The Kwara Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through deliberate policies, strategic programmes, and inclusive governance aimed at fostering sustainable development.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Opeyemi Afolashade, made this known at the commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) in Ilorin on Friday.
She said the government was ready to move beyond mere statements to measurable and impactful actions that would transform the lives of women and their communities.
Afolashade stated that empowering women remains critical to building stable, inclusive, and responsive families.
According to her, accelerating action for women should be seen as a developmental priority rather than merely a gender issue.
“Under the leadership of Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the state has adopted a governance model that places women at the centre of development.
“This is evident in policies, legal frameworks, and programmes targeted at empowering women socially, economically, and politically.
“The government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, has established responsive systems to support survivors and intensify awareness campaigns across all local government areas.
“The Ajike People Support Centre, an initiative of the Kwara governor’s wife, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has provided skill acquisition programmes, grants, and financial support to women entrepreneurs across the state,” the commissioner said.
Afolashade added that women in Kwara are increasingly taking up leadership roles and contributing to policy formulation and economic growth, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
She also noted that the state has prioritized women’s economic empowerment and was the first in North-Central Nigeria to inaugurate a Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
“The government has also supported women through social investment programmes, both individually and collectively.
“May I also state that the state has fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for the Nigeria for Women Project, with all project components delivered to the ministry—a development expected to enhance implementation and extend benefits to women at the grassroots.
“In the area of protection, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP) has been translated into six local languages to improve accessibility and awareness at the grassroots,” the commissioner said.
Afolashade commended the government’s action plan on the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of girls.
She also referenced the inauguration of a Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, in collaboration with UNFPA, as one of the government’s achievements in this area.
The commissioner commended development partners, donors, traditional and religious leaders, market women, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders for their continued support in advancing women’s development in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Femi Oyedeji, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kwara, acknowledged that despite persistent socio-cultural and religious barriers, many women have continued to rise above limitations, turning challenges into strengths and making meaningful contributions to society.
Oyedeji appealed to men and boys to respect the rights of women and girls, emphasizing the need to build a society rooted in mutual respect—where women are seen not as inferior, but as equal partners whose opinions and decisions are valued.
He said gender equality is about providing equal opportunities for both men and women to reach their full potential, urging society to stop limiting girls’ aspirations, particularly in education and leadership.
The Emir of Shonga, Dr Aileru Yahaya, commended the state government for promoting inclusive and appointing women to key positions, noting that the governor’s policy direction is already yielding positive changes in society.
Yahaya also commended the ministry for its efforts in advancing women’s development and urged women to remain dedicated both at home and in public life.
Similarly, Abdulrazaq Adegboyega, the Olojoku of Ojoku, called on government institutions to sustain support for women-focused initiatives and policies that promote gender inclusion, while urging women not to undermine one another in their developmental efforts.
Mrs Olutoyin Ayinde, one of the participants, told reporters that the programme is an acknowledgement that women’s rights and dignity have become central to societal development.
Ayinde appreciated the state government and the Ministry of Women Affairs for their continued support for women in the state.
