Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs has honoured 50 prominent women for excelling in public and humanitarian services which has contributed to the upliftment of women in the state and beyond.
The award presentation and public lecture was part of activities organised to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, Dutse.
Wife of the Jigawa State governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi said, the occasion was beyond ceremony but it was a time for sober reflection on the efforts made by successive governments and individuals to improve the life of women.
She explained that women, being one of the most vulnerable groups in the society, deserve special empowerment and other considerations to enable them contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.
She called on women to wake up and utilise any opportunity given to them to support their children’s education, inculcate moral discipline in their minds and also engage in lawful businesses for them to become self-reliant and equally contribute to the family economy.
Mrs Namadi disclosed that the awardees were selected based on their dedication and selfless commitment for the development of women and the society in general. They were presented with awards of excellence at the occasion for inspiring the young generation to work hard to attain exalted positions in the society.
The state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab said, since Governor Umar Namadi came into office, he has continued to accord special priority to women empowerment and inclusion in governance.
She added that the state government selected the awardees for the merit award so that the young generation could learn from them and take them as role models for their outstanding achievements in academic, humanitarian and public services.
Those honoured included former Jigawa State first lady, Hajiya Saminu Turaki; Prof Hafsat Umar Ganduje; former minister of Education, Prof Rukayyatu Rufai; former commissioners, Dr Rabi Ishaq, Dr Hassana Adamu, Hajiya Fatima Widi Jallo, Hayiya Yalwa Da’u; Stella Esedumme of Action Against Hunger, Comrade Shuaibu Kafin Gana of JISOP, among others.
