"My work has evolved over time—from supporting educational and social initiatives to leading more structured programmes focused on women's empowerment, healthcare, and economic inclusion."
Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, is a diplomat, the First Lady of Kwara State, Founder of the Ajike People Support Centre, and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum. She has been active in the development and policy space for several years, both through public service and sustained community-based interventions.
Through her role as First Lady of Kwara State, as well as her work with the Ajike People Support Centre and the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum, she has had the privilege of contributing to policy advocacy, programme design, and strategic partnerships at both state and national levels.
Her Excellency expressed that she feels as though she has always been in the development sector as she "grew up with parents who were always helping others out. My father was generous to a fault and I think in many ways I am like him. Development is in my blood, that's why when I became First Lady I started a skills acquisition programme."
She says "as a woman in the development and policy space my experience has been both deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging.
"I have had to navigate environments where representation at decision-making levels is still evolving."
She says there are moments when one must work harder "to ensure that perspectives, especially those concerning women, children, and vulnerable groups are not only heard, but taken seriously."
"In some instances, initiatives led by women are initially viewed through a different lens, and one has to demonstrate, sometimes more than once, the value and impact of the work."
She says being in the development and policy sector requires resilience, clarity of purpose and consistency.
"There are structural and societal barriers that women often encounter—ranging from limited access to networks and decision-making platforms to preconceived notions about leadership. At times, this may imply working harder to establish credibility and earn a seat at the table."
Her Excellency adds that she "must also acknowledge that the landscape is gradually improving. There is a growing recognition of the value women bring to development and policy, and more platforms are emerging to support women's leadership."
Abdulrazaq says with her work in development and policy she is most passionate about changing the economic narrative for women in Nigeria, "ensuring that women are not just participants in the economy, but drivers of growth, innovation, and prosperity. For me, this begins with economic empowerment and political inclusion.
"Women must have a voice at the tables where policies are shaped and decisions are made. Their perspectives are essential to building inclusive and sustainable solutions." says Her Excellency.
She shares that "at the moment we are working on the reserved seats for women bill which is currently awaiting final passage by the National Assembly. I am actively engaged in advancing policies and programmes that focus on women's economic empowerment, social protection, and community resilience."
"At the state level in Kwara, my work—particularly through the Ajike People Support Centre—is also closely aligned with policy priorities that promote financial inclusion, skills development, and access to sustainable livelihoods for women and vulnerable groups.
"These efforts support broader government frameworks aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening household stability." she says.
Abdulrazaq says she is deeply committed to expanding pathways for women to build sustainable livelihoods through skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusion in key sectors such as agriculture and trade.
"When a woman is economically empowered, she uplifts not only herself, but her family and her entire community."
She also expressed she has a passion for education, capacity building and leadership development. She says she believes "equipping women and girls with the right knowledge, skills, and confidence is one of the most powerful tools for long-term transformation."
Her Excellency adds that she is also strongly committed to ending gender-based violence and strengthening social protection systems because "no society can truly progress if women and girls do not feel safe, valued, and protected."
"In my capacity as Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors' Spouses Forum, I am involved in collaborative advocacy around gender-responsive policies, especially those that address issues such as gender-based violence, maternal and child health, and girls' education. We work collectively to support policy alignment across states and to amplify initiatives that deliver measurable impact at scale."
She further states "We must continue to advocate for stronger policies, better enforcement, and supportive systems that uphold the dignity and rights of every woman."
"While policy development is often a continuous and collaborative process, my current efforts are centered on ensuring that these policies are not only well-designed, but also effectively implemented so that they translate into real and lasting change in the lives of the people we serve."
"Ultimately, my vision is to see a Nigeria where every woman—regardless of her background—has the opportunity, the support, and the enabling environment to reach her full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development."
