₦airaland Forum

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*Military intervention in Niger Republic will amounts to digging Africa's grave-PeacePro*

_Says diplomacy is the ultimate tool in international relations_

A peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on the leadership of African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to never contemplate military intervention in Niger Republic.

PeacePro also maintained that, no foreign nation or organization has authority to intervene militarily in any sovereign nation over internal issues.

In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat over the weekend, the group said that it supports the strong position of African Union and ECOWAS on the restoration of democratic order in Niger Republic and all other proposed measures, except military intervention.

According to Hamzat, military option should not be contemplated, military intervention will turn West Africa into a battle zone between foreign powers and armed dealers and no matter the good intention behind it, the outcome will be catastrophic for the continent.

Hamzat also explained that, no international law permits military intervention in any country, except for peace keeping operations and should AU and ECOWAS contemplate such intervention, foreign powers may also justify their numerous illegal operations and other future interventions through the same process.

"Military intervention in Niger Republic amounts to digging Africa's grave and nobody digs his or her own grave" Hamzat said.

*Military intervention in Niger Republic will amounts to digging Africa's grave-PeacePro*

_Says diplomacy is the ultimate tool in international relations_

A peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on the leadership of African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to never contemplate military intervention in Niger Republic.

PeacePro also maintained that, no foreign nation or organization has authority to intervene militarily in any sovereign nation over internal issues.

In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat over the weekend, the group said that it supports the strong position of African Union and ECOWAS on the restoration of democratic order in Niger Republic and all other proposed measures, except military intervention.

According to Hamzat, military option should not be contemplated, military intervention will turn West Africa into a battle zone between foreign powers and armed dealers and no matter the good intention behind it, the outcome will be catastrophic for the continent.

Hamzat also explained that, no international law permits military intervention in any country, except for peace keeping operations and should AU and ECOWAS contemplate such intervention, foreign powers may also justify their numerous illegal operations and other future interventions through the same process.

"Military intervention in Niger Republic amounts to digging Africa's grave and nobody digs his or her own grave" Hamzat said.

?

*Niger Coup: PeacePro call for end to foreign military presence in Africa within 24 months*

_Says legitimate grievance leading to coup should be addressed_

A peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has condemned the latest coup in Niger Republic, arguing that coup has never been a solution to insecurity in the continent, neither is it capable of bringing economic prosperity.

PeacePro also called on the leadership of African Union and ECOWAS to end the presence of foreign military bases across the region.

PeacePro, in a statement by the Executive Director, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat said that, military coup in the subregion often enjoy initial public support because of the presence of foreign military forces that is blamed for the sustained and prolonged insecurity, especially in the Francophone region.

According to Hamzat, the recent coup in Niger Republic and the initial public excitement it generated in the country might be a temporary feeling, but it is also an indication that the people of the country do not have sufficient evidence that their democratically government is acting as an independent authority, devoid of foreign pressure and influence.

Investigation amongst the people of Niger Republic indicates that they want closer ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, all Francophone countries united in a mission to send foreign military forces out of their countries.

Hamzat maintained that, while military coup is condemnable, the constituted civil authorities in the continent must demonstrate capacity to protect the human and territorial integrity of the continent.

The fundamental issues and grievances leading to the coup should also be addressed, not just in Niger Republic, but also in Mali, Burkina Faso and others.

PeacePro therefore urges the African Union and ECOWAS to make it a mission to end presence of foreign military forces in the continent within the next 24 months.

End

https://sobifm.com/niger-coup-peacepro-call-for-end-to-foreign-military-presence-in-africa-within-24-months/

PeacePro tackles Global Peace Index for categorizing North Africa with Middle East

_Says MENA categorization makes it difficult to see Africa as one continent_

A peacebuilding think tank in Nigeria, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on global bodies, academic institutions and research groups to stop categorizing North African countries with Middle East under the acronym of MENA (Middle East and North Africa).

PeacePro also said that such conflicting categorization by global bodies such as World Bank, World Health Organization and others is creating none existing barrier between North African Countries and the rest of Africa, thereby making it difficult to see Africa as one and to create social, economic and psychological integration in the continent.

The Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat while engaging Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP), the producer of global peace index on popular social media platform twitter, questioned the rationale for using such categorization in the global peace index report.

