Women groups from across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State on Tuesday in solidarity with Kogi First Lady, Hajia Rashida Bello solicited support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu in the Saturday election.
The women under the aegis of APC Women Steering Committee in conjunction with Kogi State APC Governorship Campaign Council today declared their unanimous support during its ”Women and Youths Rally” held at the popular Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja.
Hajia Rashida who excitedly addressed Kogi women with an aura of fulfillment, referenced sensitive positions like Vice-Chairpersons of the 21 Local Government Areas, Council Leaders, Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, Director -General of Kogi Pension Board, Chairperson of STETSCOM, Heads of some Kogi State Tertiary Institutions and several other key positions occupied by women as unprecedented achievements in women inclusiveness in the annals of Kogi politics.
The Governor’s wife who proclaimed that her husband is very responsible with absolute regard for women and family life, assured Kogi women of unabated recognition and inclusion in the incoming administration of Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman.
“My women, I know you believe in me as much as I believe in you. You have done it before and I am very sure you will do it again on Saturday by voting massively for Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman. The incoming administration is about women and youths because our capacity has been felt and there is no APC without women and youths,” she said.
While charging Kogi women and youths to ensure the victory of the Ododo/Oyibo joint ticket as their personal struggle, the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade Arike predicted that celebration would pervade every nooks and crannies of Kogi State when the APC is declared winner of the election. She further enjoined all women not to be threatened by the antics of the opposition parties, adding that the current administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has performed exceptionally well to win the election seamlessly.
Earlier, Kogi APC Woman Leader, Hajia Hawau Aduku urged the women not to waste their votes on political parties that have no direction and articulated plans for the development of Kogi State. She added that Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman has the requisite academic qualifications, temperament, maturity and moral rectitude to lead a diverse state like Kogi which she stressed is very strategic to the development of Nigeria. “On Saturday, make sure you vote Alhaji Ododo, and ensure that your votes count for the APC,” she advised.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Fatima Abubakar said the November 11 election is about the future and progress of Kogi youths and women which can only be realised through the only responsible governorship candidate produced by the All Progressives Congress. She assured that Kogi women across the state would vote for consolidation and continuity through Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman.
Also present at the event were a Member representing the Ijumu Constituency at Kogi State Assembly, Hon. Omotayo Adeleye; Wife of Kogi West Senator, Mrs Stella Karimi; Vice-Chairpersons of the 21 Local Government Areas; Council Leaders of the 21 Local Government Areas; Director -General of Kogi State Pension Board, Mrs Maryam Abedoh and several notable APC stalwarts within and outside the state.
