By Kayode Abdulazeez
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Musliat Yetunde Bello, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 election in Kwara State, promising to sustain the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq while advocating for women’s inclusion and expanded economic opportunities for all.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Yetunde said her ambition goes beyond politics, describing it as a mission to inspire young girls and reposition women as active players 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.
She commended the AbdulRazaq-led administration for what she described as transformative progress across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development and women’s participation, noting that the strides have placed Kwara on a higher pedestal.
“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 highlighted gender inclusion as a major driving force behind her decision, praising the ruling party for creating opportunities for women in line with the 35 per cent affirmative action.
“Our party has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to women’s participation. This has inspired me to step forward and offer myself for service,” she added.
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 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 a comprehensive insurance scheme and improved primary healthcare services, particularly to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Yetunde also pledged to sustain infrastructure development, strengthen security through enhanced collaboration among agencies, and boost agriculture by supporting 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.
In a move to tackle unemployment and empower youths and women, the APC aspirant proposed structured vocational training programmes, including a “second-half school system” to equip 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 that women, who make up a significant percentage of the population, must be encouraged to venture into technical and vocational fields traditionally dominated by men.
“We are over 50 per cent of the population. Women should be encouraged to take up electrical work and other technical skills. Let them be challenged too,” Yetunde added.
She maintained that women have consistently demonstrated the capacity to excel when given equal opportunities.
“When women are given the chance, they prove themselves. We have seen it time and again—they can even outperform expectations,” she said.
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.
