IWD: Kwara Gov’s wife reiterates commitment to support economic advancement of women
IWD: Kwara Gov’s wife reiterates commitment to support economic advancement of women
By Olubukola Aiyedogbon
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Ilorin, March 8, 2020 (NAN) The First Lady of Kwara, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has made a double pledge to support the economic empowerment of women and youths in the state.
She reiterated the commitment of her office and that of the Ajike People’s Support Center’s to continue to support the social and economic advancement of vulnerable women and youths.
Mrs AbdulRazaq also encouraged women on the need not to be deterred in the pursuit of their chosen ventures as their capabilities are limitless.
The first lady made the call at the commemoration of the 2020 International Women’s Day (IWD) and Award presentation held on Sunday in Ilorin.
According to her, this year’s IWD comes on the heels of unprecedented global advocacy for women’s rights, equality and justice, poverty, sexual violence and other discrimination against women continue to engage public discourse, propelled by a rising determination for change.
She commended her husband’s integration of gender friendly initiatives by encouraging female inclusion in his governance.
“It is our resolve at the Office of the First Lady and the Ajike
People’s Support Center to continue to support the social and economic advancement of our women and youths in the state, and we will not relent in ensuring that we continue to promote the cause of the people of the state.
“We will lend our voice to advocacies, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting the wellbeing of our people to compliment the efforts of government in these areas.
“I enjoin Nigerian women to actively choose to challenge
stereotypes, fight bias and broaden participation, improve situations and celebrate women achievement,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Deborah Aremu, had earlier stressed the need to encourage women through gender equality in all ramifications in order to ensure a conducive environment.
Aremu said that the state government has put all modalities in place to ensure that women in the state are equipped with necessary instruments that would afford them opportunities in contributing their own quotas to the development of the state and the nation at large.
She called on the public to support the present administration in order to achieve its objectives.
Mrs Christy Abayomi, the guest speaker at the event, identified
discrimination, violence and marginalisation as major challenges militating against gender opportunities in the society.
Abayomi said that in a nation where there are limitations to girl child education, prevailling cases of sexual harrasement and other evils against women, such nation is exposed to economic instability.
She commended the state governor for giving opportunities to women in his cabinet.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that higlights of the event included the presentation of meritorious award in honour of indigenous women of the state who excelled in their chosen careers and had impacted positively on gender friendly matters.
Some of the beneficiaries included the first female Professor in the state, Prof. Sidikat Ijaya, first female Judge, Justice Raliat Elelu, and first female Head of Service, Hajia Zahra Omar, among other recipients. (NAN)
OJB/FF/MST
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Muhammad Suleiman Tola