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By Abdullah Ahmed
The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched the Kwara State Female Aspirants Group (KSFAG), a platform designed to empower and unite women seeking elective positions across all levels of governance.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, the State Coordinator of KSFAG, Amb. Zainab Damilola Abbas, said the group was established to amplify women’s participation in politics and governance, in line with the gender-inclusive vision of the present administration.
Amb. Abbas commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for sustaining 35 percent women’s representation in governance, describing it as a model worthy of emulation. She said the KSFAG will work to mobilize and strengthen solidarity among female aspirants across the 16 local government areas of the state.
“The Kwara State Female Aspirants Group seeks to monitor and mobilize women, strengthen solidarity among female aspirants, and complement government efforts in implementing the Renewed Hope Vision,” she stated.
According to her, both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq recognize women as central to national development and have continued to support initiatives that empower them to make meaningful contributions to society.
“We, the female aspirants of Kwara State, stand firmly in alignment with this vision and remain committed to translating it into tangible impact at the grassroots level,” Amb. Abbas added.
“We are united by a common purpose — to sustain His Excellency’s precedence of women’s inclusion in governance, to strengthen women’s political participation, and to prepare a new generation of capable, credible, and committed female leaders.”
She further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration has restored citizens’ confidence and opened wider opportunities for women to thrive socially, economically, and politically.
Amb. Abbas expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the First Lady and National Grand Matron, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Kwara First Lady Amb. Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for their unwavering support for women’s advancement across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, commended the initiative and encouraged women to show more interest in politics and remain united in their aspirations.
“Our Governor is well known for his ‘HeForShe’ stance. He has been supportive of women’s aspirations and progress, as seen in the composition of his cabinet and the number of women holding elective and leadership positions,” she said.
“It is important for women to embrace unity as their watchword. If you are vying for positions, this forum will serve as a platform to stand together. We are preaching unity and, where possible, sole candidacy for each position. We may not all get there, but we must rally behind credible candidates who can represent us effectively.”
In her remarks, the guest speaker, Hon. Hawau Alabi Bashir, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for expanding political opportunities for women through appointments and gender-friendly policies.
“This signifies that Kwara women are ready to rise, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to the political development of our dear state and nation,” she said.
By Abdullahi Ahmed
