By Omotayo Ayanda
In a significant effort to empower women in politics, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Kwara State, in collaboration with the Royal Heritage Health Foundation, hosted a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at advancing women’s political participation in Nigeria.
The meeting, held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) premises in Ilorin, brought together political leaders and women in politics, focusing on creating an enabling environment for women to play a more active role in the political landscape.
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Afolashade Opeyemi Oluwakemi, commended the organizers for choosing the timely theme: “Women’s Participation in Politics and a Call to Reject Violence in Electioneering” as political preparations for the 2027 elections begin.
Represented by Hajia Maryam Ishola, a director in the Ministry, the Commissioner praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of public sensitization on women’s political participation and the elimination of electoral violence.
She applauded the administration of His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for its unprecedented support for women’s empowerment, noting that for the first time in Kwara’s history, the governor appointed 50% of his cabinet from among women and entrusted them with key leadership positions.
The Commissioner emphasized that adequate representation of women in decision-making roles is essential, as women are uniquely positioned to address issues affecting women and girls.
She urged stakeholders to continue advocating for greater representation, asserting that society could not reach its full potential without women’s active participation in governance.
Barrister Abimbola Seun Oyinloye, representing the Royal Heritage Health Foundation, reinforced the importance of sustained support and advocacy for women in politics.
She stressed the need for political parties to allocate resources to support women’s participation, urging them to move beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps to enhance women’s visibility and influence in political leadership.
She also called for inter-party collaboration to foster an environment where women can rise to leadership positions.
Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kwara State, represented by Alhaji Adamu Musa, Director of Voters’ Education and Publicity, lauded IPAC’s efforts to promote inclusivity in the electoral process.
Sadiq encouraged political parties to implement policies that ensure equal opportunities for women in politics and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all candidates.
Ajibola Adekunle, Chairman of the Labour Party in Kwara State, reiterated IPAC’s support for initiatives aimed at increasing women’s political participation.
He urged women to be vocal, actively seek leadership roles, and advocate for their rightful place in political spaces.
“We cannot afford to remain passive. We must sell ourselves, advocate for our positions, and push for our rightful place in the political sphere,” Adekunle stated.
The APC Women Leader in Kwara State, Hajiya Falilat Muhammed, highlighted the need for unity among women in politics.
She acknowledged that internal conflicts among women have often hindered their progress in the political arena.
“We are often our own worst enemies. It’s time to change that attitude,” she remarked, urging women to support each other and work collectively towards a common cause.
She also called for men to back women’s political aspirations, emphasizing that gender inclusivity in politics benefits society as a whole.
Earlier, in his welcome address on behalf of the state chairman of IPAC, Prince Oyedeji Oyekunle, the State Secretary, Prince Adebayo Akadi, encouraged political leaders to create an environment conducive for women to thrive.
He emphasized the need for peace in the political space, urging stakeholders to reduce violence, especially thuggery, as the 2027 elections approach.
Akadi reminded stakeholders of women’s critical role in national development and called on political leaders to provide women with the opportunities to actively participate and excel in politics.