Nasarawa government gives priority to women than ever – Commissioner

By Abubakar Lawal Lafia

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Halima Ahmadu Jabiru has re-echoed government’s commitment towards uplifting the socio-economic status of women in the state.

She pointed out that since assumption of office precisely on May 29, 2019, Governor Abdullahi Sule has given women more priority in terms of making them self reliant.

The women Commissioner made this known in an interview with CAPITAL POST shortly after a Refresher Training for Leaders of Women Cooperative Society Associations and Non Governmental Organisations in Lafia.

“I am sure most of you have witnessed a giant stride and commitment of our Governor, Abdullahi Sule led administration in the area of improving your well-being and livelihood through access to knowledge and information that will enhance your productivity generally in the state”, she said.

Hajiya Halima recalled that her boss has left no one in doubt of the love and interest he has on women, specially on issues affecting welfare, growth, progress and development of women immediately he took over mantle of leadership in the state.

“I want to say without missing a word that, Governor Abdullahi Sule has identified with women barely 48 hours after being sworn in.

She also disclosed that within the period he empowered women with equipment and materials for economic production.

She used the occasion to reaffirm government’s desire with emphasis on the development and delivery of social services to people despite the unpleasant effects of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic that affected the nation and the world.

“In this regard, Governor Abdullahi Sule remained committed to change economic status of women within the available resources at his disposal to curb hardship among women in the state.

“We therefore recognize that for women to increase their participation economically, viable ventures through accessing loans and grants to improve productivity in their various chosen field of engagements.

“It is important for them to organise themselves into cooperative groups and similar associations with a view to pursue, promote and defend their interest at all times.”

According to her with abundance of knowledge and opportunities for partnership and cooperation in this digital world, the tendency for growth and accelerated development will not be endless.

“To this end, it is very imperative for women group leaders, associations and NGOs to update their knowledge and skills at all times for them to remain relevant and benefit from the abundance of every opportunities in this current digital era.

The Commissioner explained that over the years non- governmental organisations and associations, focusing largely on humanitarian, women and children related activities have been established at various levels across the country.

“But regrettably issues of sustenance and fund management especially, hinder the growth, viability and development of these organization were not captured.

“This realization has informed the refresher training so that they can tune with current trends and realities as they related to management of Cooperatives, Associations and NGO’s whose duties and activities concerned and affected women.

Hajiya Halima Jabiru was optimistic that with the refreshing leadership through education and reminding them about their duties and responsibilities to their organisations.

“This we strongly believed that organisations will stand the test of time and partner effectively with our ministry and to be combat ready to deliver on needed services.

“Let me equally, use this forum to inform you that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is now fully in the cyberspace accordingly, all societies, Associations and NGOs that deals with the Ministry are expected to report their activities on a regular basis that can be done through the Ministry’s website. She advised.

Hajiya Halima Jabiru called on people of the State particularly the women to support administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule in his quest to transform their economic base.