By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
Stand Up For Women Society (SWS) has passed a vote of confidence on reappointed Secretary to Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike for representing the female folks meritoriously in the governance of the State.
Recall that Mrs. Ayoade served as SSG for 8 years under the immediate past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello as she was the only Female Government Scribe in the entire 19 Northern States and was reappointed by Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo shortly after his inauguration as the 5th Executive Governor of the State.
The National President of SWS, Barr. Deborah Ijadele Adetona, who led the State Chapter of the Group to the Office of the SSG, said they are proud of her achievements and contributions to the success story of the immediate past administration.
Represented by the National Public Relations Officer of SWS, Hon. Billie Avoyi Nwogu congratulated Mrs. Folashade Ayoade on her reappointment, describing it as well deserved.
She charged the SSG not to be distracted by those calling for review of her appointment, saying the Group as its name implies, Stand Up For Women Society, is satisfied with her deeds and integrity, which earned her the reappointment.
The National President pointed out that women in the country and particularly Kogi State are solidly behind her, urging her to add more value to the administration of the State.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson of SWS, Comrade Muslimat Itopa said the Group was established to bring women together under one umbrella in order to speak with one voice in anticipation for promoting the capacity developments to enhance economic empowerment for women.
According to her, the visit is to felicitate with Mrs. Ayoade on her reappointment and expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the legacies of his predecessor, Alh. Yahaya Bello in terms of appointment of women.
“Am glad that the executive of the standup for women society are in your office to congratulate you and also appreciate our gender friendly governor Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo for re appointing you as the secretary to the state government.
“I want you to know that this appointment did not come to us as a surprise this is the reward of your hard work in the last eight years of the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and your active participation in the last November governorship election in the state. During the campaign you assured the Women that a vote for Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is a vote for more empowerment for women. Bringing empowerment to women is very essential in the social economic development of any family society and the nation.
“The Standup for Women Society is solidly behind you because part of our mission is to support good governance and advocate for the right of women in our society.
She solicited the motherly advice of the Secretary to the State Government in promoting the cause of women in the State.
Responding, the SSG, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade said she is overwhelmed by the support of the Group, noting that her appointment and reappointment is an act of God.
She expressed appreciation to former Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the trust reposed in her and promised not to disappoint them and women in Kogi State.
She assured that her office will partner with SWS to enable it achieve its goals, adding that through her Non Governmental Organization, she will soon reach out to widows in the State to mitigate the current economic hardship.
