Gov. Bello bags another award on security, gender equity »

The National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) in its 25th National Conference in Okene on Tuesday, conferred an Award of Excellence on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his watertight security policies and SDGs 35% affirmative action for women inclusion in governance with gender balance at the core of his heart.

State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja received the Award on behalf of the Governor at the Conference which held at the School of Languages Auditorium of the Federal College of Education, Okene, with the theme: “Covid-19 Pandemic: Implications for Sustainable National Development.”

Chief Onoja was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, who disclosed that Governor Bello has distinguished himself as a pacesetter and a model in gender inclusiveness.

According to her, women’s political participation results in tangible gains for democracy, includes greater responsiveness to citizen needs, increases cooperation, promotes sustainable peace, which remains the fulcrum of Governor Bello’s leadership. She reeled his appreciative records in trusting women demonstrated in placing them in sensitive and strategic positions in the governance structure of Kogi State.

Corroborating her thoughts, Chief Onoja recalled that it was in recognition of Governor Bello’s gender sensitivity that the National Council of Women Societies bestowed a “HE 4 SHE” Award on him, jointly followed by a commendation from the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Comfort Lamptey.

He said the WICE Conference is symbolic given its national outlook with participants drawn across the lengths and breadths of the country, emphasizing that women play significant roles in the electioneering process, thus, must be encouraged to advocate for a President with nationalist ideals bent on Unifying the country irrespective of tribe, religious, class or regional divides.

He said Governor Bello has gained traction for nipping insecurity in the bud in his domain State of Kogi, whilst towing the State on paths prosperity in the last 5 years.

Highlights of the event were presentations of the Award, Launch of the Journal of National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (JOWICE), and Goodwill Messages from attendees comprising; National President (WICE), Mrs. Zipporah Durguryil, Provost of the College, Dr. Umar Hassan, Provost, FCE, Kotongora, Farouk H, Chairman, Committee of Provosts, and Provost FCE Pankshin, Dr. Amos Bulus, amongst other dignitaries.