“Why is Africa usually divided into 2 on the global peace index report? Hamzat asked, adding that this division has consistently raised questions in our sessions at Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro).

The IEP ambassador also stated that his organization is currently working on an African based enlightenment report, which is an extract from the global peace index, to create further awareness on GPI report and the extraction of North Africa to Middle East in the Global Peace Index report has been a major point of contention, making it difficult to visualize Africa as one continent, with its data scattered across different regions.

Responding to Hamzat’s inquiry on twitter, IEP Global Peace Index notes that, for regional analysis, IEP splits Africa into sub-Saharan Africa and MENA. This is consistent with the world bank grouping, it said.

However, Hamzat went further to note that, although, this is indeed consistent with other categorization including that of the @WorldBank as you have rightly pointed out, we are still yet to understand the rationale for such categorization and we are open for enlightenment on the subject.

It is important to note that, in politics and academia, north African countries are commonly grouped with the Middle East under the umbrella of MENA, a development which has been questioned by many people, including in North Africa.

As a regional identifier, MENA is often used in academia, military planning, disaster relief, media planning (as a broadcast region) and business writing.

However, there is no MENA region amongst the United Nations Regional Groups, nor in the United Nations geoscheme used by the UNSD.

Different global bodies define and categorize MENA differently.

According to a 2003 World Bank geoclassification, MENA consistent of 21 countries, including 6 African countries, plus one country East Africa, Djibouti.

Similarly, in a 2010 UNHRC report, MENA was defined as a group consisting of 18 countries, including a country in West Africa, Mauritania.

In another report by UNAIDS in 2019 quoting UNICEF, MENA was classified as a group of 20 countries with 8 African countries. Also, An International Monetary Fund (IMF) report also define MENA as a group of 24 countries, with 9 African countries spread across North, East and West Africa.

Hamzat maintained that, the balcarnization of Africa in global reports by different organizations not only amounts to disrespect for the continent, but also frustrate efforts at harmonizing the continents data and create cohesion for continental development.

https://prnigeria.com/2023/07/18/peacepro-africa-peace-index/

Once the mutual suspicion between both Anglophone and Francophone is removed, the language itself cannot be a problem.

The mutual suspicion was largely sustained by colonial France, which still hold some of the Francophone countries under their grip, particularly through their economy

*Ecowas must end Anglophone and Francophone divide- Rukayat Shittu*

According to her, the Anglophone and Francophone divide in the region must be addressed.

"The era of shying away from real issues are over and every obstacle to our regional integration must be properly put on the agenda for proper engagement and understanding"

ECOWAS cannot continue to be divided over none existing language barrier, instituted by colonization. Our quest for growth, security and prosperity should be placed above any other consideration and the undue mutual suspicion should be eliminated. She said.


https://leadership.ng/rep-member-youngest-female-lawmaker-hail-tinubu-over-ecowas-chair/?fbclid=IwAR2cLmIU0YyRQYTU5Hk8r4WK8NJF5mSXCsiG82x7VBOpXgkyRyonJarlV74

See

*ECOWAS approach needs to change - Hon Rukayat Shittu*

1. Over the weekend, the newly elected President of Nigeria, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu was anonymously elected as the chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a west African subregion body, comprising of 15 countries, with over 300 million population and almost $750billion GDP.

2. President Tinubu is the right leader to lead ECOWAS at this challenging moment, owing to his capacity, experience and ability to simplify complex governance issues into actionable plan with clarity and political will and to mobilize other leaders to lead implementation process.

3. As a young leader, I understand that not many people in the sub-region, especially in my age bracket understand the role of ECOWAS in our developmental stride and as a region with more than 65% population below the age of 24, ECOWAS agenda needs to become the agenda of most, if not all its citizens to stand a chance of success.

4. Although, as part of its renewal process, ECOWAS is said to be implementing critical and strategic programmes that will deepen cohesion and progressively eliminate identified barriers to full integration, but this integration and cohesion cannot become a reality if majority of the ordinary people, especially the young people, who are the majority of the population are unaware and disconnected from this processes.

5. It is also true that the body is desirous of the citizens of the community to ultimately take ownership for the realization of the vision of moving from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of the people by 2050, but very little effort is being made to make this vision a reality, especially with the young population.

