By Thompson Yamput
The Stand-up Women Society (SWS) on Friday honoured Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi with a National Distinction Award.
Barr. Deborah Ijadele-Asetona, SWS International President, said that the prestigious award was in recognition of his (Bello’s) tireless efforts in promoting women’s inclusivity in governance beyond the Beijing 35% affirmative action.
Ijadele-Asetona, while presenting the national award to Gov Bello during the award night of the 2nd Annual International Conference held at the renowned Top Rank Galaxy Hotel in Abuja, she described him as an “encourager.”
The president also described the award as a “tribute” to his commitment to championing women’s rights and their inclusion in leadership roles.
Accepting the award on behalf of Governor Bello, Hon. Avoyi Nwogu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, expressed the governor’s profound gratitude, saying that Governor Bello has been dedicated to providing opportunities for women in his administration.
“Governor Bello’s administration, since its inception, has consistently placed women in key roles. I can assure you that he will continue to create opportunities for women to participate in governance in the state, even after his tenure, as he has frequently expressed his deep-seated desire to see women progress.
“He is a selfless leader who considers the welfare of all, not only women. And it is today on record that his leadership has provided more opportunities for women than any other government in the history of Kogi State,” she added.
“I can confidently say that if the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is given the chance, he will work towards ensuring an increased women’s participation in politics because he has learnt well under Gov Bello.”
Nwogu also urged the citizens of Kogi State to wholeheartedly support and vote for the continuity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in office and its candidate, Alhaji Usman Ododo, in the upcoming November 11 governorship elections.
She, however, underscored the government’s commitment to ongoing progress and inclusive governance. (ephemeralnews)