Essence of feminine power: Women at forefront of nation building in Nigeria

By Oluwatobi Aigbogun

As Nigeria embraces its 63rd year of independence, reflecting on the indelible marks of progress becomes imperative. Central to this evolution is the role of women in nation building, a topic that resonates deeply within the bustling heart of Kwara State. The narrative in Kwara, under its Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, speaks volumes about fostering gender inclusivity in governance and its positive ripple effects on the societal fabric.

Abdulrazaq, who also serves as the chair of the Nigerian Governors Forum, has championed a paradigm shift by embracing women as crucial players in the state’s governance. His cabinet, boasting a 50 per cent female representation, is a bold statement in a landscape where political roles have predominantly been a male domain. This striking measure is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a strategic move aimed at unlocking the boundless potential women bring to the table.

Among the luminaries is the 26-year-old Rukayat Shittu, whose victory to the Kwara State House of Assembly paints a hopeful picture of youth and women, intertwining to redefine the political arena. Her presence in the assembly is not just a triumph for gender equality, but an embodiment of the fresh, vibrant energy necessary for innovative governance. By sharing a table with seasoned politicians, Shittu bridges the generational gap, ushering in a blend of exuberance, modernity, and timeless wisdom.

The laudable 50 per cent female representation in the governor’s cabinet, a milestone in Nigeria, does more than fill seats. It fuels hope, shatters glass ceilings, and invokes a sense of belonging among the womenfolk. Each female commissioner symbolises a step closer to gender parity, a vision the governor holds dearly.

The role of Her Excellency, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, is an epitome of grace, strength, and purposeful leadership. As a diplomat and the chair of the Nigerian governors’ wives forum, her exertions transcend ceremonial duties. The Ajike People Support Centre, her brainchild, is a beacon of hope for women and children in Kwara State. Through this initiative, she has not only supported her husband’s vision but has laid a solid foundation for a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Under Governor Abdulrazaq’s stewardship, Kwara State has witnessed a cascade of developmental projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life and setting a sturdy pedestal for future growth. His vision intertwines with the essence of communal growth, where every citizen, regardless of gender, has a part to play in the grand tapestry of nation-building.
The narrative of Kwara State is a heartwarming reminder of the boundless possibilities awaiting Nigeria as it forges ahead into newer horizons.

Infusing feminine energy into the core of governance isn’t merely about filling quotas; it’s about harnessing the unique strengths, perspectives, and nurturing spirit inherent in women, which are instrumental in weaving a stronger social, economic, and political fabric.
The footsteps of progress echoing through the corridors of Kwara State’s governance under Abdulrazaq’s era are a clarion call to other states and, indeed, the entire nation to emulate. The story of women shattering political glass ceilings, backed by unwavering support from the leadership, evokes a profound emotion. It’s a blend of hope, pride, and a resolute assurance that the path to a more prosperous, balanced, and equitable nation is not a mirage but a tangible reality within grasp.

The journey of Nigeria towards realising its full potential is akin to a gripping tale, with each state scripting its chapters. As Kwara State pages through gender inclusivity under Governor Abdulrazaq’s watch, the narrative is not only compelling but imbued with the spirit of communal growth, love, and the unyielding quest for a better tomorrow for all.
This thorough examination resonates beyond the borders of Kwara State, offering a blueprint for other regions and, indeed, the entire nation to foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and robust nation-building approach, where women are not mere spectators but active participants in scripting a glorious narrative of progress and hope.

The tapestry of Nigeria’s growth is vast and intricate, yet within it lies the simplicity of a fundamental truth – the nurturing, insightful, and robust involvement of women is not a mere accessory but a necessity in pursuing sustainable development and national prosperity.

In every clap of achievement that echoes through the chambers of Kwara’s governance, in every smile of a girl who now dreams without fetters, in every stride that Kwara takes towards a better tomorrow, lies a profound lesson – that when women rise, nations soar.