The awareness of young people on ECOWAS mission and processes, will greatly enhance public solidarity and provide the right energy to propel the community into an indivisible force.

6. The approach being adopted needs to change, the community must speak the language of its young population and the vision must be ingrained in their day to day activities, especially through variety of channels, including but not limited to the digital space.

7. With the election of President Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman and his proclamation against military disruption to democratic governance in the region, I believe the community needs to put action to words, first by mobilizing joint resources (both human and material) for regional peace and security. The Anglophone and Francophone divide in the region must be addressed. The era of shying away from real issues are over and every obstacle to our regional integration must be properly put on the agenda for proper engagement and understanding. ECOWAS cannot continue to be divided over none existing language barrier, instituted by colonization. Our quest for growth, security and prosperity should be placed above any other consideration and the undue mutual suspicion should be eliminated.

8. The community should also reconsider a regional security force to defend the integrity and sovereignty of the region, particularly the re-introduction of Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), with more national commitment from member states, stable budget beyond voluntary members contribution, clearly defined legal framework supported by all members states and domesticated in their respective countries etc.

9. The security, peace and stability of the community is key to its economic prosperity. With absence of security, peace and stability, the idea of removal, between member states, of obstacles to free movement of persons, goods, services and capital as captured in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (Afcfta) will remain a problematic idea that would remain a theory, rather than something practical.

10. I therefore urge ECOWAS, under the leadership of our dear President, to rejig the modality of the community's operations and transform the subregion into one strong force, first by ensuring security, peace and stability, then to growing its economic capacity through indigenous growth, investment and cooperation.

- Hon. Rukayat Shittu is the youngest female lawmaker in Nigeria and a member, representing Owode/Onire Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly.

*Rukayat Shittu becomes spokesperson of Kwara assembly*

_Calls for collaboration in setting development agenda_

_Says 33% of principal officers are women_

_Female members chair 25% of Standing Committees_

The youngest female lawmaker in Nigeria and honourable member representing Owode Onire state constituency, Hon Rukayat Shittu has been appointed as the spokesperson of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

The sensational politician and face of modern politics in Nigeria has also called for collaboration in setting development based agenda in Kwara State.

In a statement shared on her social media page over the weekend, titled my first day as honourable member, Rukayat stated that she has been appointed as Chairman of House Committee on Youth, Sports, Tourism and Information, which makes her the spokesperson of the house.

She also explained some recent development in the house, which includes making 33% principal officers of the assembly female and 25% chairmen of standing committees women.

https://www.thesatcommedia.com/rukayat-shittu-becomes-spokesperson-of-kwara-assembly/

This is the most honest, sad, educating and thought provoking engagement I have watched by a governor in Nigeria.

Cross Rivers State governor, Ben Ayade really got me to listen attentively.

Hum

UK's military presence in Nigeria since the abduction of Chibok girls
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

Last week, I spoke with a New York based TV station about the incoming administration of President elect, Bola Tinubu in Nigeria.

I also spoke about Russia-Ukraine crisis, China and western interest in Africa, amongst other issues.

As the conversation progresses, we found ourselves talking about foreign military presence in Africa, in which I confidently said there was no any foreign military presence in Nigeria, neither could there have been any because Nigerians, irrespective of the challenges are so protective of their nation and they could never have allowed any foreign military base in the country.

However, I have since learnt that i was right and wrong at the same time.

While it is true that Nigeria could not have deliberately allow any foreign military base in the country, it appeared that the country may have indirectly allowed United Kingdom be operating a semi military base in the country.

While checking UK military bases around the world, a wikipedia document listed Nigeria as one of the countries hosting UK foreign military base, without explaining further.

I soon realized that, contrary to my position that there is no foreign military presence of any kind in Nigeria, investigation reveals that there's UK military presence in Nigeria.

The UK established the base in Nigeria in 2014, during the heat of Boko Haram insurgency and advocacy of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) to return the kidnapped chibok girls, an advocacy I was also associated with.

The base was established under the name "Operation Turus".

Although, it is not supposed to be a base, but since 2014 till date, it is operating as such, gradually increasing its capacity, even with more personnel.

