Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara: A Steadfast Voice for Women and Community in Kosofe
Kafilat Adetola Ogbara’s journey from grassroots activism to the Nigerian House of Representatives exemplifies persistence, community focus, and a deep commitment to uplifting women. Born in Lagos in 1972, she laid her foundations in education at the Federal Home Science School, Ikoyi, before earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos. Today, she represents Kosofe Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly and serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development—roles that draw directly on her decades of leadership experience WikipediaBold.pro.
Roots and Early Leadership
Growing up in Lagos, Ogbara was inspired by parents who valued service and education. After completing her university studies, she first made her mark in the media and business sectors—working as a teacher at Abadat International School (1992), then as a nurse and estate consultant before launching her own companies. By the early 2000s, she had built a reputation as a thoughtful communicator and effective manager, skills she would later adapt to public office Bold.pro.
Her formal entry into politics came in 2003 when she stood as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Kosofe Federal Constituency – an ambitious step that, although unsuccessful, forged her resolve and expanded her network. She tried again in 2007 under the same banner, further sharpening her campaign strategy and grassroots mobilization efforts. During this period, she also served on national boards, including the National Centre for Women Development, where she championed programs for girls’ education and empowerment Bold.pro.
Building a National Profile
Between 2010 and 2013, Ogbara’s political career gained new dimensions. She was tapped as Special Assistant on Trade and Investment in Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she facilitated technical‐aid exchanges and built relationships with international partners. In 2015, she founded Community Development for Better Nigeria, a civil‐society platform that supported youth and women’s initiatives at the local level. Each role broadened her understanding of policy and deepened her commitment to inclusive governance Bold.pro.
Her leadership caught the eye of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and in 2019 she was appointed Commissioner of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission. There, she oversaw the transparent use of public funds and worked to strengthen the state’s financial controls—experience that would prove invaluable in legislative oversight Bold.pro.
Breaking Through: House of Representatives Victory
In May 2022, Ogbara secured the APC nomination for Kosofe, defeating strong contenders to become her party’s standard-bearer. In the February 2023 general election, she won the seat with 45,111 votes, surpassing the PDP’s Florence Adepegba (28,964 votes) and NNPP’s Abdulwaheed Odunuga (4,152 votes). Her victory marked the first time a woman claimed the Kosofe Federal Constituency seat—an achievement celebrated by women’s groups across Lagos State Wikipedia.
Legislative Leadership and Impact
Since assuming office in June 2023, Hon. Ogbara has taken charge of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, using the platform to:
- Champion Gender-Sensitive Legislation: She has sponsored bills to expand micro-credit schemes for female entrepreneurs and to mandate maternity leave protections for women in both public and private sectors.
- Drive Community Outreach: Quarterly town halls in Ogudu, Ketu, and Mile-12 ensure constituents can voice concerns and track the progress of federal projects.
- Strengthen Parliamentary Oversight: Drawing on her audit-commission experience, she leads reviews of social-welfare programs to improve transparency and reduce leakages Bold.pro.
Her work extends beyond committee rooms; she serves as Secretary of the Lagos State Caucus and represents the Southwest at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)—roles through which she promotes best practices and mentorship programs for young legislators Bold.pro.
A Vision for 35% Representation
Hon. Ogbara’s career embodies the goals of The 35% Project. By breaking local electoral barriers, achieving leadership in key parliamentary committees, and maintaining constant dialogue with her community, she demonstrates how women can—and must—occupy at least 35% of Nigeria’s political offices. As her tenure unfolds, she remains focused on crafting policies that deliver tangible benefits for women and families across Kosofe—and beyond.
Through her journey, Kafilat Adetola Ogbara tells a story of perseverance, competence, and rootedness in community—and offers a blueprint for future women leaders aiming to transform Nigeria’s democratic landscape.