Across the world, women have proven that when given the opportunity, they bring compassion, resilience, and innovation into leadership. Yet, in Nigeria, women remain underrepresented in politics and governance. For Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA), this gap is not just a statistic — it is a challenge she has dedicated her life to addressing.
BASA – A Woman of the People, A Voice for the Grassroots (Series I)
BASA believes that the future of Oyo State cannot be built by sidelining half of its population. Women are not only caregivers at home or traders in markets; they are also builders of societies, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. In every community she visits, BASA sees the untapped strength of women: the market woman who sustains her family with little resources, the mother who sacrifices daily to keep her children in school, the young girl whose dreams are often cut short due to lack of opportunity.
Her message is clear: when women rise, communities thrive.
This is why she consistently advocates for policies that open the political and economic space for women. Her work with the BASA Foundation has always prioritised women empowerment through skill acquisition, financial inclusion, and mentorship. Beyond empowerment, she pushes for inclusion — women not just as beneficiaries, but as active participants in shaping decisions.
In her own political journey, BASA broke barriers by contesting as a governorship candidate in a space historically dominated by men. That bold move was not about self-recognition, but about creating a path for other women to follow. She often says: “I carry the dreams of countless young women who believe their voices matter in politics.”
BASA – A Woman of the People, A Voice for the Grassroots (Series II)
Her vision for Oyo State is one where the voices of women are no longer on the margins but at the center of decision-making. Because when women are given a seat at the table, policies become more inclusive, leadership becomes more compassionate, and communities become stronger.
For BASA, the empowerment of women is not just about gender justice — it is about unlocking the full potential of Oyo State.
