‘Sustainable Development Requires Gender Equality' — Governor Bago

Governor Umaru Bago

According to Niger Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago, women's gender equality is both a moral requirement and a major factor in societal advancement and sustainable development.

This was said by the governor when he inaugurated the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Center in Minna, the state capital, on Monday, April 29, 2024, for a two-day workshop on North Central National Women Sensitization.

In his opinion, the workshop's theme—“Community Participation, Critical Stakeholders Support and House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs as essential partners in the fight against insecurity, Drug abuse, Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children in our Society”—highlights the pressing need for cooperation and group action by all stakeholders in addressing social vices and societal challenges in order to create a safer environment for everyone. The governor was represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

The governor's wife, Hajiya Fatima Muhammed Umaru Bago, made additional remarks in which she read aloud from the speech of her counterpart, the wife of the governor of Kwara State and chairperson of the Northern Governors Spouses Forum. She said that the main goal of the workshop was to raise awareness among women about the dangers of drugs, insecurity, and human trafficking, all of which have a negative impact on women and undermine communities that are vital to fostering a culture of morality.

Additionally, the Federal House of Representatives' Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, warns young people and students to avoid social vices and the threat of violence. She also makes the promise that the House will pass legislation to end vices that sabotage women's hopes and aspirations.

The President's Wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was commended by the Federal Law Maker for launching the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative for Women and Children, which she stressed would significantly boost self-esteem and address the issue of violence against women head-on.

A productive participatory partnership towards sensitizing gender equality in tackling issues of insecurity and violence against people of gender inequality has been commended by the director general of Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre, Abuja, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, State Women Affairs, and Women Development Centre.

Lastly, the Women Workshop Sensitization for the North Central was focused on enhancing the resources needed for women to fight for their rights, including life support, skills, and empowerment strategies that have an impact on society and communities, according to Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), Member Representing the Bida and Gbako Federal Constituency and Member of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.