond, share experiences, and feel valued.

Mrs. Makinde added that Christmas offers a unique opportunity for women to reflect on the year’s blessings while embracing the hope and opportunities the new year will bring.

“Women have the power to nurture, uplift, and shape future generations. The values we instill in our homes, patience, humility, compassion, discipline, are the same values that shape our communities and our state.

“Nation-building begins within households. When a family is peaceful, a community becomes peaceful. And when communities are peaceful, the entire state enjoys stability and progress.”

She urged women to rekindle the true essence of Christmas through generosity and compassion, saying Christmas is not just a celebration, but a call to love.

“Let us share what we have, no matter how little with those around us. A simple act of kindness can transform someone’s entire year.”

She however extended warm wishes to all families, praying that Christmas brings peace, prosperity, and lasting joy to every home in Oyo State.

Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun applauded Mrs Makinde for consistently championing the cause of women and creating platforms that promote unity, gratitude, and sisterhood. 

She noted that women coming together to share experiences reinforces collective strength.

The Commissioner commended Oyo women for their remarkable contributions across multiple sectors during the year.

She however reaffirmed that the Ministry, with continued support from the Governor and the First Lady, would remain dedicated to advancing policies and programmes that ensure safety, dignity, and economic independence for all women.

Highlight of the event include distribution of food items and cash to women from all 33 local government areas, a gesture aimed at supporting families during the festive season and easing the economic strain experienced by many households.

Source: The Nation