Scores of Kwara women, led by female government cabinet members and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates yesterday staged a rally around Ilorin, the state capital in support of the re-election bid of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The rally was also part of the activities to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) in the state.The rally commenced at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School in the metropolis and crisscrossed some major streets of the metropolis.
“This is part of the 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 percent 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.”