Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been commended for his gender sensitivity and commitment to inclusive governance, where women are given a level playing field to contest and be voted for in elections.
This commendation was made by the newly sworn-in Chairperson of Shongom LGA, Hon Fatima Binta Bello while interacting with newsmen on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Executive Chairpersons in the State.
Expressing her gratitude for Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to gender inclusiveness, Hon. Binta Bello described him as a “gender-friendly governor.”
She highlighted the unprecedented milestone of having two women sworn in as democratically elected officials for the first time in Gombe State’s history.
“The Governor has done a lot for women in Gombe. This is the first time we are having Two women sworn in as democratically elected officials since the creation of Gombe State.
“The governor also facilitated the election of many female Councillors in each Local Government Area, which further exemplifies the strides made towards inclusive representation under his leadership,” she stressed.
Binta Bello elaborated on the Governor’s broader support for women in governance saying, “He has also done excellently in terms of including women in other aspects of governance.”
She continued, “He has appointed women as Commissioners, Advisers, and Heads of key agencies.”
“We also want to appreciate him for seeing a woman beyond what others are seeing a woman for. We appreciate him for giving women a level playing field, allowing them to showcase their own talents in terms of governance and administration,” She added.
Borrowing from Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s wisdom of inclusivity, She expressed her plans to also run a gender-inclusive government, paying attention to women and youths for their roles in the growth and development of society.
” Just like Governor Inuwa, I am going to be women-friendly, youth-friendly, all people-friendly,” she said.
She called on women to participate in the politics of governance saying, “The time has passed when a woman will sit at home and say she’ll be a nursing mother. The world is changing, and the change is about what one can contribute to bettering his or her life and that of others.”
Recall that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to women’s empowerment was also been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which bestowed upon him the prestigious “He for She” medal as a symbol of his dedication to the cause. (Tribune)