By Zarumi Mashood and Ruth Adebayo
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, describing it another initiative to create more opportunities for women in the state.
The launch, which makes Kwara the first state in the North Central to domesticate the national policy, was organised by the Office of the First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in partnership with the Ajike People’s Support Centre and Eden Venture Group.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the domestication would further dismantle systemic barriers that women face in access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.
“I urge everyone to support this initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses, as we work together to build a Kwara where no woman is left behind, and every girl can aspire to greatness,” the Governor said in Ilorin, the state capital.
“By supporting women entrepreneurs through skills training and improved access to financial resources, we aim to close the gender earnings gap and unlock the economic potential of half of our population for Kwara’s growth.”
Kwara had earlier set a national benchmark in gender mainstreaming (Gender Composition Bill) which mandates at least 35% women in appointive positions, and a cabinet that once comprised over 56% women, the Governor added.
“Our administration has championed structural reforms, from the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC),” the Governor said.
He commended the Nigeria First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting gender inclusion and women empowerment, and the Kwara First Lady for her contributions to women empowerment in the state.
The First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq said Nigerian women, as in many parts of the world, face numerous barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and market opportunities.
These barriers are gradually being broken through strategic investments and innovative initiatives like in Kwara, where the government has continued to create a fertile environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders, she added.
The First Lady lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, adding that her office is complementing the government to promote the interest of female gender.
“The domestication of WEE policy in the state exemplifies our collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social economic outcomes across the state and indeed Nigeria,” she said.
The First Lady, Prof. Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq expressed concern that women face numerous barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and market opportunities in Nigeria and across the world.
Prof. AbdulRazaq said her office and the Ajike People Support Centre would continue to advance the cause of women economic empowerment closely working with state and non-state actors alike.
“It is indeed a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to this occasion of the formal launch of the domestication of Women Economic Empowerment policy in Kwara.
“Today’s event no doubt stand to appraise successes recorded in women development in the state and create sustainable pathways to further promoting the economic empowerment of Kwara women.
“I commend the state government team and our technical partners for WEE Policy domestication Eden Ventures Group and Hacey Development Partners for the work that culminated in today’s Women Economic Empowerment Policy Launch.”
Prof. AbdulRazaq said the empowerment will promote gender equality and women’s rights, while presenting a renewed hope and progress for women across the state, adding that a lot of barriers stand in the way of women.
“These barriers are further compounded by discriminatory social norms, cultural practices, and structural inequalities that perpetuate gender-based disparities and hinder women’s full participation in the economy.
“However, through strategic investments and innovative initiatives like this, opportunities abound to break these barriers and create enabling environment where women can thrive as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders.
“With women holding over 50 percent of its cabinet positions and commissioners, Kwara exemplifies a commitment to inclusive governance championed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON).”
The governor’s wife said women and youths have been trained in skills acquisition and presented with tools.
She said domestication of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy exemplified collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social economic out comes across the state and Nigeria.
Prof. AbdulRazaq said that the initiative would generate effects that extend beyond individual beneficiaries, contributing to broader socio-economic development and poverty reduction efforts by empowering women as agents of change and economic drivers within their communities.
“We have also presented financial grants to support small businesses but beyond this, we have sustained advocacy and awareness in ensuring the inclusion of women and youth in politics and governance and indeed all sectors of our economy.
“It is my belief that the domestication of this policy would achieve remarkable success in empowering women to start and grow their businesses, access financial services, and participate in value chains across various sectors of the economy.
“By providing targeted support, including training, mentorship, access to finance, and market linkages, this initiative would enable women overcome structural barriers and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit”, she said.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, said the administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to women empowerment.
Representative of the Minister, Dr Idonije, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for taking laudable steps towards expanding opportunities for women.
This has transformed many households and communities, she said.
Idonije said with the new policy being put in place by the state government, the chances of advancing economic opportunities for women are very high.
Chief Executive Officer for HACEY, Mrs Roda Robinson, described the policy as a vital tool for delivering transformational change, offering a coordinated and inclusive framework to harness the full potential of women as contributors to economic and social development.
Miss Fifehan Osikolu, who spoke for Eden Venture Group, hailed the dedication of the Governor and his wife, Mrs AbdulRazaq, to the cause of women, saying they are proud to partner the government on the domestication of WEE policy.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Kwara First Lady and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, who was represented by Dr Jummai Idonije.
Others are wife of the Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hajia Saadat Yakubu Danladi; Deputy Chief Whip Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; wife of the Kwara State Chief Judge, Mrs Janet Olufunke Adebara; Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya; wife of the state APC Chairman, Princess Ayodele Fagbemi; wives of local government chairmen; and different women support groups.
