Kogiflame
The Immediate past Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole has congratulated the wife to the State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, Women of the State on the auspicious occasion of the International Women’s Day.
He said 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 said has taken inspiration from his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello by matching on with 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 5 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 revolutionized 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 Chairman 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 caliber 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 now in her 9th year in office”.
Prince Kolawole praise Governor Ododo’s approach as one that is about transforming governance through inclusion, said this year’s International Women’s Day, calls for serious reflection and Commendation.
