Kwara governor signs women political inclusion bill

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has signed a bill titled, Political offices (Gender Composition) bill 2021 to ensure that women get 35 per cent representation and appointment in the state.

Speaking at a women empowerment programme, tagged, Cracking the glass ceiling, in Ilorin, on Tuesday, the governor said that the purpose of signing the bill was to further ensure that the trend of women inclusivity is sustained.

The event also commemorated the United Nations 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which started on November 25.

The governor, who said that the programme was aimed to bring to the fore the impacts women can make when given a fair competitive chance in all spheres of endeavour, added that the event provided the opportunity to celebrate women especially Kwara women who have carved a niche for themselves in their respective callings.

Governor Abdulrazaq also said that there should be no limit to the dream and aspirations of every woman and girl irrespective of their religion or socio-cultural leanings.

It is recalled that Governor Abdulrazaq appointed 56.25 per cent female when he constituted his cabinet.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, said that the governor appointed 50% women as permanent secretaries with a woman as the head of the civil service of the state to also promote women inclusion.

“He equally appointed a woman as the head of Kwara State internal revenue service. We have beautiful stories to tell of Kwara women who have challenged stereotypes and cracked the proverbial glass ceiling to get to the peak of their chosen careers, Madam Sarah Jubril, Justice Raliat Elelu, Dr Nike Alade and Hajia Bola Shagaya are some of Kwara women who have blazed the trail in this regard.

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, called on state governors to ensure more gender inclusiveness in the schemes of affairs to enable women to contribute to societal development.

Represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Women Affairs, Dr Rukayyatu Gurin, Mrs Buhari said that women would do more to support humanity if given the opportunity.

She commended Kwara state governor for appointing great number of women into his cabinet.

The wife of the President noted that the state is being celebrated based on its women-friendly policy.

In her address, the minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, expressed satisfaction with support for women and girl-child in business, education and health care.

She maintained that the state will always stand tall when the successes of women are mentioned.