The Ogun State chapter of the Network of Women Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sectors (WOPWASH) has inaugurated its pioneer executives in a grand style. The inauguration ceremony which witnessed an impressive turnout took place on 11th April, 2018 at the Ogun State Water Corporation Headquarters Board Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The inauguration was witnessed by foreign delegates from African Water Association (AfWA) who were in Abeokuta for the exploratory audit mission of the Ogun State Water Corporation Laboratory, the management team of Ogun State Water Corporation and other staff and representatives from neighbouring institutions of WASH sector.

Goodwill messages were delivered during the occasion. The President of the Nigeria Water Supply Association ably represented by the Vice President (South West), Engr. Salaam Surudeen congratulated all the participants for making the occasion a reality and urged all members to keep striving towards the growth and development of the forum. He highlighted the strategy of having the Utility/State based chapter of the forum and the National body which is under the Nigeria Water Supply Association which is firming up collaboration with AfWA. Speaking on behalf of AfWA, the AfriCap Program Coordinator, Mr. Gilles Djagoun conveyed a congratulatory message from AfWA headquarters and elucidated the views of other speakers by giving a brief history on the important role women play in assuring the provision of safe and potable water in society and their critical role in meeting the SDGs target. In attendance to conduct the inauguration of the pioneer executives was Mrs. Margaret N. M. Macauley, from Ghana Water Company Limited.

Speaking at the inauguration, the General Manager of Ogun State Water Corporation, Engr. (Mrs.) Toyin Agboola affirmed her membership of the forum and congratulated the entire members of the forum, particularly the newly sworn-in executives. She urged them to take the forum seriously and make their contributions to the Association such that they can move it forward and make their mark in society.

The Ogun State WOPWASH inaugural lecture was delivered by Mrs. Grace Olaleye of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNNAB), Alabata, Abeokuta. In her lecture she stressed the important role women play in keeping the homes and most importantly making water available, drawing from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The newly sworn-in WOPWASH Coordinator for Ogun State Mrs. M.O. Jaji appreciated all that attended for making it to the inauguration ceremony; she delivered the apology of the Nigeria Coordinator of WOPWASH, Barr. Cordelia Agbo, who was unavoidably absent at the ceremony. Giving the vote of thanks, the newly sworn- in Publicity Director, Mrs. Dupe Adeyombo promised that the newly inaugurated executives will not disappoint the gathering but will act in office in a way that will make all stakeholders very proud.

The newly inaugurated executives are: Mrs. Muinat Jaji, the State Coordinator; Mrs. Abimbola Oladunni, Assistant Coordinator; Mrs. Oluwakemi Oduyiga, Secretary; Mrs. Islamiyat Raimi, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Mary Osinnaike, Treasurer; Mrs. Dupe Adeyombo, Publicity Director; Mrs. Oluwakemi Olatunji, Social Director and Mrs. Muinat Amosu, Chief Whip.