From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Musliat Bello, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 election in Kwara State, pledging to build on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while promoting women inclusion and expanding vocational opportunities.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Yetunde said her ambition is driven by a desire to inspire young girls and reposition women as active participants in leadership and economic development.
“I want to be an example for young girls. Let them know that if I can be governor, they can be governor too,” she said.
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She commended the AbdulRazaq administration for what she described as significant progress across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, and women participation, noting that these strides have elevated Kwara’s profile.
“I stand before you not just as an aspirant to the exalted office of governor, but as a mother and a compassionate builder of people, ready to continue the developmental journey our party has entrenched in Kwara,” Yetunde stated.
The aspirant identified gender inclusion as a major motivation for her decision, praising the ruling party for advancing opportunities for women in line with the 35 per cent affirmative action policy.
Beyond continuity, Yetunde outlined plans to deepen reforms in critical sectors, with education topping her agenda. She pledged increased funding and improved access to ensure that no child is left behind.
“The future of our state depends on the quality of education we provide. We will ensure no child is denied access to sound education from basic to tertiary level,” she said.
On healthcare, she promised to introduce a comprehensive insurance scheme and strengthen primary healthcare services, particularly to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Yetunde also vowed to sustain infrastructure development, enhance security through improved collaboration among relevant agencies, and boost agriculture by providing farmers with modern inputs.
She added that her administration would invest in alternative energy solutions such as solar power, while expanding access to clean water through improved infrastructure.
To tackle unemployment and empower youths and women, the APC aspirant proposed structured vocational training programmes, including a “second-half school system” aimed at equipping citizens with practical skills.
“If a man can be a mechanic, why can’t a woman do the same? These days, it’s not about strength alone; it’s about knowledge and intelligence, and women have it,” she said.
She stressed the need to encourage women, who make up a significant percentage of the population, to venture into technical and vocational fields traditionally dominated by men.
According to her, women have consistently demonstrated the capacity to excel when given equal opportunities.
Reaffirming her readiness to lead, Yetunde called on party members and the electorate, particularly women, to support her aspiration, describing it as a defining moment for inclusive leadership in Kwara.
“I am ready to fly the flag of our party and serve the good people of Kwara. I urge everyone, particularly women, to support this vision. This is our moment,” she said.
