IWD: Group Canvasses For Education,Economic Empowerment Of Women In Kebbi

From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kebbi State Chapter has called on government and stakeholders to accelerate gender parity and give more opportunities to women in education, healthcare, economic and socio-political sectors of the state.

The state chairman of NYCN, Engineer Ahmed Rufai Abubakar at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi to commemorate the International Women’s Day said the celebration should offer government and stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on the effective ways to address  gender equality and empower the girl child and women in the state.

He added that over the years the state has witness accelerated growth and increase in women engagement in it’s economic, healthcare and socio-political activities for the women development.

Abubakar said “The day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The theme of this year’s IWD is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’.

“We are using this opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties and inequalities which are faced by the women such as, unequal access to education, healthcare, gender-based violence, and limited economic opportunities”.

He commended the current and past administrations in the state on women inclusion but urge government and other stakeholders to continue to provide opportunites for women in the state, noting that continous engagement the young women would accelerate productivity in the state. 

“When we invest in our young women and put confidence in their ability to strive, it gives them the courage to break barriers.

 “We are hoping that the state government will continue to sustain the giant strides being achieved in women empowerment and girl-child development.

“The Bagudu led administration had created a path for women development and it is our hope that Governor Nasir İdris will sustain it,”the youth forum said. 

The forum chairman said women in Kebbi State supported this administration of Governor Nasiru Idris because of their hope and trust in him.

“It is now time to ensure their support doesn’t go in vain”. 

He commended the Governor and his wife for appointing women in his cabinet and other interventions they embarked on that have benefited women in the state.

“We want to commend the wives of the Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare and Hajiya Nafisa for their unwavering support towards the development of women and youth in the state.” He said.