Times have never been so good for the women and the people living with disabilities ( PLWDs) as being witnessed in Kwara State today.
The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been consistent in its patronage of women and the people living with disabilities.
Amongst the new permanent secretaries that the governor sworn- in on September 4, 2023, two are persons living with disabilities. They are Ayanwale Peter Kayode and Abdullahi Wahab Kayode .
Similarly,out of the 18 commissioners that were sworn-in, the same day, nine are women.This represents 50 percent of the members of the state executive council (SEC).
The newly inaugurated women commissioners are Afolashade Opeyemi Kemi (Social Development)Hauwa Nuru (Finance); Damilola Yusuf (Business, Innovation and Technology); Oloruntoyosi Adebayo Thomas (Agriculture and Rural Development), Bola Olukoju (Communications),Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam (Health); Dr. Mary Arinde (Tertiary Education), Olaitan and Buraimoh (Women Affairs).
In the same vein, five women from the fold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were elected into the State House of Assembly during the 2023 general elections.
The women state legislators are Hajia Fatimoh Arinola Lawal ( Ilorin East), Rukayat Shittu ( Owode- Onire), Hajia Maryam Yusuf Alafi( Ilorin South), Hajia Medinat Motunrayo AbdulRaheem ( Lanwa Ejidongari) and Hajia Olatundun Babatunde Alanamu (Ilorin North – West).
Commenting on the appointment of two PLWD as permanent secretary, the governor’s chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye said the feat was ‘another first in the state, according to recent institutional memories.
“Also, on that day, the Governor consolidated the place of Kwara as the state with the most gender-diverse government in Nigeria m. Nine in the 18 cabinet members are women, representing 50% of the pick. He had earlier initiated and signed a legislation that requires at least 35% gender balance in government appointments.
“The Governor is also known for his socially responsible policies with huge impacts on the community he governs. He recently approved for female civil servants to have optional six-month maternity leave, which is designed to encourage exclusive breastfeeding. Kwara is about the third state in Nigeria to have this policy. The UNICEF has identified six-month exclusive breastfeeding as a major incentive for raising healthy children, improved mother-child bonding, and better prospects for a stronger economy and happier society.
“The policy on exclusive breastfeeding ranks in the same category as other programmes, pronouncements, and appointments that intentionally support disadvantaged people such as the aged, poor, children, women, and persons living with disabilities.
“The significance of these developments is not necessarily in the number of persons covered, appointed or the portfolios they hold. The significance is in their far-reaching consequences for human capital development, power relations, social mobility of the affected demographics, and cohesion and harmony in the society.
“ In a world clearly skewed in favour of men, a policy instrument that bolsters equitable representation for either gender is necessary. This is what the Governor has done with a legal instrument and personal examples of his government. The decision to elevate a visually impaired civil servant and another one confined to the wheelchair by fate is a loud testament to how AbdulRazaq has given voice to people living with disabilities (PLWDs) — a critical segment of the underserved population.
“This does more than just fostering inclusion and a sense of fulfilment in the affected persons. Beyond that, it gives practical hope to thousands of little children or persons who have been dealt a painful blow by fate of accidents or diseases. It shows them how to never give up on their dreams and that, like these new permanent secretaries, they can get to the height of their career if they work hard, work smart, and tick other boxes of ethical practices.
“The same holds true for the legislation that concretises the governor’s gender inclusion policy. It serves to encourage little girls that the only barrier to the attainment of their lofty dreams is no longer an unfavourable political environment. If that is a legacy the Governor bequeathes to this community, it is significant enough for writers of history to note.”
At the inauguration of the permanent secretaries and the commissioners,the governor said: “The last four years have seen us stabilising and repositioning different sectors of our society. Our achievements are boldly written in education, urban renewal projects, rural development, healthcare delivery, provision of potable water, gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment, and general welfare of the people especially through the safety net programmes and other interventions. The Kwara socio economic climate has proven resilient against all odds.”
AbdulRazaq said their choice as cabinet members and public servants is a product of wide consultations, merit, and careful consideration for public good.
He congratulated them for being part of his new team who are entrusted to work for the public good.
“With prudence and blockage of wastes, we have grown internally generated revenue to a height never seen before. Similarly, several projects of huge socioeconomic impacts have been initiated to bridge existing infrastructural gaps and make Kwara the go-to place in Nigeria amid improved access to basic amenities and better welfare for the public workforce,” he said.
“But we are now faced with a new set of challenges. With fuel subsidies gone and the government mobilising resources to stabilise the system amid rising cost of living, we are committed to helping the people cope through empathy and creative solutions.
“As cabinet members and senior bureaucrats, you are to join the government to make life a lot better for the people through the design and implementation of various policies and programmes and exemplary conduct in public leadership. Neither waste, abuse, sabotage, nor intentional disregard for public good will be tolerated. Our appetite and public appearance must also reflect the current realities of our country.
“I therefore congratulate all of you for being part of this important team. Endeavour to be good team players who would collectively and individually earn the trust and respect of the public with exemplary conduct and commitment to the larger interest of our state and country,” AbdulRazaq added.