Operation Turus is the code name of the British military operation to "allegedly" assist Nigeria during the Boko Haram insurgency. It was launched in April 2014 by Prime Minister David Cameron in response to the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping which saw over a hundred schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist organisation in norteastern Nigeria.

Initial efforts were focused on the search for the missing schoolgirls, with the UK deploying military specialists, satellite imagery and reconnaissance aircraft from the Royal Air Force.

In May 2014, the Royal Air Force deployed a Sentinel R1 surveillance aircraft from No. 5 Squadron RAF to assist with the search for the missing schoolgirls. The aircraft was based in Accra, Ghana and developed a fault days into its deployment. It was subsequently repaired in Senegal and returned to operations. In 10 sorties, the aircraft had mapped the whole of Nigeria using its dual-mode synthetic aperture radar / moving target indication (SAR/MTI) radar.

A team consisting of military advisors was also deployed to Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to work alongside similar American and French teams. The deployment augmented an existing British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) and included special forces personnel.

In August 2014, three Tornado GR4 strike aircraft from No. 2 Squadron RAF were deployed to Chad. Based in N'Djamena, the aircraft flew over Nigeria equipped with RAPTOR reconnaissance pods and supported the search for the missing schoolgirls. The detachment comprised up to 91 military personnel and had returned to the UK by 17 October. A total of 56 sorties had been made, including the transit from the UK. The aircraft were also unarmed and required no tanker support. The UK also provided satellite imagery.


After this operations, the UK claimed to have located the missing girls, but instead of giving the location to Nigeria military to carry out the ground operations to rescue them, they alongside other western interest, including US insisted they must be allowed a base in the country to carry out the rescue operations themselves, something the Nigerian government rejected, citing national concerns.

As global and local pressure continue to mount on the government over the chibok girls, it appeared the then leadership granted limited access to the foreign interest in the country.

The UK later claimed to have shifted its focus towards training and supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces to help it counter violent extremists through other aspects.

In June 2014, Foreign Secretary William Hague announced the UK would increase its military aid to Nigeria, including a tactical training programme.

In 2015, the UK had around 130 military personnel deployed in Nigeria, including Short Term Training Teams (STTT) which were mainly supported by 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

In December, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced this deployed force would be doubled to "up to 300" in 2016.

In 2016, a team of RAF personnel was deployed to provide the Nigerian Air Force training on airfield defence and counter-insurgency.

2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment remained in the country through 2016. A total of 350 British military personnel were deployed to the country, including 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment.

In 2017, 700 British military personnel had been deployed to Nigeria, including personnel from 7th Infantry Brigade and the RAF Regiment. The third STTT in the five-year programme saw involvement from No. 5 Royal Air Force Protection Wing and No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment.

In 2018, the UK expanded its provision of equipment and training, making it seems like a full base operations.

In 2019, No. 5 Force Protection Wing RAF deployed its eighth of ten STTTs. 7,000 kg of equipment necessary for the deployment was transported via an A400M Atlas transport aircraft. The RAF Police were also involved in this deployment and delivered training on military working dogs, counter intelligence and specialist investigations.

In May 2022, British Army Colonel Neil Wright MBE assumed command of the operations.

Although, it is obvious that this is not a full military base, but its operations can't be completely described as none base.

Probably this is why it was listed on wikipedia as British military base in Nigeria.

It should recalled that at least, there are 30 foreign military bases scattered across Africa, with Russia recently signing an agreement with Sudan to establish one in the country, a base which the western powers are opposed to.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

https://www.youtube.com/live/TXI0ArgyyRU?feature=share

*WAR AID TO UKRAINE AND THE PLACE OF AFRICA IN A MULTI POLAR WORLD*

By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

As at 2023, US and European Union (EU) had given Ukraine war aid worth more than $130B.

US alone had allegedly given Ukraine close to $77B, being the single highest donor to Ukraine.

This figure by US alone is more than the GDP of 45 African countries, which represents more than 85% of the continent, but less than 0.4% of US GDP.

Break down of US aid to Ukraine us as follows:

1. $3.9B (5%) Humanitarian
2. $26.4B (34%) Financial
3. $46.6B (61%) Military

In addition to $77B aid by US, EU also gave Ukraine $53B, taking the total sum received by Ukraine to $130B.

Only 5 African countries have a GDP more than $130B, namely Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco.

