Ministry hails Kwara for adopting women’s empowerment policy

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has hailed Kwara State’s adoption of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, describing it as a significant move towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.

In a statement by Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister hailed the move as “not just a policy action but a declaration of collective will to build a gender-inclusive Kwara and a resilient Nigeria.”

The minister, who was represented at the launch event by her special assistant, technical, Princess Dr Joan Jummai Idonije, praised the leadership of Kwara State for taking the lead in domesticating the WEE Policy and setting a progressive example for other states to follow.

She highlighted the alignment of the WEE Policy with Nigeria’s National Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063, noting its focus on expanding women’s access to finance, markets, decent work, technology, and leadership.

The minister also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said has brought renewed focus to gender-inclusive governance. She extended gratitude to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her tireless advocacy for women, children, and families, describing her efforts as central to the national gender agenda.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara was praised as a “true HeForShe champion” and a national leader in gender equity.

His administration has been widely recognised for surpassing inclusion targets, especially in political appointments and programmes geared towards women’s empowerment.

The minister also acknowledged the vital contributions of the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, for driving the policy’s domestication and catalysing broader reform across the country.

Traditional rulers, particularly the Emir of Shonga, HRH Dr Haliru Yahaya, received commendation for actively supporting women’s participation in governance and economic activities.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim used the occasion to call for increased investment in institutional capacity and stronger implementation frameworks, urging budgetary commitments and ongoing training for stakeholders responsible for executing the policy.

She further called on lawmakers to support constitutional amendments such as the Special Seats Bill for Women to correct the imbalance in political representation, emphasising that Kwara, with women already in its House of Assembly, serves as a model for others.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the minister assured that support would be provided to states as they implement the WEE policy, positioning it as a critical pillar of national development.

The five-year initiative seeks to reduce gender inequality in access to resources and opportunities, promoting inclusive national development.

Editing by Abdullahi Lamino