Lagos, Nigeria – June 10, 2025 — In a development widely hailed as a testament to her enduring influence and political sagacity, Chief (Mrs.) Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, has been appointed a member of the prestigious Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
The appointment places Okoya-Thomas among a select group of political leaders entrusted with shaping policy direction and providing strategic counsel to the Lagos State Governor. The GAC, an elite body comprising influential politicians and elder statesmen, serves as the apex advisory organ within the Lagos APC political structure.
Her elevation to the council has been met with praise from party members, women’s advocacy groups, and political stakeholders across the state, many of whom see the appointment as long overdue recognition for her decades-long contributions to Lagos politics and women’s empowerment.
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A Trailblazer for Women in Politics
The Merit Newspaper has acknowledged and reported that Chief (Mrs.) Okoya-Thomas is a household name in Lagos politics, not only because of her prominent family heritage—the daughter of the late industrialist and philanthropist, Molade Okoya-Thomas—but also due to her unyielding commitment to grassroots mobilisation, party loyalty, and gender inclusion.
She has served in several strategic capacities, including as a former Member of the House of Representatives for Lagos Island Federal Constituency. During her tenure in the National Assembly, she was known for her advocacy on education, healthcare, and social development, especially programs targeted at women and children.
As Lagos APC Women Leader, she has played a critical role in ensuring gender balance in party affairs, spearheading campaigns to increase women’s political participation, and galvanising support for the APC across all local government areas in Lagos.
Her community outreach initiatives and philanthropic activities—ranging from scholarship schemes to healthcare support—have endeared her to many within and beyond the political space.
A Voice for Progress in the GAC
With her appointment, observers believe the GAC is poised to benefit from a more inclusive perspective, particularly regarding youth development, women’s issues, and policy implementation at the grassroots.
Speaking with party supporters shortly after the news broke, Okoya-Thomas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at a higher level. “This appointment is not just about me—it is a reflection of the growing recognition that women must be at the table where major decisions are made. I am honoured to contribute my experience and commitment to the continued development of Lagos State,” she said.
A Symbol of Continuity and Transformation
Her inclusion in the Governor’s Advisory Council comes at a time when the APC in Lagos is seeking to consolidate on reforms and ensure continuity in governance. Analysts suggest that her political maturity, combined with her accessibility to the grassroots, will serve as a stabilising force within the party.
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Chief (Mrs.) Okoya-Thomas’s appointment underscores the Lagos APC’s recognition of loyal, tested, and strategic actors within its ranks—particularly women who have broken political ceilings and paved the way for others.
