Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari has called on all states in Nigeria to emulate the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in promoting the welfare of women for overall development of Nigeria.
Mrs Buhari who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Women Affairs, Dr. Rukayat Gurun made the call in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital North Central Nigeria on Tuesday at a programme titled, “Cracking the Glass Ceiling: the story of Kwara Women” and signing of the state political offices (Gender Composition) Bill 2021 by Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq.
She described AbdulRahman as a true partner to women who is doing well for advancing the course of women stressing that they are all testimonies to the historic story of Kwara women under him.
She also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for giving opportunities to women to thrive.
Kwara’s First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, on her part, explained that the event is to inspire the average Kwara woman to leverage on the women-friendly initiatives of the state government to chart progressive course for themselves and be active participants in the processes of governance for the development of their immediate communities and the nation.
“While today’s event is essentially to bring to the fore the impacts women can make when given a fair competitive chance in all spheres of endeavor, this convergence also provides the opportunity to celebrate women especially Kwara women who have carved a niche for themselves in their respective callings while giving assurances through the gender inclusive disposition of the Administration of the Governor of Kwara State His Excellency Abdulrazaq that there is no limit to the dream and aspirations of every woman and girl, irrespective of their religion or socio cultural leanings.
“This event also stands to commemorate the United Nations 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which started on the 25th of November,” she added.
Unique cabinet
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Paulen said the formation of AbdulRazaq’s women-dominated cabinet is remarkably unique, adding that the event further underlined the Governor’s efforts at improving the lot of women in national development.
The Minister lauded the Governor’s wife for supporting her husband to cause a meaningful change in the history of the state.
She added: “It is most gratifying to join this event organised to celebrate the socio-cultural, economic and political contributions of women in Kwara State. It is on record that Kwara started cracking the glass ceiling in 2019 with the landmark appointments, where he appointed 9 women out of 16 commissioners into the state Executive Council.”
More women inclusiveness
In her keynote address, Founder/CEO Sokoa Chair Centre, Mrs Ibukun Awosika congratulated the Governor for being exceptional and a pacesetter in allowing the girl child to be a major part of the political and economic aspect of the state.
“Kwara State is a good example of states that understand the value inherent in women. Kwara has shown that it has women who have gone through many fields and every corner of this state and Nigeria,” she said.
“Nothing is wrong with you being a girl or woman. We need to appreciate and use every resources that we have to our advantage. We must educate every girl and empower women. I want to call on every young girl, as long as you have brain and you are educated, there is nothing you can’t do because of your gender” she added.
According to her, women are compassionate and care more about community adding that we need women and men to work together collaboratively and that women are not seeking to replace men but to work together for the development of the society.
The National Missioner of Ansarul- Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. Abdulrahman Ahmad said the glass ceiling is a temporary barrier created by man, adding that God makes no rigid distinctions in what success that people can attain, no matter their gender.
He said Governor AbdulRazaq has made history in the country in trying to give more voice to women and every member of the society.
Various speakers took turns to commend the AbdulRahman’s administration for its historic gender inclusion policy.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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