By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — The Badagry Women Development Forum (BWDF) honored Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, at the 2026 International Women’s Day with the title of Grand Patron.
The event, themed “Redirecting Women’s Focus: Give to Gain,” was held on Thursday, 2nd April 2026, at Topa Guest House, Badagry, Lagos.
Led by its Founder and Principal Coordinator, Hon. (Mrs.) Sewede Pot-Balogun, the event brought together women and dignitaries from across various sectors to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of women to society. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and cultural pride as the forum sought to chart a new course for female leadership in the division.
In her opening address, Hon. Pot-Balogun delivered a message on the resilience of the female gender, stating, “Anyone with the support of women will find it easier to weather the storms of life.” She paid a glowing tribute to the late Chief Sunny Akinsanya Ajose, the former Grand Patron, acknowledging that his enduring legacy provided the foundation upon which the forum currently stands.
She reflected on the association's journey, highlighting its evolution into a powerhouse for nurturing "purposeful and intentional women." The Principal Coordinator emphasized that the BWDF remains a true embodiment of the proverb that "women are builders," citing numerous grassroots projects aimed at economic self-reliance for Badagry mothers.
The "Mother of the Day," Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), emphasized the critical role women play as the architects of societal values. She noted that the future of Nigeria depends heavily on the intentionality of mothers in raising the next generation.
“What is given determines what is gained,” the Vice-Chancellor remarked, encouraging attendees to invest more in the moral and educational upbringing of their children. In recognition of her unwavering support for female advancement, Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye was presented with a special award of excellence by the forum.
A major highlight of the garden party was the official elevation of Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende to the position of Grand Patron. As the pioneer of the Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, Ogunlende’s promotion from Patron was described by attendees as a natural fit, filling the longstanding vacancy left by the late Chief Sunny Ajose.
Accepting the mantle, Hon. Ogunlende led the gathering in a minute of silence for his predecessor, whom he described as a father figure. He commended the palpable unity among the BWDF members but issued a strategic challenge: the inclusion of younger women. He noted that for the forum to achieve long-term sustainability, the energy of the youth must be integrated into the wisdom of the elders.
The event took on a pan-Lagos dimension with the arrival of the RAK 57 Women, representing all 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs in the state. Hon. Ogunlende noted on his official social media channels that this group has built an enduring five-year relationship with his foundation, adding significant prestige to the Badagry celebration.