Dear Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,

I know many people have written to commend you for a job well done, so far. Some have even gone further to suggest ways and ideas to move the State forward and make your administration a successful one, while some have also written to condemn some of your moves. All these are expected in a democratic setting.

Mr Governor, I am writing, not for personal gratification, or to draw out a personal gain, but to appreciate you for making women first in your government. I have been in Kwara all my life, and this is the first time, I must say, where due respect, fairness and relevance is giving to the womenfolk in the administration of our great state of harmony.

This chapter has gone a long way to rectify the imbalance generated during the general elections where men occupied all elective positions in the state, and not just that; it also fulfilled the demand of advocacy groups that 50% of every state's political appointments be reserved for women.

As the Yoruba often say when trying to be frank— "ki amo pa iro, ki amo ja ole", Governor Abdulrazaq, you have done the unexpected. The women of Kwara are, therefore, appreciative and will forever be grateful. We are grateful that out of 16 commissioner nominees, 9 of them are women. This is unprecedented.

Similarly, I commend the appointment of a highly successful professional and brilliant mind from FBN Mortgage, Mrs. Omoniyi Shade as the Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), taking over from Prof. Muritala Awodun. This shows that you know and can identify great talent when you see one. We respect that you have seen the best in the women folk. I respect you.

Sir, you recently made history by nominating the youngest commissioner ever in Nigeria. The nominee, Mrs Joana Kolo not only became the youngest commissioner nominee in the country, but she is also set to become the youngest woman in the corridors of power in Nigeria.

I have no doubt that Mrs Joana Kola and the other female commissioner nominees including Hajia Saadatu Modibbo, Mrs Arinola Fatimah, Afolabi Adenike Khairat, Ahmad Fatima Bisola, Aremu Bose Deborah, Oyedun Juliana Funke and Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence, will represent us well and shame every critic that has doubted their ability and capacity to perform.

Summarily, Your Excellency, you have blessed the women community in Kwara with 56.45% representation in your cabinet. My prayer is that divine wisdom follows you and your team every step of the way through your administration as you paddle the affair of the state, especially in areas of employment creation, economic rejuvenation, youth inclusiveness, waste management and sustainable development.

Your nominations are in tandem with Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this, we are hopeful that your administration will set the path for the realisation of more sustainable development goals in Kwara. I sincerely wish you the very best, Sir.

To the distinguished female commissioner nominees, you have become our leaders, torchbearers, pathfinders and representatives. I commend you for all your efforts and contributions that culminated in your recognition and nomination by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. This is just the beginning. I enjoin you to use your positions to create platforms to nurture and raise more women in the State. You must endeavour to carve developmental niches for yourselves in the professional and political terrain of the state. Your actions and performance must lend credence to the wordings of "what a man can do, a woman can do better", promote equity, fairness, good governance and justice. I wish you all the best as you prepare to serve our State and her people.

God bless you, God bless our Kwara!



Taibat Hussain Aduragba hails from Babalonma in Ifelodun local government of Kwara state. She's a First Class Graduate of Economics from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She is currently enrolled for Masters in Development Economics at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, London, United Kingdom. She is reachable on aduragbataibat@gmail.com