The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador, Dr. Olufolake AbdulRazaq has called on government functionaries, religious leaders and other stakeholders in politics to give women equal opportunity to fully participate in politics and contribute their own quota to the transformation of the country.
Ambassador AbdulRazaq stated this on Monday in her speech at the 3rd Distinguished Personalty Lecture with the theme: “Patriarchy and Female Participation in Politics in Nigeria” organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, held at the University Auditorium.
In her words, “You will agree with me that women are leaders and different makers when they are put in charge, they change things positively. I considered this programme as unique and fundamental to boost women participation in politics”
Ambassador AbdulRazaq who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Saadat Modubo Kawu further encouraged women to be in the fore front of politics by making efforts to take charge by actively participating in activities that will empower them.
She urged them to be part of political parties and structures, play the grassroots game, build their public speaking skills, partake in community building, and create awareness on their contributions to nation building.
The Kwara first lady in a statement signed by the Press Secretary of the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Yakub Kamaldeen Aliagan, and made available to newsmen, however commended the initiative of the present administration in Kwara state for empowering women and including them in administration.
She said, “I must commend His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting women participation in politics. Out of 16 Commissioners, 7 are women. More than half of the Permanent Secretaries in the State are women, also Special Advisers are not left out”.
Earlier, in her lecture, a Member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, called on Nigerian women to rise to the challenge and put an end to the discrimination of women in politics by captivating the people and representing women in governance.
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