• Say Gov’s reforms on gender parity, youth engagement best in Nigeria

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara women in their numbers, led by female government cabinet members and ruling APC candidates, have held a rally to mobilise support for the re-election of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The rally which held on Saturday was reportedly part of the activities to commemorate the international women’s day (IWD) in the state.

The rally commenced at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School Ilorin, the state capital, and crisscrossed some major streets of the metropolis, with marchers displaying various banners that spoke to the strides of the Governor in gender mainstreaming and other programmes designed to protect women’s interest.

The rally was also attended by party faithful and women and youths support groups in the state.

“This is an after event of celebration of the International Women’s Day, and all the women in Kwara came together to celebrate His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for deepening gender parity in governance and politics,” Commissioner for Finance Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi told newsmen on the sideline of the rally.

She said Kwara APC has just produced the highest number of women contesting for elective positions in Nigeria, a feat she traced to the gender inclusion policy of the Governor.

“As you can see, we have all our candidates here. The state has the highest women representation as party candidates, who are contesting for House of Assembly seats. This is an opportunity to come out and celebrate His Excellency’s achievements for his gender inclusion in governance to ensure that women are doing it right. We are sure that women of Kwara State will reciprocate this gesture at the polls,” Oyeyemi said.

“You would recall that His Excellency has also signed a law of affirmative action of at least 35 per cent representation (appointments) in public offices. So this is just an appreciation to the Governor for his support. We are grateful to him for setting the pace for other Nigerians to follow.”