The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, has pledged to accord top priority to the empowerment of women and youths if elected as governor of the state.

Sani, in a statement issued on Sunday by his media consultant, Nasiru Danbatta, said for Nigeria to achieve sustainable progress, women must have unfettered access to opportunities.

According to him, a more inclusive and equitable society should also include the culture of giving women seats at the decision-making level.

“That is why we have included women programmes among the top priorities of our campaign manifesto,” he added.

The APC gubernatorial candidate said his manifesto had sought to empower women as key players in the economy and governance.

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“We shall also provide free antenatal care for expectant mothers and advocate for six months of paid maternity leave in the private sector,” Sani stated.

The federal lawmaker added that his government, if elected, would support women’s participation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and increase funding to the Kaduna State Women Entrepreneurship Funds (KADSWEF).

On International Women’s Day, Sani said: “We join women in the celebration of their day and call on policymakers all over the world to take bold actions towards promoting gender equality.

“I want to express my admiration for women’s incredible strength, resilience, creativity and unwavering determination, in spite of the obstacles they face.

“Women should not relent, they continue to make history and break glass ceilings.”

He, therefore, enjoined the people of the state to conduct themselves peacefully during Saturday’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

The Star