…as state holds security patrol, show of force in Kaiama, Ekiti
Sikirat Shehu
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State on Tuesday said there is no basis for shutting the door against women considering their resilience, and commitment to a world that works for all.
The Governor, who stated this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye in commemorating the International Women’s Day, called for more policies and programmes that improve the welfare of women and save them from harassment or deprivations of any kind.
Abdulrazaq had while congratulating women worldwide on the occasion; commends their grit saying, “Whether as a girl child, wife or mother, a woman is acknowledged for being hard working, kind, resilient, supportive, and generally committed to efforts to build a society that is conducive for all.
“I believe wholeheartedly that for us to design a world that works for everyone, women must be in the room and be part of the process. Women are half of humanity and there is no basis for shutting the door against them.”
Reputed for his leading role in mainstreaming gender inclusion in government, Abdulrazaq said the IWD again offers a platform to clamour for improved participation of women in the decision making process for a balanced society.
The statement noted that Kwara is set to officially domesticate the State Action Plan (SAP) on the National Policy on Women, Peace and Security which calls for improved inclusion of women in peace building processes.
Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to prevent criminal elements from gaining a toehold in the state, Kwara State Joint Security Task Force has began a fresh round of operations in Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of the state to further beef up security in the state.
The Task Force comprises operatives from various security agencies, including the military, police, and other agencies.
The show of force, an initiative of the state government, has seen the security operatives combing communities in the local government to flush out criminal elements who may want to hibernate in the area.
The security team has so far patrolled Kanikoko, Gegeji, Kokobigbe, Duse Dogo, Sabi Fili, Tunga Yakubu, Grichangi, Woro, and Venra. Other communities being patrolled are Gweria, Moshegada, Aboki, Gugiji, Nanu, Jonbiga, Karonji, Gwentte, Chikanda, the border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic, Yashikira, Gure, Shinatoko, Kuburufu, Yanri, and Kosubosu, among others.
The security team enjoined the people of the area not to allow strange people to hibernate in their communities, urging them to report any strange movement for the safety of lives and security in the axis of the state.
The security operatives also urged members of the vigilante and communities folks not to accommodate any criminal elements in the area.
Similarly, members of the vigilante have also started routine combing of communities in Ekiti local government area in Kwara South Senatorial District.
The exercise, which is supported by the state government, comprises dozens of vigilante and local hunters who would work with local authorities to rid the areas of any criminal gang.