Apart from the aid received by Ukraine from EU and US, more than 20 other countries provided aid to Ukraine.

Although, some African countries also provided aid to Ukraine, such as Morocco, but it amounts to insignificance.

Generally speaking, Africa has consistently maintained its neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war.

But how far is the continent benefiting from its neutrality or better still, how much can it benefits in the long run, with a multi polar world fast approaching?

Ukraine's president, get attention of different parts of the world including the United Nations, while addressing their regional bodies to rally support for his country, but that's not the story in Africa.

When Zelensky was given opportunity to address the African Union, only 4 heads of state were present, the rest sent emissaries, indicating the none interest in the Ukraine war.

Despite US's effort to assert its influence on many countries in Africa, the best it got is get them to abstain from voting against Ukraine.

However, most African nations doesn't seems to be neutral in the real sense of it, they wanted to support Russia, which they believe have a better case on the matter and better relationship with them, but they were too afraid to make that open stand.

Even South Africa, which is a co-member of BRIC with Russia had to demonstrate their support for Russia in another way.

But here is the main question, can this claim to neutrality benefits Africa in a changing world, where the new world order is fast emerging?

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

Repproachment in middle east will reduce global terrorism says PeacePro

_As Saudi, Iran back negotiation for ceasefire in Yemen_

A peacebuilding organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has described the diplomatic repproachment and realignment between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by China as the beginning of a new dawn of peace and tranquility in the middle east.

PeacePro maintained that, the new global realignment, especially in the middle east should be sustained and adequately utilized to create a new atmosphere of peace and friendship in the region.

In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the organization said that Saudi and Omani delegations have held talks with Houthi officials in Yemen as part of international efforts to find settlement to Yemen’s nine-year conflict.

The visit, according to report indicates progress in the Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run parallel to United Nations peace efforts.

Negotiations also gained momentum since archrivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China.

According to Hamzat, PeacePro considers the new wave of dialogue and communication between major players in middle east as a positive development that would eventually lead not only to peace in the region, but would also begin a new era of partnership and joint prosperity.

Hamzat also noted that, the effect of peace and partnership in the middle east will also travel fast and have positive effect in all Muslim neighborhood around the world, especially those currently battling with one from of extremism or the other.

"The repproachment and realignment between Saudi Arabia and Iran and by extension, the middle east will have positive effect on reduction of global conflict between warring Muslim sects and groups, which we believe would reduce incidences of global terrorism, wrongly associated with the Islamic religion".

PeacePro is therefore urging the leadership of Saudi Arabia and Iran to resist temptation of abandoning this progressive direction.

https://www.theconclaveng.com/repproachment-and-realignment-in-the-middle-east-will-reduce-global-terrorism-says-peacepro/

NIGERIAN WOMEN WHO NURTURED MY AMBITION

In this past week, the Governorship and House of Assembly election took place across Nigeria, West Africa and it is not any different in Kwara State, North Central, where I was standing as a candidate, seeking to be elected into Kwara State House of Assembly for Owode Onire state constituency, under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

After the tightly contested election, I was previledged to emerge victorious and declared member elect for Owode Onire Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a close contest, where I pulled 7,521 votes to defeat my rival, Mallam Abdullah Magaji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 6,957 votes.

Since the declaration of our victory, the people of my constituency have been singing and dancing across the street, while our friends and supporters in the youths and women constituency across Kwara State and indeed the federation have also joined the celebration.

The celebration of my emergence as member elect, Owode Onire state constituency, in Asa local govt area of Kwara State, North central, Nigeria is not what my immediate constituency are enjoying alone, the victory is being enjoyed, shared and celebrated across the federation.

This is because, many worthy Nigerians across the Federation not only invested faith, hope and expectations in my candidature, many respectable people, especially women actually supported us from the beginning till eventual victory.

They didn't support us to the end, they supported us to victory, so that we can start a journey of a life time, to inspire young girls in Nigeria and indeed Africa, to dream and aspire for greatness.

As a 26 year old lady, who managed to secure victory in a tightly contested election, many media platforms have asked me, how supportive are women in my journey to success, which my terse and two sentence answers have not really done justice to due to election stress. This is why I felt the need to pen this message to properly capture the nature of support I got from women folks across the Federation.

