By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwara State Chapter, has launched the Kwara State Female Aspirants Group (KSFAG), a platform created to support and promote women aspiring for political offices across various levels of governance in the state.
Speaking in Ilorin on Wednesday, the State Coordinator of KSFAG, Ambassador Zainab Damilola Abbas, said the initiative was designed to amplify women’s participation in politics and governance, in line with the gender inclusivity policy of the state administration.
Ambassador Abbas commended the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for maintaining 35 per cent women’s representation in governance, noting that the group’s activities are aimed at sustaining and building upon that achievement.
“The Kwara State Female Aspirants Group seeks to monitor and mobilise 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 added that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq recognise the critical role of women in national development and have continued to provide support to ensure their meaningful participation.
“We, the female aspirants of the state, stand firmly in alignment with this vision and remain committed to translating it into tangible impact at the grassroots level,” Abbas stated.
“We are united by a common purpose to sustain the Governor’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,” she added.
According to her, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration has restored citizens’ confidence and opened doors for women across Nigeria to thrive socially, economically, and politically.
She also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the First Lady and National Grand Matron, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Kwara First Lady, Ambassador Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for their consistent advocacy towards women’s advancement nationwide.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam (PhD), lauded the initiative and urged women to show more interest in politics and remain united in pursuit of their goals.
“As we all know, our Governor is well known for his foresight. He has been supportive of women’s aspirations and progress. We have seen that in the composition of his cabinet and the number of women who have held elective and appointed positions under his administration,” she said.
“It is important that women see unity as their watchword. If you know you are vying for positions, this forum will serve as an avenue to stand together. We are preaching unity and, if possible, sole candidacy for each political position. We know that all of us cannot get there, but we must choose credible candidates as our representatives,” Imam noted.
In her remarks, the guest speaker, Honourable Hawau Alabi Bashir, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for widening the door of political opportunities for women through appointments and the promotion of gender-friendly policies.
“This is 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.
