The Kwara State Female Aspirants Group has officially launched its operations with a strong call for sustained inclusion of women in governance and politics across the state.
Speaking at the official launch press conference held at the Kwara State APC Party Secretariat in Ilorin, the State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Amb. Zainab Damilola Abbas, described the platform as a collective effort to consolidate the gains of women’s participation in politics under the administration of Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Hon. Abbas commended President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to empowering women and youth through various national initiatives. According to her, “Mr. President’s recognition that women are central to national development continues to inspire many of us to step forward to serve and to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”
She lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for maintaining an impressive 35% female representation in governance, describing him as a model of inclusive leadership whose deliberate appointment of women into key positions has transformed communities and improved governance outcomes.
“Your Excellency’s commitment to women’s inclusion has empowered individuals, strengthened communities, and enhanced the overall quality of governance in our dear state,” she said.
Hon. Abbas also acknowledged the leadership and mentorship of the group’s matrons, including Hajia Fatimah Tajudeen Abbas (National Matron and wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives), Her Excellency Prof. Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq (State Grand Matron and wife of the Kwara State Governor), and Hon. Princess Adebukola Babalola (State Matron and Deputy Chief of Staff). She described them as exemplary women whose compassion and advocacy have paved the way for many aspiring female leaders.
Highlighting the purpose of the group, Hon. Abbas said the Kwara State Female Aspirants Group seeks to encourage mentorship, solidarity, and capacity development among women across the 16 local government areas. She emphasized that the group’s mission is not to compete but to complement government efforts in advancing inclusive governance.
“We are not here to compete but to complement; not to divide but to develop; not to be seen but to serve,”
she declared.
The Coordinator also called on political parties and decision-makers to provide an enabling environment for women to thrive in politics, stressing that “the time for tokenism is over; the time for real participation is now.”
In a show of solidarity, prominent personalities made donations to support the group’s objectives. Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Hajia Fatimah Tajudeen Abbas, and His Royal Highness Lt. Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Oba of Ilemona, each donated ₦1 million to the group.
The guest speaker, Hajia Hauwau Alabi-Bashar, popularly known as so fun Aunty Hawa and a former aspirant for the Ilorin South Constituency, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address on the theme “Women and Our Place in Politics ; What It Entails.” She emphasized that women are not seeking permission to participate in politics but are rightfully claiming their space in leadership and governance. Highlighting key values such as courage, competence, character, commitment, and collaboration, she urged women to move from the background to the decision-making table and to support one another in their political journeys. Hajia Alabi commended the gender-inclusive leadership of His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, and the empowering roles of Her Excellency, Prof. (Amb) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Hon. Princess Adebukola Babalola, noting that their collective support has positioned Kwara as a model for women’s political inclusion in Nigeria. She concluded by encouraging women to mentor younger ones, actively engage in political processes, and embody the change they seek, affirming that “our place in politics is not at the edge, but at the center, and we are ready to take it.”
Hon. Abbas concluded her speech with a reaffirmation of the group’s vision to uphold and expand the legacy of inclusive leadership in Kwara State, stating that the launch represents “a future where women are not just part of the story, but are shaping the story.”