By Dare Akogun
Thousands of women in Kwara State, led by female government cabinet members and ruling APC candidates, on Saturday held a rally in Ilorin the state capital to mobilise support for the re-election of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The rally was part of the activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day, IWD in the state.
The rally which commenced at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School Ilorin, criss-crossed some major streets of the metropolis, with marchers displaying various banners that spoke to the strides of the Governor in gender mainstreaming and other programmes designed to protect women’s interest.
The rally was also attended by APC party members, women and youths support groups in the state.
Commissioner for Finance Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi told newsmen on the sideline of the rally the event was a celebration by women in the state to celebrate Governor Andulrasaq for upholding gender parity in the state.
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.
“This is an after event of celebration of the International Women’s Day, and all the women in Kwara came together to celebrate AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for deepening gender parity in governance and politics.
“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.
Other dignitaries at the rally included the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor Mrs. Jumoke Monsura Gafar; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hassana Ahmed; Water Resources Mopelola Bashir-Abdulmalik; Special Duties Bosede Olaitan Buraimoh; Education Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Environment Remilekun Banigbe; Clerk of the State House of Assembly Hajia Halimat Jumai Kperogi; House of Assembly candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Arinola Lawal; and her counterpart for Owode/Onire constituency Rukayat Shittu; among others.
