…Aisha Buhari, UN envoy, Dame Pauline, Bola Shagaya, Awosika, others celebrates Kwara women
By Rukayat Shittu
Women from various walks of life, on Tuesday converged at the Kwara State Stadium Ilorin, as the state government hosts a conference that is meant to acknowledge the impacts and contributions of women in the development of the state and the Nation at large.
With the theme; Cracking the glass ceiling: the story of Kwara women, the conference featured prominent women from within and outside of the state who speaks to the giant strides of the female folks, highlights their concerns, and discuss the way to mainstream gender inclusion within the state’s socioeconomic and political developments.
Speaking at the event, s First Lady Dr. Mrs. Aisha Buhari represented by Dr. Rukayat Gurin (Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs; Office of the First Lady), appreciated Governor Abdulrazaq for his excellent stride on the governance of gender composition.
Kwara State First Lady Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq has said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman has created a landmark for other governments coming on board which she described as an unrivaled development
From Nigeria’s First Ladies’ Forum, First lady of Ekiti State; Erelu Bisi Fayemi charged Kwara women to admit their total support to the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq
Minister of women affairs and social development, Dame Pauline Tallen, in her speech, said Governor AbdulRahman’s administration has laid a landmark by appointing 9 out of 16 commissioners in 2019, saying that, it has contributed to the National developments
She, however on behalf of Kwara women thanked Governor AbdulRahman for the opportunities given to women to exploit their strength.
While at the occasion, Governor Abdulrazaq assent on the political offices (Gender Composition) Bill 2021, a bill which creates an avenue for women appointive positions in the political offices
Others who speak at the include; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters Dr. Sarah Alade; former presidential candidate Sarah Jubril; Nike Art Gallery; business tycoon Hajia Bola Shagaya amongst others.
The event was also attended by prominent serving and retired public officers/civil servants, including former Chief Judge of Kwara State Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin Prof. Sidikat Ijaiya; and dozens of other female intellectuals and entrepreneurs.
Prominent Nigerian artists including King Wasiu Ayinde, Hip-hop star Teni and Ilorin Islamic artist, Alhaji Ibrahim Laibeka led other artists to the event.
Merit awards were also given to Kwara female achievers and innovators.
