The immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole, has congratulated the wife of the State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, and the women of the state on the auspicious occasion of International Women’s Day.
He said that as the world marks International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerate Action,” Kogi State stands out as a model of gender-inclusive governance, where women are not just given a seat at the table but are actively shaping policies and driving meaningful changes.
He praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who he said has taken inspiration from his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, by marching on with a commitment to gender equity.
“He has even gone further by ensuring that women hold influential positions across various sectors and strata of the administration. His administration has five female cabinet members, boasts over 20 female Special Advisers (SAs), and more than 30 female Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), a remarkable achievement that places Kogi ahead of many states in Nigeria.
“Beyond appointments, Governor Ododo has revolutionised the political landscape by ensuring that women occupy about five out of eleven key elective positions in every Local Government Area of the state. This includes one female Local Government Chairperson, 20 local government vice chairpersons and council leaders, and over 80 female councillors, a historic milestone in Kogi’s political evolution.”
Prince Kolawole said the emergence of the state’s first-ever elected female Local Government Chairperson from the most recent elections underscores his dedication to not just appointing women but empowering them to rise through the ranks and win elections on their own merit.
“The administration’s commitment to gender inclusion is evident in the calibre of women leading critical sectors in the state. At the heart of government operations is Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, who made history as the first female Secretary to the Government of the State and is now in her ninth year in office.”
Prince Kolawole praised Governor Ododo’s approach as one that is about transforming governance through inclusion, saying this year’s International Women’s Day calls for serious reflection and commendation.
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