It was a gathering of purpose, pride, and politics on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as the APC Amazons of Ikorodu Federal Constituency hosted a colourful Party Appreciation Day at Aquila Hall in Ikorodu.
The event brought together female politicians, grassroots mobilizers, and party leaders to celebrate the resilience of women in governance and to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to placing women in key leadership positions.
The APC Amazons, an influential women’s network within the All Progressives Congress, APC, is focused on mentoring and supporting young women aspiring to leadership.
Convened by Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, DG of iCare Foundation, the event was initiated by Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, and chaired by Aareebinrin Dr. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Hon. Commissioner of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Sanwoola highlighted how far women in Ikorodu politics have come.
“The APC Amazons have grown from 12–15 contestants in 2021 to over 45 women holding diverse positions today, including supervisory councillors, councilors, SLGs, vice-chairmen, and chairmen,” he said.
“These women did not simply receive appointments. They worked tremendously to earn them through rigorous competition with men. We value what the ruling Party has done in promoting female leaders.”
He added that the APC Amazons platform has helped female contestants share ideas and navigate campaign challenges, a strategy that has helped women secure leadership positions in four out of six LCDA legislative chambers in the Ikorodu division.
The Guest of Honour, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, APC Lagos State Deputy Governor flag-bearer, delivered the keynote address and urged women to approach politics with strategy.
She outlined a 5-point formula that guided her own political journey:
1. *Identify a gap*
2. *Take ownership and responsibility*
3. *Find collaborators*
4. *Take action*
5. *Maintain consistency*
“These principles guided my emergence,” she said, commending the organizers. “Our Party, APC, does not only reward competence; it also rewards resilience.”
Representing Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, Ms. Comfort Adunni Olafare delivered a goodwill message celebrating women’s increasing role in governance.
“I celebrate all of you for offering yourselves for service and demonstrating that women are not merely participants in our democracy but critical stakeholders in shaping our society,” she said.
Mrs. Jumoke Benson, wife of the initiator Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, expressed gratitude to her husband for his support. She expressed optimism that the APC Amazons will soon produce Nigeria’s first female Governor, stressing that equal opportunities remain key to national progress.
In an interview, Chairperson Aareebinrin Dr. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba said the presence of a Deputy Governor candidate at the event shows the party provides a level playing field.
“This is where my heart is. I love Ikorodu and I can never depart from it. After Ikorodu, there is no other place for me, but I am more and more grateful to God,” she stated.
It was also an opportunity to celebrate and extend warm felicitations to Aarebirin Hon Princess Dr Folashade Olabanji-Oba on the occasion of her birthday anniversary.
The Appreciation Day ended with calls for more mentorship, unity, and support for women preparing to contest in future elections across Lagos State and beyond.
