Ramadan Lecture: Women, key to socio-economic development – Kebbi State Governor

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, says his administration will continue to invest in the development of women because they are formidable stabilizing factors in the family and the society at large.

Governor Bagudu stated this at the 5th Kebbi State Women Ramadan lecture series, with the theme: ” The Fundamental Role of Women in Islam”

In a statement by Governor Bagudu’s Special Assistant on Media, Yahaya Sarki, he described women as efficacious shock absorber of all socioeconomic turbulence in the society, especially with the onset of the global Coronavirus Pandemic.

“The more we invest in our women, the more prosperous our society would become,” Bagudu said.

The lecture’s Sub Themes included: Innovative Islamic Ways of Home Management in COVID-19 Era, Family Obligations of Wives in Times of Economic Hardship and Curbing Gender-Based Violence.

According to Governor Bagudu, women have the powers to strengthen society.

“Women have special roles to play in ensuring that, we continue to live our lives, in accordance to the Islamic injunctions.

 ” The women also have seamless powers and tactics to strengthen their husbands,  hence make them better fathers and leaders,” he added

Bagudu further noted that the Glorious Holy Quran, the Teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, PBUH and the other sources of Islamic Jurisprudence, were the guiding lights of the lives of the Muslims.

“Our entire lives and how we live have since been ordained by the Almighty Allah.  Even the COVID-9 guidelines were since provided for by Islam.” He explained.

Governor Bagudu also stressed the need to legislate and appropriate for more money for girl child education and other related welfare schemes.

The Governor also averred that women must be supported to play their societal roles, just as it has been ordained by the Almighty Allah.

 ” If we religiously heed to the various Islamic injunctions as regards our entire lives and family bonds, we will live in a healthier, safer and peaceful society.

 ” Our various families, diligently anchored by our wives, mothers and daughters will be able to surmount all the formidable challenges and survive any economic turbulence,” Bagudu added.

While commending his wife, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu for organizing the lecture, he also said that the theme and the sub-themes were apt, timely and reflect on contemporary issues, commending the speakers for doing justice to the topics.

The Governor also mentioned that his administration has secured a 70 million US dollars World Bank Grant, to strengthen Adolescent Girl Child Education.

He explained that, with the aid of the grant, women in the State, especially Adolescent Girls, will be taught more skills, coupled with both formal and non-formal education so that such skills will enable the girls to be more productive and self-reliant, even in their matrimonial homes.

The Governor also mentioned Gender-Based Violence as a vice in society highlighted by Shiek Ismail Mufti Menk via zoom,  saying that, Islam has provided for laws to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups. He reiterated the need to watch out for signs of emotional, verbal and physical abuse

The first speaker, Shiek Abubakar Giro Argungu, represented by Dr Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, dwelt on the topic ‘ Innovative Islamic Ways of Home Management in Covid-19 Era’ talked about Covid-19 preventive measures such as physical distancing, observing lockdown, washing of hands and proper hygiene among others are enshrined in Islam as preventive measures.

The second speaker, Dr Ismail Mufti Menk, who spoke virtually on the topic ‘ Curbing Gender-Based Violence ‘ Said Allah ordained women to play a vital role in the family and society, hence both husband and wife should work as a team and share responsibilities. He scorned force marriage and Gender-Based Violence, calling for a change of attitude.

Also the third Speaker, Sister Na’ima B. Robert talked virtually on the topic ‘Family obligations of wives in times of economic hardship’ while the last speaker, Dr Jabir Sani Mai Hula explored the topic ‘ Fundamental Role of Women in Islam’, citing 5 exalted women who have contributed significantly to Islam.

Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, the wife of Kebbi State Governor, the Convener and Organiser of the Programme, said that the huge successes of the Ramadan period largely depend on women for their contributions not just in their homes,  but in the society at large.

She said that the preparation of the Sahoor and Iftar meals and making sure the family stays together, to fully get the benefits of the blessed month of Ramadan, were the sole roles of women.

She further called on the Muslim Ummah to redouble their efforts in Sadaqah and Community engagements, in order to keep the youths safe, especially after the Taraweeh prayers.

Dr Zainab Bagudu also extolled the efforts of husbands, fathers, sons and brothers for supporting the family.

“We must also appreciate the tireless efforts of our husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, especially during this month where we seek Allah’s Abundant Blessings and rewards,” she said.

The Ramadan Lecture, she said, could not hold last year due to the Covid -19 pandemic, adding,” However, this year, the lecture was organised as things eased down and it served as an opportunity to pray for an end to the pandemic.”

The wife of the Kebbi State Governor said that the theme was borrowed from disturbing problems in the society, adding that,  as the Muslims throughout the world were left grappling with the repercussions of Coronavirus pandemic.

“Islamic culture, spiritual and theological dimensions offer Muslims a myriad of ways to cope.

 “That said, we can do more to ease the month for many who may not be as blessed as some of us ,” she said.

She thanked Governor Bagudu and his Team of officials for always carrying through with a programme that would benefit women and children in the state.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Zara’u Wali, commended Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu for organizing the Ramadan lecture.

She also commended Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for giving a favourable and enabling environment to women in Kebbi State, to achieve development and their potentialities.

The Commissioner for  Environment and Solid Minerals, Hon. Hayatuddeen Bawa thanked the Governor for attending the Lecture,  the Speakers for their time, the Local Organising Committee members, as well as the guests.

Speakers who spoke at the event included, Sheikh Abubakar Giro, represented by Dr Attahiru Ahmad Sifawa, Dr Isma’il Mufti-Menk who joined virtually with Sister Na’ima Robert and Dr.Jabir Maihula, under the sub-theme, “Innovative Islamic Ways of Management in Covid-19 Era,family obligation of Wives in Times of Economic Hardship and Curbing Gender-Based Violence.”

The 5th Kebbi State Women Ramadan Lecture Series was attended by former Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samaila AbdulMuminu Kamba,  Chief of Staff Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Kabi), SSG, Babale Umar Yauri and Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena.

Others were: Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Local Governments Chairmen and among other dignitaries.

PIAK