Bauchi State Governor, Mr. Bala Mohammed says gender balance in any society will fast-track development and engender improved quality lives of the people.
Governor Muhammed also identified the low number of women in politics and other leadership positions as a major setback to the country’s development.
The Governor stated this in Lagos at the closing ceremony of the National Women Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State officials (COWLSO) with the theme, ‘Unleash Your Potential’.
Governor Mohammed represented by this deputy Mr. Mohammed Auwal Jattau, said women remained the bedrock of families and backbone of communities that drive the nation’s progress, stressing that their efforts must be acknowledged to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
‘’Gender inequality remains a pressing issue, hindering us as a nation. We must confront the barriers that exist and ensure equal opportunities for our women in all facets of life be it education, healthcare, politics, or – the Civil Service. Only then can we truly harness the immense potential that lies within our women and create a more inclusive society.
‘’Prompt action is required to eliminate the various obstacles that women face. We must make quality education accessible and affordable to every girl child, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in any field they choose. By investing in education, we empower women to become leaders, visionaries, and catalysts of change.’’ he said
Jattau said that the government is responsible for creating an enabling environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fosters economic empowerment for women and must do that without fear or favour.
According to him ‘’Access to capital, business training, and mentorship programmes are essential in supporting women-owned businesses and facilitating their growth. By doing so, we are not only empowering women economically but also driving economic development and poverty alleviation within our states.
‘’It may interest you to know that in Bauchi, our Administration is championing the welfare of women and other vulnerable groups. We have collaborated with UNICEF and Religious Institutions aimed at refining existing systems to uplift the standard of living of the Almajiri Children and others facing harsh realities in the society,’’ he added.
He explained that some of the key policy measures taken included the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the domestication and adoption of the National Gender Policy, the National Gender Policy on Agriculture, the National Gender Policy in Education, Food and Nutrition Policy, Social Protection Policy and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on the involvement of women in the peace process.
Women empowerment
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin said the progress of Lagos State and any society is tied to the empowerment and participation of its women.
He said, ‘’It is not a question of if women should have a seat at the table; it is recognising that they have always been essential to its foundation.
‘’As you leave this conference and return to your communities, let us carry with us the spirit of empowerment and the belief that we can truly make a difference. Whether you are a student, a professional, a businesswoman, a mother, or a leader, your potential is boundless. Let us support one another and continue to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for women to excel in every field.’’
He appreciated all the guests of honour that attended the 23rd women’s conference, including the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, President of the Nigeria Senate, Mr Godswil Akpabio who was represented, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde among others.
Dominica Nwabufo
