In a tribute to her exceptional contributions to women’s empowerment and national development, Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, will be honoured with the launch of a new book titled “Women and Nation Building: Highlights of The Roles of Women in National Development.” The event will also feature the inaugural Olufolake AbdulRazaq Public Lecture, with the theme “Nation Building: Every Woman Counts.”
The book, authored by Hajiya Zainab Audu Abdullahi, State President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), explores the vital role of women in national development, drawing inspiration from the First Lady’s tireless work in the empowerment and advancement of women, both in Kwara State and across Nigeria.
The public presentation of the book and the lecture are scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Offa Road, GRA, Ilorin. The event will commence at 10:00 am and is expected to draw dignitaries, government officials, and advocates for women’s rights and national development.
The First Lady’s dedication to women’s causes has earned her widespread recognition as a role model, and this historic event will highlight her contributions to advancing the status of women. The organising committee, led by Hajiya Zainab Audu Abdullahi and supported by Musilimat Bolanle Abubakar , said in a press statement that notable dignitaries and people from all walks of life will attend the fashionable event.
The book launch and lecture promise to shine a light on the pivotal contributions of women to nation-building, emphasizing the importance of female participation in driving social, political, and economic progress.
Leading the list of notable figures expected to grace the honourary occasion, is His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Sardauna of Ilorin. He will be joined by Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor (Mrs) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State.
Other high-ranking officials include Elder Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor of Kwara State, and Hon. (Dr) Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Honourable Minister of Youth at the Federal Ministry of Youth. Also in attendance will be Alhaji (Chief) (Dr) AbdulRaheem Amoo Oladimeji, Jagunmolu of Igbominaland, Arogundade of Lagos, and founder of Al-Hikmah University.
Prominent business figures include Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Managing Director and CEO of Kursi Investment Limited, and Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. Additionally, Alhaja Bola Kamorudeen Yusuf from KAM Holdings is also expected.
Royalty will be represented by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu, the Emir of Lafiagi. Legislative leadership will include Rt. Honourable Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril, Secretary to the Kwara State Government.
Other eminent personalities expected to attend are Senator Salihu Mustafa (Kwara Central), Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), and Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South). Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, representing the Ilorin West/Asa Constituency, is also on the guest list, alongside Comrade Issa Aremu, Director General of MINILS, and Professor Abubakar Suleiman, Director General of NILDS.
Further attendees include Alhaji Saadu Salahu, fnipr, Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to the Kwara State Governor; Hon. Folashade Opeyemi Oluwakemi, Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs; Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, Honourable Commissioner for Communications; Hon. Olaitan Bureimoh, Commissioner for Social Development, and Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor.
Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development; Hon, Damilola Yusuf, Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, and Alhaji (Dr) Abdullahi Jibril, National President of the Lafiagi Descendants Development Union (LADDU), are also among the dignitaries expected to attend the prestigious event.
