Gombe Governor restates commitment to Women empowerment, inclusion

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring gender mainstreaming and engendering a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment for women in the state.

The governor stated this in a message to Gombe state women to commemorate the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, saying his government will continue to facilitate easy access to resources and opportunities for women, including socio-economic participation and decision-making.

Governor Yahaya described women as wonderful partners in the task of nation building, encouraging them to continue to remain positive and focused so that they could use their talents and motherly disposition in ensuring proper upbringing of their wards and contributing to societal growth and development.

He affirmed that since taking office in 2019, his administration has remained steadfast and dedicated to empowering women in the state to achieve their goals and dreams, emphasizing the provision of access to financial resources, entrepreneurship training, and opportunities for skills development as key measures in supporting women’s advancement.

The Governor further emphasized that his administration has prioritized women’s inclusivity with utmost seriousness, and this commitment has led to the continued creation of opportunities for them to actively engage in politics, governance, and leadership roles.

“Let me felicitate with an important organ of our society, the women community of Gombe State on the occasion of this year’s International Women Day. This day provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the strides we, as a government, have made towards creating an environment conducive for the girl-child to thrive with dignity and pursue their aspirations across all spheres of life,” the Governor stated.

He said the 2024 theme aligned with his administration’s objective and vision for women in Gombe State, saying since taking office in 2019, he has placed women’s development at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.

According to Governor Yahaya, he had launched initiatives and introduced policies specifically designed to foster inclusion and promote the economic empowerment of women in Gombe State, over the past five years.

“We realize that empowering women goes hand in hand with inclusivity. That is why we are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to actively participate in politics, governance, and community leadership. In my administration, women hold key cabinet positions and play significant roles as Special Advisers, Board Chairpersons, Agency Heads, and aides. We have also ensured political inclusion by granting women tickets for Chairmanship and councilorship in all local governments under our great party, the APC. To the glory of Allah, they won, and their valuable contributions greatly influenced the implementation of our policies, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of our people”, the Governor further remarked,” said Governor Yahaya.

He gave the assurances that he would continue to foster a safe environment for women to thrive, while highlighting the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, law by the Gombe State House of Assembly, which is aimed at curbing all forms of violence against women and girls in the state.