Bauchi state Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has expressed appreciation for the significant strides made by the Nigerian Governors’ Wives’ Forum in addressing various social issues through empowering women and promoting gender-friendly policies.
He stated this when the executives and members of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Bauchi during their two-day quarterly meeting opened on Tuesday in the state capital.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Muhammed Auwal Jatau said the forum’s initiatives have impacted positively in the lives of numerous individuals, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Governor Bala cited the areas where the forum positively impacted as; education, healthcare, skills acquisition programs, and economic empowerment projects, saying the forum has exemplified what ‘service to humanity’ truly means.
He described the Forum as an excellent platform for exchanging ideas that will help to shape the government’s policies and programs towards achieving gender equality and empowering women across states of the country.
Governor Bala Mohammed stressed the need to use the platform to forge long-lasting partnerships and establish networks that will address social, economic, and political barriers faced by women.
“I want to on behalf of His Excellency, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed CON, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, express our sincere gratitude to the Chairperson and the entire committee for giving Her Excellency, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed the privilege to host your quarterly meeting in Bauchi”, he said.
Bala noted with delight that the Governors’ Wives Forum serves as an exceptional platform for powerful women to come together, share experiences, and devise strategies for nation-building.
“As you are aware, Nigeria has always recognized the essential role of women in our society. Women have exemplified their capabilities, resilience, and leadership qualities and again, proving that they are an integral part of our nation’s progress. With such a distinguished gathering of Governors’ wives here today, I am confident that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter and better Nigeria.”
Jatau told the First Ladies that in Bauchi state, the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed shared the same vision of the forum of empowering women and ensuring their active participation in every aspect of our society.
He said the government has implemented various programs to uplift women, such as promoting girl-child education, providing access to quality healthcare services, and initiating income-generating projects focused on skill development and entrepreneurship with a firm belief that when women are educated, healthy, and economically empowered, they become the driving force for socio-economic development.
According to him, Bauchi state is committed to promoting gender equality, advocating for the rights of women, and ensuring that they are given equal opportunities to excel in all spheres of life and urged stakeholders to join hands in strengthening the role of women, not just within states but throughout the country.
Earlier, the chairperson of the Nigerian Governors Wives’ Forum and First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for supporting the forum to succeed and in particular the First Lady of Bauchi for implementing various women-children friendly policies and programmes.
