Mrs Helen Ajayi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant to Kwara House of Assembly, has called on the state government to cater for widows and orphans in the state.

She made the call on Sunday in Ilorin in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ajayi, who is seeking election into Oke Ode/Igbaja constituency in Ifelodun Local Government Area, expressed concern over the alleged deplorable conditions of widows in the state.

She said that she decided to contest the assembly seat to touch the lives of widows in her constituency.

Ajayi told NAN that if she wins the election, she would pay attention on the welfare of widows and orphans by embarking on empowerment programmes for the youths.

"My major concern is the grassroots in my constituency because the masses are the most deprived in the community," Ajayi said.

She decried the low level involvement of women in politics, especially elective positions, adding that women should be given more chances to contest elective positions.

"Our men are not fair to us; the percentage of women seeking elective positions in the state is very low," she said.

The aspirant commended President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing several women into his cabinet and urged other state governments to emulate the president by giving more slots to women in their cabinets.

She said that politics was meant for those who love the people, fear God and were ready to impact positively on peoples' life.

Ajayi said she had been embarking on empowerment programmes for women and youths in her constituency through direct employment and assisting them on skills acquisition.

The politician recalled that she had trained women in her constituency on bead and candle making and also assisted them with start-off capital at the end of their training. (NAN)