Kwara govt reiterates commitment to gender equity, women’s empowerment

The Kwara State Government has expressed its steadfast commitment to advancing gender equity, economic empowerment, and the safeguarding of women’s rights across the State.

This pledge was made by Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Commissioner for Finance, during her keynote address at the FinXperience 2.0 conference held at the University of Ilorin.

The conference, themed “Women in Finance: Breaking Barriers and Promoting Gender Equity,” gathered finance students, industry professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the vital contributions of women in the financial sector.

While speaking, Dr. Nuru highlighted the progress Kwara State has made under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in fostering an environment that supports women, adding that the state’s commitment is reflected in its policies and appointments aimed at promoting gender inclusion.

“Kwara State is proud to witness a dynamic wave of female leadership and collaboration, driving transformation from the grassroots to the corridors of power,” Dr. Nuru stated.

The Commissioner, however, assured students and citizens that the current administration will continue creating pathways for women to succeed, emphasizing that the strength of any thriving society is rooted in the unity, resilience, and active participation of its women.

The Commissioner lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership, which has established Kwara State as a beacon of gender inclusion.

In a groundbreaking initiative in 2019, the State appointed a female-majority cabinet, with women comprising the majority of the members. Additionally, in 2021, the enactment of the Gender Composition Law mandated at least 35% representation of women in all public sector appointments.

Dr. Nuru also highlighted significant appointments that showcase the State’s commitment to female leadership in finance, including the appointment of Mrs. Shade Omoniyi as the first female Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) and her own position as Commissioner for Finance.

In recognition of her impactful contributions to financial management and the empowerment of women, Dr. Hauwa Nuru received the Award of Excellence from the Finance Students Association at the University of Ilorin.