By Zarumi Mashood
Kwara All Progressives Congress on Wednesday launched the State Female Aspirants Group (KSFAG), being a platform for women eyeing political seats across various levels of governance.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, State Coordinator for KSFAG, Amb. Zainab Damilola Abbas, said they created the platform to amplify the participation of women in politics and governance, noting this also aligns with the gender inclusivity of the administration in the state.
Amb. Abbas commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for maintaining 35 per cent of women’s representation in governance and said the KSFAG is focused on working in that direction.
“The Kwara State Female Aspirants Group seeks to monitor and mobilize women across the 16 local government areas, strengthen solidarity among female aspirants, and complement government efforts in implementing the Renewed Hope Vision,” she said.
She said both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq recognize that women are central to national development and have continued to inspire the folk with adequate support to make impacts in many ways.
“We, the female aspirants of Kwara State, stand firmly in alignment with this vision and remain committed to translating it into tangible impact at the grassroots level,” she said.
“We are united by a common purpose to sustain His Excellency’s precedence of women’s inclusion in governance, to strengthen women’s political participation, and to prepare a new generation of female leaders who are capable, credible, and committed to service.”
According to her, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration has restored confidence among citizens and opened doors for women across Nigeria to thrive both socially, economically, and politically.
She appreciated the support of the President and the Nigeria First Lady and National Grand Matron, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Kwara First Lady Amb. Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq,
and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mutawalle for consistently advocating for advancement of women nationwide.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Social Development Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam lauded the initiative and advised women to show interest in politics and be united at all times.
“As we all know, our Governor is well known for Heforshe. He has been supportive of women’s aspirations, and progress. We have seen that in how he formed his government’s cabinet and how many women held elective positions and other organizations that have been thriving,” she told reporters on the sideline of the event.
“It is important that women see unity as their watchword. If you know you are vying for positions as women, this forum will be an avenue to stand together. So, we are preaching unity and if possible a sole candidacy for each of the political positions. We know that all of us cannot get there. But we need to choose credible candidates as our representatives.”
Hon. Hawau Alabi Bashir, who was the guest speaker of the day, said Governor Abdulrazaq has widened the door of political opportunities for women through appointments and support for gender-friendly policies.
“This means a declaration that Kwara women are ready to rise, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to the political development of our dear state and our great nation,” she said, commending AbdulRazaq for his leadership qualities.
