The First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called on Nigerian women and citizens to deepen their participation in the democratic process, stressing the need for responsible voting and community leadership.
AbdulRazaq made the call on Monday in Ilorin while receiving executive members of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Kwara State Chapter, in her office ahead of the League’s forthcoming 30th Anniversary celebration and Annual General Meeting.
The First Lady highlighted Nigeria’s over 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and the collective resolve to protect it.
“We will never go back to the era of political violence, thuggery and armed robbery,” she said, insisting that elections must remain free, fair and peaceful.
She paid particular tribute to the League, noting that women routinely account for about 60 percent of voter turnout at polling units. “They arrive early, come prepared with their documents and remain for hours,” she observed, describing the commitment as a quiet but powerful contribution to democratic stability.
The First Lady also recognized the media, the fourth estate of the realm, as an indispensable guardian of democracy, praising radio, television and print for informing the public and holding power to account.
She urged women to be bold, “hold their states,” and participate fully in forthcoming elections, including support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
She further urged the organisation to amplify a central message aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s charge that states must be left to manage their own affairs without external interference.
Earlier in her remarks, NILOWV State Chairperson, Hajia Biliqis Modupe Oladimeji, appreciated the First Lady for her steadfast support for women’s political participation and democratic values.
Oladimeji underscored the organisation’s three-decade journey of promoting women’s voices in governance.
She noted that NILOWV, a non-partisan, voluntary and self-supporting body, was established 30 years ago with a clear mission to build a democratic society in which every woman can participate fully in political and economic development and enjoy total empowerment.
According to her, the League operates across the 36 states and the FCT, mobilising women at the grassroots for good governance. In Kwara, the chapter is active in all 16 Local Government Areas and works closely with civil society organisations and government ministries.
Its activities include school visits on international days to support the girl-child, civic education, participation in state programmes, regular monthly meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
Hajia Oladimeji disclosed that NILOWV is marking its 30th anniversary under the theme: “Thirty Years Strong: Empowering Women’s Voice, Leadership and Democratic Participation – Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future.” The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs is the Chief Host.
She added that as part of the celebrations, distinguished leaders will receive 30th Anniversary Awards. Kwara State has nominated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Turaki of Ilorin and widely regarded as a “He-for-She” Governor, in recognition of his efforts in women’s representation, gender mainstreaming, economic empowerment and inclusive governance.
The Chairperson however ,appealed for financial support to enable NILOWV Kwara to meet its obligations as a member of the National Executive.
She explained that the funds will cover registration, logistics, accommodation, feeding, annual dues and the launching of the 30th anniversary magazine during the week-long national activities scheduled for October 26 – 31, 2026.
She applauded Dame Esther Uduehi, the initiator, founder and long-serving leader of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), for her foresight and steadfast commitment to advancing women’s participation in politics and public life