My political journey began with the support of a rare gem, woman, a former Coordinator for Gender and Women Affairs of our group, Kwara Must Change, now a commissioner in the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in person of Dr. Mrs Mopelola Abdulmaliq-Bashir.

Dr. Mopelola saw me as a daughter and took my aspiration as a personal project, not only because of her portfolio then as Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs where she sees the aspiration of every woman as a personal responsibility, but also because she's a major stakeholder in my local govt and she personally led me to various stakeholders, seeking their support for my ambition.

As the person who champion advocacy for Gender Parity in the state even before her appointment as commissioner through the Kwara Must Change platform, Dr Mopelola practiced what she preaches and sacrificed alot to uplift my aspiration beyond surface level, a development that turns many against her.

When the First Lady of Kwara State, Amb (Dr) Olufolake Abdulrazaq became aware of my aspiration, she literally adopted me as her daughter, invested on my ambition and gave me the needed motivation to stand strong.

Dr. Olufolake was always advocating for me, especially when the situation was tough, battling from High Court to the Supreme Court, she never left me alone one bit and her support was beyond measure.

Through Kwara State first lady, the wife of Nigeria's president, Hajia Aisha Buhari became aware of my candidature and she became a supporter, who always look out for me.

The wife of Nigeria's president elect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also adopted me and gave my candidature unquantifiable support.

It often amazes me, how Senator Oluremi Tinubu really got time to care for the aspiration of a village girl in far away Manyan, in Owode-Onire, Asa local Governmentarea of Kwara State, but this is the nature of our incoming first lady.

I can't also forget the strategic role of the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) of the Kwara State Governor, Hon. Jumoke Gafar, Hajia Samirah Yahaya and Hajia Adijatou, Hadjia Aishat Bolanle Ismail (Iya Lamunle) all of whom contributed in no small way to my success.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Pauline Tallen wasn't left out in my support and I was nurtured by her kindness and loving hands.

The Chairperson of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs Shade Omoniyi wasn't left out in our support also and same with Hajia Mariam Abike Yusuf.

The role played by APC state and national women leaders, in person of Hajia Falilat Muhammad and Dr. Betta Edu weren't little either. While Hajia Faliat often got my back in the state, especially within the party, Dr Beta on the other hand often recommend me for training opportunities at the national level.

The TIC Vice Chairperson in Asa, Alhaja Adupe Adams, and Alhaja Sarat Yahaya not excluding the SA SDGs in Asa, Hajia Aishat Yusuf and *Hajia Habibat Yusuf* contributed immensely.

The unending contributions of the wife of Kwara APC Chairman, Mrs. Fagbemi is commendable.

All APC women leaders in the 9 ward of Owode- Onire played huge role in this success and we cannot thank them enough.

Several women led groups and Gender Focused Non-Governmental Organizations such as (ElectHer, Women in politics Forum, WARDRC, UNSDGN, Kwara NAWOJ, etc) also contributed in no small measures to encourage and motivate me to continue on the journey to my ambition

Others include Hajia Sa'adat Modibbo Kawu, Mrs Folashade Aransiola, Hajia Goroso Giwa and my fellow female candidates within the APC, who all got elected in their various constituencies.

All of these women are the roots and stems that nurtured and gave me their helping hands to lean on.

Although, it is often said that women are the enemies of women, but in my own case, I will say that women are the helpers of women and I have benefited immensely from the the love, and support of these women.

In conclusion, while women have been greatly supportive in my journey, it is still a fact that the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is the number one supporter of women, not just me alone, but women of different hues. Although, the Kwara Must Change group advocated for 50% women cabinet positions, but Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq did 56%. He went further to sponsor and sign a Gender Composition Law that made it mandatory for any government in Kwara State to appoint a minimum of 35% position for either of the gender.

The governor's favourable disposition to women have also trickled down to the general society and I have greatly benefited from the support of several people in my constituency, especially men, elders, youths and ofcourse, women.

Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu
Member Elect, Owode Onire state constituency
Kwara State House of Assembly
North Central, Nigeria

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid022SfhopvpwQNcBrrZgpm1bPfXsWSNVYcEs79GEkknz46udZz5YsynGpw41zMQiyerl&id=100006550865547&mibextid=Nif5oz

Lol