Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, making Kwara the first state in North-Central Nigeria to adopt the national framework.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor explained that the initiative is part of his administration’s drive to dismantle barriers limiting women’s access to public contracts, leadership opportunities, and economic inclusion. He stressed that empowering women is crucial for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“I urge everyone to support this initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses. Together, we can build a Kwara where no woman is left behind and every girl can aspire to greatness.
By equipping women entrepreneurs with skills and improving their access to finance, we aim to close the gender earnings gap and unlock the potential of half of our population for Kwara’s growth,” AbdulRazaq said at the event in Ilorin.

The programme was convened by the Office of the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in collaboration with the Ajike People’s Support Centre and Eden Venture Group.

The event drew a wide array of dignitaries, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim (represented by Dr. Jummai Idonije); the wife of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hajia Saadat Yakubu Danladi; Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly, Hon. Mariam Yusuf Aladi; the wife of the Chief Judge of Kwara, Mrs. Janet Olufunke Adebara; the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya; the wife of the APC State Chairman, Princess Ayodele Fagbemi; wives of local government chairmen; and various women’s support groups.

Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted that Kwara had already set a national benchmark in gender mainstreaming through its Gender Composition Bill, which mandates at least 35% female representation in appointive positions, and recalled that his cabinet once achieved over 56% female representation.

“Our administration has also championed structural reforms such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and established the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC),” he noted.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support in driving gender inclusion, and praised the Kwara First Lady for her sustained efforts in advancing women’s empowerment.

In her remarks, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq said that, like many parts of the world, Nigerian women face significant obstacles to economic participation—ranging from limited access to education and finance to restricted market opportunities. She noted that such barriers are steadily being broken through targeted policies and innovative programmes, such as those in Kwara, which continue to create a thriving environment for women as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders.

“The domestication of the WEE policy in Kwara reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls, delivering better social and economic outcomes across the state and Nigeria,” she said.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi, reaffirmed the administration’s consistent commitment to empowering women. Dr. Idonije commended AbdulRazaq’s bold steps in widening economic opportunities, while Mrs. Roda Robinson, CEO of HACEY, described the policy as a powerful tool for transformational change—providing a coordinated and inclusive framework to harness women’s full potential.

Speaking on behalf of Eden Venture Group, Miss Fifehan Osikolu lauded Governor AbdulRazaq and his wife for their dedication to the cause, expressing pride in partnering with the state on the WEE policy domestication.